Fantastic Pictures!

Language Arts

Students review nouns and adjectives while creating imaginative works of art.

Set up two boxes, one labeled NOUNS and the other ADJECTIVES. Take as many index cards as there are students, and write one noun on each card. The more interesting and unusual the word, the better. Some examples might be: dinosaur, baobab tree, castle, centipede, monster.
Next, write a different adjective on 40 or more index cards. Choose adjectives that are interesting and visual, such as purple, tremendous, spotted, fanged, and striped.
Have individual students choose one noun card and at least one adjective card from the boxes. Explain to students that they are to put the adjectives and nouns together and make a drawing (or a collage) of what the words describe. The picture must show something fantastic, that is, something that probably couldn't be found in real life. Note that if the adjective and noun together represent something realistic (for example, a blue box or a red dress), students will need to choose other adjectives.

You may wish to explain the activity to students first, then have them select the nouns and adjectives and write them on the index cards.
Some students may be able to use a software drawing program to create their fantastic pictures.