Teachin: Making Boring Forms-Fun
Everyone has those units that are just the least engaging. I have spent years trying to find some application for "forms of flowers". For those who are not floral teachers, flower forms are referring to the shape of flowers & foliage. I have struggled finding ways to teach this where the kids "get it". I have tried it all! I am lucky to have an awesome student teacher this semester and we have a solid understanding that WE learn from each other. I also am also always game for new ideas. So like any teacher I am forever borrowing it...
PAPER FORMS OF FLOWERS:
following direct instruction over forms of flowers (We also include matching activity of different flowers and foliages to reinforce identifying these forms. This seems to be a big help.) Students are challenged to create one paper flower or foliage for each of the four forms. I bought a "100 paper flowers to make" book years ago so I have this as reference however we also encouraged individual research to find new and unique flowers.
To turn in we had students tape their flowers on a separate sheet of paper. They also were required to label and write each forms "purpose". (That is not on directions because we last minute threw it at them last minute.)
When we all finish we plan on making a "class arrangement" around our door like below :)
Link to download a computer assignment on forms- I have done this in past and it helps students get the hang of identifying these forms: