Colleen S.

McDonough
Matthew Harkins
Introduction to Elementary Education 220-002
Dr. Andrea Cayson
December 1st, 2014

Lesson Title: Holiday Themed Potato Stamps

Learning Outcomes: How can we use everyday objects in unexpected ways to make art?
Assessments: Students will be provided with a checklist to follow on the board. The class
will complete the activity together and check things off as we go.
Teacher Content Knowledge: Knife skills, the color wheel, gross motor skills
Materials Required:

Construction Paper

Potatoes

Plastic Knives

Ribbon

Paint

Paint Brushes

Glue

Newspaper

Procedures:
1. Pose questions to class about potatoes. What do they already know?

2. Introduce the idea that everyday objects can be used in art projects to create new
things.
3. Describe what we will be doing in class today. We will be using potatoes to
make holiday stamps.
4. Inquire about prior knowledge of knife skills.
5. Make a safety list on the board.
6. Pass out materials. (If paint comes in bulk, pre-fill small bowls of paint for each
table.)
7. Write name on piece of paper.
8. Cut Potato in half.
9. Open paint.
10. Instruct students to paint a design on one side of the potato. Students will be
required to use at least two colors to create their design.
11. Press the potato to the paper with force.
12. Hold the potato to the paper for 10-15 seconds. Remove Potato.
13. Take a small piece of ribbon and twist it so that it looks like a small circle.
14. Glue the ribbon at the top of the stamp, so it looks like a holiday ornament
15. Repeat process until students are out of potatoes.
Accommodations/Modifications: Students without the ability to hold items (broken
bones, handicaps, etc) will be provided 1:1 instruction. The flexibility of this lesson
allows for individual instruction.