📖

Positive and Negative Space Magic

Shape and Form: From Flat to 3D

Day 12of 180
Week 3of 36
40Minutes
← Day 11Day 12 of 180Day 13 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the concept of positive and negative space in art

2

Create an artwork that demonstrates intentional use of negative space

3

Develop appreciation for how God creates with intentional design

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 33:6

“By Yahweh's word, the heavens were made; all their army by the breath of his mouth.”

— Psalm 33:6 (WEB)

Just as an artist carefully considers both the subject and background of a piece, God intentionally designed every detail of creation

📦 Materials Needed

  • White drawing paper
  • Black construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Pencils
  • Glue stick
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

BibleMouse Art Adventure begins! Today we'll explore how the space AROUND an object can be just as important as the object itself.

💭 Review Question: What shapes did we learn about in our last lesson?
2Teaching (10 min)

Introduce positive and negative space using simple examples

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Positive space is the main subject of an artwork
  • Negative space is the background or space around the subject
  • Great artists use negative space to create interesting designs
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Can you find examples of interesting negative space around you?
  • How might God use 'space' in His creative design?
3Activity: Negative Space Cut-Out Challenge (20 min)
hands-on

Create a design where the cut-out becomes as interesting as the original shape

📝 Instructions:
  1. Fold white paper in half
  2. Draw a simple shape on the fold (like a bird, tree, or heart)
  3. Cut out the shape carefully
  4. Glue the cut-out onto black paper
  5. Observe how the white cut-out and black background create a new design
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-drawn simple shapes to cut out

Challenge: Create a complex silhouette that tells a story

4Closing (5 min)

Share and discuss artwork, highlighting creative use of space

📝 Review Questions:
  • What is positive space?
  • What is negative space?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn how to turn flat shapes into 3D forms!

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Negative space is a sophisticated art concept that can be challenging for young learners

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Be patient and encouraging
  • Focus on creativity, not perfection
  • Discuss how God sees the whole picture, just like in art
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find cutting intricate shapes difficult

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Excitement about discovering a new way of seeing art

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a negative space collage using magazine cutouts
  • Photograph natural negative space in the backyard or park

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 13 →Back to Art