Telephone Pictionary

with Elements and Principles of Design

Sources:

Pinterest (image)

Time Allotted: One class period, 50

minutes
Purpose: To promote a fun and open
learning environment through a
humorous drawing game while
incorporating Principles and
Elements of Design.
Student Understanding: Unknown,
this could be used as basic
assessment of artistic capabilities
Enduring Idea: Interpretation
Instructional Objectives:
I can apply the elements and
principles of design to the
drawing game when
instructed.
Supplies/Materials:
Several pieces of cut up paper
( 8x11 torn in fourths)
Drawing tools: pastels, pencils,
markers, colored pencils, pens,
oil pastels

Summary/ Rationale:
This lesson will be used as a fun introduction
to the Intro to Art classroom. Students will be
able to work individually yet enjoy the
humorous combination of their individual
pieces.
While there is likely not time to get through all
of the elements and principles of design,
applying one to each of the drawing sessions
of the game will help students to become
familiar with these terms.
The game Telephone Pictionary combines the
excitement of drawing quickly (sessions
should be timed) with descriptive language
and the magic of interpretation.
Each session should allow time at the end for
students to see how the drawing or phrase
changes from person to person.

Directions for Telephone Pictionary

1. Each student will receive a stack of paper for as many students as there are in the
classroom. For example: if there are 12 students, each student will have a stack of 12
papers.
2. Begin with a PHRASE or a DRAWING. Phrases should be short and descriptive. A small cat
climbing over a fence on a cloudy day.
3. Draw or Write on the paper on the top of the stack. When finished, pass the stack to the
person on your RIGHT or LEFT (CHOOSE 1). This person, and you, should cover the new
stack that is received so that nobody else sees the drawing or phrase except for you.
4. Observe the drawing or phrase. When finished, move the drawing or phrase to the
BOTTOM of the stack, FACE UP.
5. If you received a drawing, DESCRIBE the drawing with a descriptive phrase. If you received
a phrase, ILLUSTRATE/DRAW the phrase to the best of your ability. This is meant to be silly,
we arent looking for Rembrandts here!
6. After you have drawn or written a phrase, cover your paper. Wait until the person to your
right or left (whichever you have chosen) has passed their stack. Pass your stack to them.
7. Continue this process until your original stack comes back to you. Share, laugh, have fun!

Instruction in Class
1. Begin class with greetings and class rules
2. Talk briefly about Elements and Principles of Design and how these are applied to all
areas of art and design, use visual poster like the image above ^

We use the elements and principles of design in all areas of art and design, from drawing
to sculpture to fashion. Knowing these fundamentals of design will help you to become a
better artist and will also help you to understand or interpret other peoples art.

3. Introduce the game Telephone Pictionary and describe how it works. Make sure students
know how to use the stacks, if the stacks get mixed upso does the game. Students may
number the stacks 1-? To keep track.

Pass out paper stacks to each student and various materials at each table OR have
stacks/materials ready at spots
For each drawing we will be using a different principle or element of design. I will write it
on the board and provide an example of how it is used. For example: For this drawing
( whatever it is) I want you to apply the principle of pattern somewhere on the drawing.
**students can choose an element or principle from a hat..preselected options that are
simple to apply/understand ie: color, emphasis, line, pattern, etc.**
Each drawing/writing session should take between 2-3 minutes.
This is FUN. Have FUN. Dont worry about how well or how terrible you are at drawing
because this is just a game!

4. Play the game. Keep up with timing.

5. When the stack comes back around, take a few minutes for students to assemble their
stack in a space in the classroom. (above shelves) Observe/discuss their drawings and
descriptions.
6. Rules: no profanity, no nudity, no drug references