Lesson: Create Your Own Suit of Armor

Objectives: Create your own suit of armor.

Grades: Pre-Kindergarten, Elementary School (K-3), Elementary School (4-5)

Duration: 30-45 minutes

Standards: Content Standards (California): VPA/VA Pre.2.7: Create a three-dimensional form. VPA/VA k.2.2: Demonstrate beginning skill in the use of tools and processes, such as the use of scissors, glue, and paper in creating a three-dimensional construction. VPA/VA 2.2.1: 2.1 Demonstrate beginning skill in the use of basic tools and art-making processes, such as printing, crayon rubbings, collage, and stencils. VPA/VA 4.1.2: Describe how negative shapes/forms and positive shapes/forms are used in a chosen work of art. VPA/VA 5.4.2: Compare the different purposes of a specific culture for creating art.

Materials: Scissors; Hole puncher; Red or blue yarn; Cardstock sheets of 8 1/2” x 14” paper (Print Template 1 and Template 2 onto this cardstock); NOTE: This size of armor fits a kindergartener. For older children, print larger onto tabloid size paper.

Procedure: 1. Cut out pieces on templates 1 and 2.

2. Using a hole punch, make 6 holes on bottom of cuirass.

3. Using a hole punch, make 6 holes on top of tassets.

4. Punch 2 holes in each straps.

5. Cut out the rectangles on the straps. Hint: pinch the paper and make a small cut inside the rectangle to start the opening.

6. Attach tassets to cuirass by weaving yarn in and out of the holes. (The color of the cording was important to the samurai and the armor was named after the cord coloring.)

7. Line up the two hole on the strap to the two holes at the top of the cuirass. Attach

1 each strap to the cuirass by weaving yarn in and out of these holes.

8. If you are ambitious, you can make a front and back and lace them together.

9. Congratulations! You have completed your samurai body armor!