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Large, brightly colored paper shapes make an interesting geometric decoration for a classroom. Use origami patterns and large squares of paper to create them. Cut large pieces of thin paper such as wrapping paper into squares of at least 15 by 15 inches. Follow origami-folding directions from an origami book or website to create the shapes.
You can also find other types of paper cut-and-fold designs to create three-dimensional geometric shapes.
To hang them, insert a threaded needle through the the shape and tie a small knot to secure it. Attach the length of thread to the ceiling to hang. - Piet Mondrian created works of art based on geometric forms. His simple designs can easily be re-created by teachers or students for use as classroom decorations. Use white foam board, black permanent markers, a ruler and primary color paints to mimic his designs. Create rectangles and squares from overlapping straight lines drawn with black permanent marker and a ruler. Fill in some of the shapes created by the lines with yellow, red or blue paint. Hang these lightweight creations on any wall easily with sticky tack adhesive.
- Study the designs found in multicultural art to find geometric patterns. Many cultures use geometric patterns in pottery, architecture and textiles. Native American and African textiles often use brightly colored, geometric designs. Re-create these designs in collage form by gluing brightly colored paper shapes onto darker colored background paper. Mount these on the wall for classroom decorations.
- Optical illusions often contain geometric shapes. They provide an interesting subject for geometric decorations in a classroom. Locate optical illusions with geometric shapes in a book or on a website (see References for an example). Re-create them on paper by carefully attending to the line, shape and position of the elements of the design. Frame them for use as classroom decorations by mounting brightly colored or black and white designs on black foam board.
