The Augmented Reality Dot

Even though it isn't anywhere close to Dot Day (September 15) this quick and low material lesson was perfect for May.  It was exciting and easily manageable for "school's almost out excited kids." We read the book The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds and students used markers, crayons, or colored pencils to color in their dot.  I didn't tell them about the augmented reality just yet.  I kept it a surprise.  (Actually, I said, "If you do amazing work, I have a special surprise for you!"  Another May technique!)

ColAR Mix

Once the amazing work was finished, students opened the ColAR Mix App. They were delighted to see their artwork come to life in augmented reality.  Laughs and whoooooo's and giggles filled the room.

Once every student saw their art, each student inserted their hand into the frame and with the help of their table buddies, took a picture.  Downloaded through dropbox and then labeled, these pictures are on our artsonia account.  I also printed small 3x5 pictures and had them laminated.

Students put their hand into the frame!

See everyone's snapshot on Artsonia.com

There are many options for the kids (and adults!).

On day two students recapped what The Dot is all about and we opened up my twitter account (@ArtsyMissHatch).  Students sent a message to the author, Mr. Reynolds, about the lesson they learn to be more confident artists.  It was a great way for the students to summarize the lesson. Very shortly, they received a message back! How exciting for the kids and great advice too! 

While students were waiting for to label their jpg in Dropbox on my computer, they experimented with the bird print out and colored more dots.  They wrote their name, drew new birds chasing worms, and found joy in art :) 

To print out more AR coloring pages go to ColAR Mix's website.
It's available on goggle play too!