Zig Zag Pictures
Idea by Ruth Everingham
Further ideas by Cynthia Jasper

Ruth writes:

Have you tried zig-zag pictures?

Using two 20x20cm square draw vertical straights at 2cm intervals (I found a pre-copied grid useful with younger children). On one paint or draw a calm seascape, on the other a stormy seascape. (Other similar contrasting ideas would work). Cut the pictures into strips and paste alternately onto a new sheet. Fold the new mixed up picture in a zig-zag style, gently open out and stick or staple onto a third piece of card, which also serves as a frame or mount. When viewing from one side the picture is a calm sea, as you move across to view the other side it changes to a stormy one.

Does that make sense? They really are very effective when finished - tried and tested with 8/9 year olds

Cynthia adds :

Just to say that the Zig Zag picture idea also works if you use strips cut from full page advertisements in magazines, particularly if you pick pages with contrasting colours and themes. I have used it several times with Y5/6 and they always enjoy it.

I get them to draw strips onto blank paper the width of their ruler and then make a concertina. They then draw and cut out ruler width strips from the magazine pages and stick them down. Stick a larger frame on the back and it makes a great display.

Younger children in particular are always intrigued by the different 'views'.

Click here for a Zig Zag Picture template sent in by Dana Sujecki