Pair Dynamics + First Thumbnails

Day 2 – Yearbook Mascot Design (G12)

Learning goal

Identify complementary traits for a mascot pair, justify choices for KG and Elementary audiences, and produce the first set of thumbnails.

Success criteria

• Pair concept has two distinct roles that work together.
• Choices in color, shape, and style are justified for young children.
• At least 6 thumbnails per pair show clear iteration, not repeats.
• Notes explain how the pair can appear across the yearbook.

Materials

• A4 sketch sheets, pencils, fine-liners
• Colored pencils or markers
• Printed reference sheet of 3 professional mascot pairs
• Sticky notes, timers

Mini-lesson: Pair dynamics (8-10 min)

• Opposites that fit: tall with short, energetic with calm, playful with protective.
• Shape language: round shapes read friendly and safe. Avoid sharp clusters that feel aggressive.
• Accessory signals: simple hats, scarves, or badges can carry identity without busy detail.
• Kids-first filter: legibility at small sizes, big facial reads, simple color blocks.

Quick demo: draw two stick figures with opposite sizes, then swap one thing (eye size, hat shape, pose) to create instant contrast.

Group Task 1 — 12-15 min

Pair dynamics matrix

In pairs or teams of three:

1. Fill a 2×3 matrix with opposites you might use: Size, Energy, Role.
2. Example: big helper vs small leader, fast vs steady, brave vs caring.
3. Circle the combo that best fits KG and Elementary.
4. Write a two-line persona for each character.

Deliverable A: a photo of the completed matrix with the circled choice.

Group Task 2 — 20-25 min

Thumbnail sprint

Produce 6 thumbnails for the chosen pair:

• 2 focused on shape (silhouette first)
• 2 focused on pose (gesture that shows role)
• 2 focused on accessory (one icon each, kept simple)

Block in two-color ideas only. Avoid fussy rendering.

Deliverable B: 6 labeled thumbnails with one-sentence notes under each.

Micro-crit — sticky notes (8-10 min)

• Post thumbnails.
• Each student leaves two notes per team: what reads first and why; one change that would help a child understand the role faster.

Wrap and plan (5 min)

• Pick 2 thumbnails to carry forward tomorrow.
• Write one improvement for each: simplify shape, push pose, clarify accessory, adjust color.

Submission (end of class)

Upload one photo of Deliverable A and a single PDF or JPG of Deliverable B.

File name: G12_LastnameFirstname_Mascot_D2_thumbs.pdf (or .jpg )

Standards alignment

• ISTE 1a: students set a target pair concept and reflect in the exit ticket.
• CCSS.SL.6.5: students add simple color and accessory cues to communicate ideas.
• NGSS MS-ETS1-2: students compare pair options in the matrix and justify the selected solution against audience needs and constraints.