Happy Words
Purpose
You will create a piece of art that expresses a word that makes you happy. This project combines creativity, design, and personal expression.
Literature Connection
Read "My Papa's Waltz" and "Happiness".
1. In "My Papa's Waltz," circle strong words and indicate whether they are positive or negative. How do they contribute to the meaning and tone of the poem?
2. What makes the speaker of the poem "Happiness" happy?
3. How do these two poems relate to this project?
Directions
1. Choose Your Word
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Pick a word that makes you feel happy (examples: dance, family, sports, music, peace, beach).
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Your word should be school-appropriate.
2. Design the Letters
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Each letter of your word must be drawn so that it represents the meaning of the word.
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Example: The word DANCE could be written so that each letter is shaped like a ballet dancer.
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Example: The word SPORTS could be drawn with letters made from baseball bats, soccer balls, or football goalposts.
3. Use the Whole Page
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Draw your word on an 8.5 × 11 sheet of paper.
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Fill the space; don’t leave large empty areas.
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Make your word the main focus of the page.
4. Add Color and Detail
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Use color, shading, and creativity to make your word stand out.
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Neatness counts—avoid rushed or messy work.
5. Make It Yours
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Your design should be unique—no two projects should look the same.
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This is about showing what makes you happy in a creative way.
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Project Reminders
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Be creative: Think outside the box—letters can bend, twist, or even be built from objects.
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Be neat: Take your time; craftsmanship matters.
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Be expressive: Choose a word that genuinely makes you happy so your artwork has meaning.
