Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure for 2024

Printable requirements for the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure

Check off sheet to keep track of your den’s progress on the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure

Tiger Adventures Check Off Sheet

Sharing What You See and Feel

Look closely at art or a picture of art with your den or Tiger adult partner. Decide what you like about the art, and share your ideas with your den, family or Tiger adult partner. 

Requirement 2 of the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure involves closely observing art and discussing personal reactions to it. This activity encourages Tiger Cub Scouts to develop their observation skills and articulate their thoughts about different artistic elements.

• Art Viewing Party: Organize a session where Tigers and their families or den members view a selection of artworks together. Each Tiger can choose one piece to discuss, describing what they like about it and why it captures their interest.
• Create an Art Journal: Encourage Tigers to keep an art journal where they can draw or paste pictures of the art they observe and write down their thoughts and feelings about each piece. This helps develop both their artistic skills and their ability to express their opinions.
• Discussion Circle: After viewing the art, hold a discussion circle where each Tiger shares their thoughts about the artwork they studied. They can talk about the colors, shapes, and what those elements make them think or feel. This is a great way for Scouts to learn to respect and appreciate different viewpoints.
• Virtual Art Tour: If visiting a local gallery isn’t possible, take a virtual tour of a museum online. Many museums have digital galleries where visitors can view high-quality images of artwork. Tigers can choose artworks from the tour to discuss with their den or family.
• Art Critic Role Play: Have Tigers pretend to be art critics, analyzing the artwork and presenting their findings to the group. They can use simple terms to describe what stands out in the art, such as the use of light, the shapes used, or how the piece makes them feel.

Here are some options for fulfilling Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure requirement 2:

• Art on Display part 2
  • This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Art on Display activity at an art museum. 
  • Supplies: none
  • requires travel, very low energy, a week or more prep
• Art Trail part 2
  • This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Art Trail activity. 
  • Supplies: none
  • requires travel, very low energy, a week or more prep
• Virtual Tour of Art 2
  • This activity is designed to be done in combination with requirement 1 and the Virtual Tour of Art activity.
  • Supplies: none
  • indoor, very low energy, a week or more prep

These activities not only enhance Tigers’ ability to observe and appreciate art but also encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts clearly and confidently. This fosters a deeper connection with art and helps build communication skills.

Creating Art with Shapes

Create a piece of art using shapes.

Requirement 3 of the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure allows Tiger Cub Scouts to tap into their creativity by making their own artworks using various shapes. This activity not only reinforces their understanding of geometric forms but also encourages artistic expression.

• Shape Collages: Provide Tigers with pre-cut shapes in various colors and sizes. Encourage them to arrange these shapes on a piece of paper to create a picture or abstract design. They can glue the shapes down to create a collage that showcases their understanding of how different shapes can interact.
• Circle Art: Use circles of different sizes and colors to create patterns. See here for instructions.
• Stencil Art: Make or provide stencils of different shapes for the Tigers to trace and paint. This activity helps with precision and understanding of boundaries in art. They can overlap shapes or combine them in unique ways to form new patterns and designs.
• Digital Shape Art: If technology allows, let Tigers use a simple drawing program on a tablet or computer to create digital art using shapes. Programs that allow them to fill shapes with color can be particularly engaging and provide a clean, manageable workspace for creating art.
• Shape Stamps: Create stamps from sponges or carved potatoes that have been cut into various shapes. Tigers can use these stamps with paint to make artwork that explores repetition and pattern, teaching them about the consistency and balance that shapes can bring to a composition.

Here are some options for fulfilling Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure requirement 3:

• Folding Art
  • Make an origami cat. 
  • Supplies: Origami Cat instructions, paper, printer, crayons
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• My Art From Shapes
  • Tiger Stories in Shapes 3 Origami Cat  
  • Supplies: Tiger handbook page 55, scissors, crayons, paper
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Spiral Art
  • Make a drawing using a spiral stencil set.
  • Supplies: Spirograph, pens, blank paper
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
• Tangram Animals
  • Using tangrams make animal shapes. 
  • Supplies: Tangram Animal Designs, Tangram Cut Out, printer, scissors
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep

By engaging in these activities, Tigers learn how shapes can be both a fundamental part of art and a tool for creative expression. This project not only enhances their artistic skills but also deepens their appreciation for the elements of art they see in the world around them.

Express Yourself

Learn how to spell your name in Braille and sign language.

Requirement 4 of the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure introduces Tiger Cub Scouts to new ways of communication by learning how to spell their names in Braille and sign language. This activity not only broadens their understanding of how people with visual or hearing impairments communicate but also enhances their empathy and inclusivity.

Learn more about the Braille alphabet

Learn more about American sign language

• Braille Name Cards: Use a Braille writing tool or pre-made Braille stickers to create name cards. Tigers can feel the dots that represent the letters in their names, which helps them understand how Braille works as a tactile reading system.
• Sign Language Session: Invite a sign language instructor or use online resources to teach the Tigers how to spell their names using American Sign Language (ASL). Practice these signs during your den meetings to help reinforce their learning.
• Interactive Learning Games: Create a matching game where Tigers match letters of their names to their corresponding Braille symbols and sign language gestures. This can be a fun way to practice and reinforce their new skills.
• Create a Braille Guide: Have the Tigers make their own simple Braille guides by placing small raised dots on index cards to represent each letter of their name. This tactile activity helps them understand how Braille is used by people who are blind.
• Sign Language Performance: Once Tigers are comfortable with their sign language skills, have them perform their names in front of the den or their families. This not only builds confidence but also promotes pride in learning a new skill.

Here are some options for fulfilling Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure requirement 4:

• Get To Know Me and Sign Language
  • Invite someone who is deaf or an interpreter for the deaf to visit the den.  
  • Supplies: Tiger handbook page 57
  • indoor, low energy, a week or more prep
• Reading with Your Hands
  • Using puffy round stickers spell your name in braille. 
  • Supplies: Braille Alphabet, Write Your Name in Braille, printer, crayons
  • indoor, low energy, 1 to 3 days prep
  • get some small raised dots to use with this
• The Art of Sign Language
  • Cub Scouts will learn about American Sign Language and how to sign their name. 
  • Supplies: Tiger handbook page 57
  • indoor, low energy, minimal prep

Learning to spell their names in Braille and sign language opens Tigers up to new worlds of communication and helps them appreciate the diversity of human abilities. These skills not only make them more aware of inclusivity but also equip them with unique ways to express themselves.

Before any activity, check the SAFE Checklist to make sure everyone is safe. Everyone involved in Scouting America activities should know the Guide to Safe Scouting and other relevant guides or books. Also follow any state or local rules that are more strict than Scouting America rules and guidelines.

Before starting a craft activity, watch the Craft Tips video.

More information

The Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure offers Tiger Cub Scouts a unique blend of art, creativity, and communication. Through various engaging activities, Tigers explore how shapes form the basis of both art and communication, broadening their understanding and appreciation of visual languages.

The adventure starts with Tigers exploring art in their local communities, which helps them connect with their surroundings and learn about cultural expressions through art. This exposure to local art not only fosters an appreciation for aesthetics but also encourages discussions about what they observe, allowing them to practice articulating their thoughts and feelings.

Following this, Tigers dive into creating their own art using shapes. This hands-on activity for the Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure reinforces their understanding of geometric concepts and allows them to express their creativity in tangible form. By manipulating shapes to create artwork, they learn about balance, symmetry, and design, which are fundamental aspects of both art and mathematics.

Additionally, Tigers learn to spell their names using Braille and sign language, adding an inclusive and educational layer to the adventure. This not only introduces them to new ways of communicating but also fosters empathy and awareness of different abilities.

The Tiger Stories in Shapes Adventure is a multifaceted experience that enriches Tigers’ minds and expands their creative and communicative skills. It’s an adventure that shapes young minds through art, math, and inclusive communication.