La Pont Du Gard- Third Grade

This activity was fun, quick and easy.  The students were so into the discussion about the images of the La Pont du Gard.  They had so many questions, some of which I was not sure of myself.  This architectural wonder is truly amazing when thinking about how long ago it was created. We were talking about different kinds of lines and started drawing the La Pont du Gard using basic lines.  Some students insisted on using a ruler, but I always encourage them to free hand because it is more authentic.    
They were instructed to align three fingers with the top of the paper and make a notch on the paper.  Then, they drew a line across the paper horizontally.  Then, two fingers down from the top line, they made another notch and drew a line across the paper.  They then started using four fingers from the second line to notch and draw a third line across the paper.  So, only three lines total!  Not bad.  
The arches were then addressed.  Some students were comfortable drawing big and small curved lines, others used little stencils I cut.  They were instructed to draw small curved lines between the top two lines.  Then bigger curved lines on the third line and bottom of the page.
After the drawing was done with pencil, they used permanent marker to outline the pencil lines.  I always have them erase the pencil lines left over once they are finished with the marker.  Then came the best part!  I purchase water-soluable oil pastels this year and they have it going on!  Students were instructed to pick two water-soluble oil pastels to color in their drawing with.  One color was used for the La Pont du Gard and the other was used for the background.  The last step was to blend it using water and a paintbrush.  I decided to display the finished products as one mural and what you see above is how it turned out!