Lesson Plan

Who Are Artists and Illustrators?

Students identify various artisitic styles and techniques with the use of computer software. This lesson also covers aspects of art history.

Overview

Students will learn about artists and their styles.

Objective

Students will: 

  • List prior knowledge of artists.
  • Look at many examples of artwork.
  • Compare and contrast the various media in which artists work.
  • Create a project for each lesson.

Materials

  • Month-by-Month Masterpieces: Explorations of 10 Great Works with Step-by-Step Art Projects by Bobbi Chertok, Marilyn Rosh, Goody Hirshfeld, or several poster-size artists' works. 
  • Kidspiration by Inspiration Software, Inc. (Mac or PC version) or chart paper, or a blackboard for brainstorming
  • Computer
  • Large screen TV or projector system

Set Up and Prepare

  • Have Kidspiration ready to use on the computer for each lesson in this unit.
  • Place pictures of artists' works around the room for discussion and inspiration.

Directions

Step 1: As a group, list what the children already know about artists. I use Kidspiration as a brainstorming tool. I use a computer connected to a large screen TV or projector system so that all students can easily see. If you do not have Kidspiration you could use chart paper or a blackboard.

Step 2: Discuss several works of art. Look for line, shapes, texture, and color in each work. Talk about the artist and the history of the piece of art. Talk about the emotion the work evokes.

Step 3: Using Kidspiration, list what the children learned about artists. Also list what they would like to learn about artists.

Lesson Extensions

Have the students create an award for their favorite artwork or artist.

Assess Students

Teacher observation will assess student participation in listening to the book and contributing to the discussion.

  • Subjects:
    Discovery and Learning, Charts and Graphs, Listening Comprehension, Research Skills, Arts and Creativity, Creativity and Imagination, Jobs, Careers, Work, Visual Arts, Teacher Tips and Strategies, Teaching with Technology
  • Skills:
    Listening Comprehension, Research Skills
  • Duration:
    1 Class Period
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