Unit Plan
Let's Be Artists!
Details a unique plan for teaching students about the varied aesthetic styles of well-known visual artists and illustrators.
Lesson Plan
Let's Paint!
Students paint and learn about the styles of various artists and illustrators.
Grades
1–2
Duration
1 CLASS PERIOD
Quick links to lesson materials:
Objectives
Students will:
- Read Frida and Miranda's Smile and discuss these artists styles
- Practice painting and compare it to what they learned about drawing
Materials
- Frida by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Ana Juan
- Miranda's Smile by Thomas Locker
- Computer and projector
- Kidspiration by Inspiration Software, Inc. (Mac or PC version) or chart paper, or a blackboard for brainstorming
- Paper for painting
- Tempera or watercolor paints (Choose one; don't use both at the same time for students of this age.)
- Pencils
- Containers for water
- Brushes
- Optional: Painting easel, palette, and artist's beret
- For Extension Activities: The Paint Brush Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla, illustrated by Ellen Beier
During Instruction
Set Up
- Set up painting area with paints, water, and brushes.
- Check Kidspiration connection to the projector.
Lesson Directions
Step 1: Read Frida by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Ana Juan and Miranda's Smile by Thomas Locker. Discuss how these artists captured emotions. Discuss the medium these artists used and their styles.
Step 2: Demonstrate how to use tempera or watercolor paints. Demonstrate how to use a paintbrush and how to change paint colors. Demonstrate how to get clean water. Demonstrate how students will clean their painting area and brushes when they are finished.
Step 3: Students will paint a picture or a portrait. This may be done at their desks or in a painting area.
Step 4: After their painting is dry, hang it in a public viewing area or post it on a bulletin board.
Step 5: Using Kidspiration, list what the children learned about painting. How is it different from drawing?
Lesson Extensions
- Read The Paint Brush Kid by Clyde Robert Bulla, illustrated by Ellen Beier.
- Have the class paint a group mural.
Post Instructional
Lesson Assessment
Teacher observation will assess student participation in listening to the book and contributing to the discussion. Teacher observation will also assess how well the student controls the paintbrush and cleans up any mess. The Kidspiration list will indicate students' growing knowledge of art and artists.
Part of This Unit Plan
