Introduction to Unit

In the  development of our unit plan, our main objective was to have students reflect on their own identities and incorporate those elements into their own artwork. Students looked at a variety of cultures and artist to see how people incorporate purpose and identity through their art work. Reflection and discussion our students artwork is paramount in demonstrating understanding and learning. Students dove into history of masks across a variety of continents and cultures. Along with looking at the history of masks, students inferred how a variety of artist incorporated identity within their sculptures, and how they could distinguish identity from these characteristics.

 

Methods for Integrating Literacy, Numeracy, Technology, and other Components

Students have completed written exit interviews for both of the completed assignments in clay and plaster.  Students were prompted with questions they were supposed to ask of each other and record such as:  

-Why did you make this?

-What is the intent of your creation?  

-What materials and techniques did you use during the creation of your work of art?

Also, following the summation of each class, we participate in a group discussion recapping what we had learned each day and what we struggled with.  

Numeracy is integrated into our lessons because we learned about different patterns and line qualities for masks from different cultures around the world.  Students implemented some of these designs into their own masks.

 

Classroom Management Strategies related to Instruction

For fourth and fifth grade, we used a variety of strategies to incorporate management into our instruction. Having points within our lesson where we break and discuss our progress was beneficial for students who were becoming frustrated with the progress of their own work. In the beginning of each class we start with a recap and discussion to ground and gear the students for their following activity. Each lesson incorporates a variety of ideation activities that are geared towards the students interests and identity.  At the end of each day we have students gather back at the front of the classroom to discuss what we found interesting and what we found difficult about what we had done during class. Incorporating these check in points throughout the lesson allows our students to reflect and reconsider their artwork throughout the artistic process.

 

Lesson Plans and Documentation (See details below.)

Lesson One: Identity in Clay

Students will explore identity and community through chalk art.  The students will create an expressive piece about themselves that will in the end create a class mural.  This will also act as the subject for what they will create in 3d for future classes. This will touch on personal expression as well as formal qualities of art including color, form, line, depth, tone, texture, pattern, composition, size. This explores connections  in art media and expression to communicate ideas about personal interests. Brainstorm interests, hobbies, jobs or potential future career..  Then draw on paper in their sketchbook some sketches to be approved.  Students will be asked to consider different color and texture methods depending on the expressive quality they want to express.  Once sketch has been approved students can begin working on chalk art. Artists of study include Julian Beever, David Zinn, Jennifer Chapparo. The second part of this lesson includes transferring ideas from 2D to 3D,  expanding on exploration of personal identity.  We are going to take the exploration of the chalk mural and transfer it to 3D using clay. This lesson explores material and process. We will go over methods of coil and slab building. Following the bisque firing students will paint their pieces to create lifelike texture and colors. Students will translate their art from lesson into clay material. Artists to research Auguste Rodin, Edmund de Waal, Jess Riva Cooper, Debra Broz.

 

Find our Lesson Plan at

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Lesson 1 Day 1 - 

Lesson 1 Day 2 - 

Lesson 1 Day 3 - 

Lesson 1 Day 4 - 

Lesson 2 day 1- Purpose in masks

Lesson 2 day 2- Mask creations

 

Lesson Two: Plaster Masks

Students will be exploring the purpose of masks, decoration, shape, and how texture play a role in conveying that purpose. ​ Students will be taking inspiration from masks of different cultures to design a mask expressing elements of their own identity. Students will lay a mask mold down and lay plaster gauzes pieces on it to create a mask.  Students will let it dry with a hair dryer and then have the option to paint their mask to reflect their identity.  Other materials that will be presented for embellishment are found objects from outside. As well student will explore the limits of adding and subtracting elements to their design.

 

 

 

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