Lesson Plan: Exploring Van Gogh's "Starry Night" through Art

Details

• Subject: Art
• Year Level: Year 1 (New Zealand Curriculum)
• Duration: 22 minutes
• Class Size: 15 students
• Focus: Van Gogh's "Starry Night"

New Zealand Curriculum Area

• Learning Area: The Arts
• Strand: Visual Arts
• Level: Level 1 (Years 1-2)
• Key Competencies:
  • Thinking
  • Using language, symbols, and texts
  • Managing self
  • Relating to others
  • Participating and contributing

Learning Outcomes

1. Students will identify basic elements of art such as line, shape, and colour through discussion about "Starry Night".
2. Students will create their own "Starry Night" inspired artwork using mixed media.

Resources

• A print or digital image of Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
• Art supplies:
  • Blue, black, yellow, and white tempera paint
  • Glitter
  • Paintbrushes
  • Paper plates (for palettes)
  • Paper (A4 size)
  • Sponges and cotton swabs (for different textures)

Lesson Structure

Introduction (5 minutes)

1. Visual Introduction to "Starry Night":
   • Display the image of Van Gogh's "Starry Night".
   • Briefly introduce Vincent Van Gogh as a famous artist known for his expressive and vivid paintings.

Discussion (5 minutes)

2. Exploring the Artwork:
   • Ask students what they can see in the painting (e.g., stars, moon, houses).
   • Discuss the colours and shapes they notice.
   • Highlight the swirling patterns of the sky and the bright dots of the stars.

Main Activity (10 minutes)

3. Creating "My Starry Night":
   • Each student will get a sheet of paper and a palette with blue, black, yellow, and white paint.
   • Demonstrate how to mix colours lightly to mimic Van Gogh's style.
   • Encourage students to use their sponges, brushes, and cotton swabs to create different textures.
   • Instruct them to try to recreate the swirling patterns of the stars and the sky.

Conclusion (2 minutes)

4. Sharing and Reflecting:
   • Have a few students share their artwork with the class.
   • Ask students to describe one thing they enjoyed or found challenging about trying to paint like Van Gogh.

Assessment

• Teacher observation of students’ engagement and ability to discuss the key features of "Starry Night".
• Evaluation of students’ artworks for creativity and use of discussed art techniques.

Extensions

• Visit a local art museum either physically or via a virtual tour if they have Impressionist artworks, focusing on Van Gogh’s works to enhance students’ understanding and appreciation.
• Explore another famous painting by Van Gogh in a similar lesson format.

Relevant Links

• New Zealand Curriculum - Visual Arts (Details on strands and levels)
• Read More about Van Gogh (Van Gogh Museum)

This lesson plan is designed to spark young learners' interest in art and art history, encouraging creative expression while learning about one of the most famous artists and works in the art world.