Colors and Culture

Objective and Standards

Grade: 9th
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 20 students
Unit: Expressing Colors in ASL (Lesson 7 of 12)

Learning Objective:

• I can sign colors related to art and culture.
• I can identify and describe the use of colors in visual artworks.

Success Criteria:

• Students can correctly sign at least five colors used in a chosen artwork.
• Students can explain the cultural or artistic significance of those colors in ASL.

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Alignment:
While ASL is a visual-gestural language and not explicitly covered in CCSS, this lesson aligns with the following standards related to Language Arts and Visual Arts, supporting communication and comprehension:

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4
  Present information clearly, with appropriate eye contact, and use digital media to enhance understanding.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3.B
  Use the relationship between particular words to better understand each of the words. (E.g., linking colors with cultural symbolism).

• National Core Arts Standards (Visual Arts) – Responding
  VA:Re7.1.9a Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to evoke a response and analyze the cultural significance.

Materials Needed

• Visual printouts or digital images of culturally significant artworks (e.g., Mexican folk art, African textiles, American pop art)
• Whiteboard or projector for visual ASL demonstration
• Colored markers or cards for practicing colors
• Paper and pencil for note-taking or quick sketches

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

• Teacher Greeting & Objective Sharing:
  "Today, we explore how colors are used in art and culture. I can sign colors related to art and culture."
• Briefly discuss the importance of color in art and cultural symbolism (e.g., red for luck in Chinese culture or purple for royalty in Western cultures).
• Establish success criteria on the board.

2. ASL Color Review & Expansion (10 minutes)

• Quick review of common ASL color signs (red, blue, yellow, green, black, white). Use visual demonstration.
• Introduce additional culturally significant color signs if appropriate (e.g., gold, purple).
• Students repeat signs to practice form and movement.
• Differentiation: Provide visual aids and slow-step demonstrations for students needing extra support.

3. Art & Culture Exploration (10 minutes)

• Show 3-4 artworks representing different cultures highlighting distinctive use of color (e.g., Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series, Mexican Day of the Dead motifs, Japanese ukiyo-e prints).
• For each artwork:
  • Identify and write down key colors present.
  • Discuss cultural/artistic meaning behind those colors briefly.
• Students pair up and sign the colors they observed in the artwork to their partner.
• Differentiation: Provide labeled color cards for students who struggle with recall.
• Extension: Challenge advanced students to sign an additional color and describe its symbolism in ASL.

4. Hands-On Practice & Sharing (15 minutes)

• Students choose one artwork from the examples or another provided and prepare a brief ASL presentation:
  • Sign at least five colors used in the artwork.
  • Explain why those colors are significant in the culture or artwork.
• Circulate to assist and support signing accuracy and vocabulary.
• Volunteers present their signed descriptions to the class, demonstrating eye contact and clarity (aligning to CCSS.SL.9-10.4).

5. Closure and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Recap what was learned focusing on signing colors and linking them to cultural meanings.
• Students complete a quick exit slip:
  "Name three colors you can sign and explain one cultural meaning of any color in ASL (written or signed)."
• Preview the next lesson’s topic.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual supports for all ASL vocabulary (pictures, color cards).
• Step-by-step model of signs.
• Peer partners for practice.
• Simplified color choices for students with emerging signing skills.

Extension Activity

• Research a contemporary or historical artist and present how they use color in their work with a short ASL presentation (3-5 minutes). Students can record this on video for fluency assessment.

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Assessment

• Informal assessment through observation during paired activities and presentations.
• Exit slip to check individual understanding of colors and cultural context.
• Teacher notes on accuracy and clarity of ASL signing and content comprehension aligned with CCSS speaking and language standards.

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This lesson optimizes language development, cultural awareness, and expressive skills in ASL through an art-focused approach, providing a rich multisensory learning experience for 9th-grade students.