Exploring Inner Artists

Overview

Grade Level: 1st Grade
Subject: Art
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 26 students
Standards: Aligned with National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) for Visual Arts - Creating: Anchor Standard 1 (K-2): Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Utilize imaginative thinking to create a unique piece of art.
• Develop critical thinking skills through observation and discussion.
• Express personal ideas and creativity through art-making.

Materials Needed

• Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
• Drawing paper (8.5 x 11 inches)
• Various texture materials (e.g., sandpaper, bubble wrap, fabric pieces)
• Glue sticks
• Safety scissors
• Classroom whiteboard and markers
• Examples of abstract art (printed visual aids)
• A bag or box for a 'Mystery Object' activity

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Warm-Up Activity:

   • Gather students in a circle. Briefly introduce that today’s art lesson will be a journey of exploration and discovery.
   • Start with a short warm-up activity: Ask students to close their eyes and imagine a place where colors and shapes come alive. Ask them to think about the textures they might feel in that place.

2. Discuss Abstract Art:

   • Display a few examples of abstract art. Encourage students to share what they see and feel, emphasizing that abstract art doesn’t have to look like "real" things—it comes from our imagination.
   • Ask open-ended questions to guide their critical thinking: “What stories do you see in this artwork?” or “How do these colors make you feel?”

Activity (25 minutes)

Creating Imaginative Textures

1. Mystery Object Introduction (5 minutes):

   • Present a small bag or box which contains an object with an interesting texture (e.g., a soft plush toy or a ridged piece of plastic). Select a student to reach in and feel the object without seeing it.
   • Have them describe the texture to the class using sensory words (e.g., smooth, bumpy, soft).

2. Art Activity (20 minutes):

   • Distribute paper and drawing materials to each student.
   • Explain that they will create an artwork combining what they imagined earlier with different textures.
   • Allow students to explore the provided materials and glue pieces to their paper, using crayons or colored pencils to blend textures into their imagined art space.
   • Move around the room to engage with students individually, prompting them to think critically about their choices: “Why did you choose this texture?” or “How does this add to your artwork?”

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Sharing and Reflecting:

   • Invite students to share their artwork with the class. Encourage them to talk about what they imagined and how they used textures to enhance their art.
   • Facilitate a friendly discussion where classmates can ask questions and provide positive feedback on each other's art, promoting a supportive classroom environment.

2. Closing Thoughts:

   • Recap the lesson by highlighting how their creativity and critical thinking allowed them to transform textures into art.
   • Encourage students to look for textures in their environment and think about how they might use them in future art projects.

Reflection

• Ask students to think of one new thing they learned or tried today that they enjoyed. Teachers can gather these responses to tailor future lessons.

Teacher Notes

• Ensure inclusivity by assisting any students who may struggle with the texture materials.
• Consider extending the lesson by collaborating with language arts, having students write a short story about their artwork.

This lesson plan aims to captivate first graders by merging critical thinking with creative art processes, encouraging them to explore and express their imaginations compellingly and uniquely.