Exploring Leonardo’s Mona Lisa

Overview

This 45-minute art class engages 5th graders with the artistry of Leonardo da Vinci through a hands-on drawing and coloring project based on the Mona Lisa. Designed for a substitute teacher, this lesson introduces students to Renaissance art, emphasizes observation and creativity, and uses accessible materials like crayons, markers, and pencils. The plan includes differentiated steps to support students with varying attention spans.

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Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Describe key features of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and identify its significance in art history.
• Use close observation skills to create their own simplified portrait inspired by the Mona Lisa.
• Apply basic artistic techniques with crayons, markers, and pencils to express creativity.
• Practice following step-by-step instructions and manage time to complete an art project.

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Standards Alignment

Common Core State Standards (CCSS) – English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.7
  Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.
  (Students learn about Leonardo da Vinci and the Mona Lisa through a mini reading.)

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
  Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 5 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  (Class discussion on Mona Lisa and da Vinci’s life/art.)

National Core Arts Standards (Visual Arts)

• VA:Cr2.1.5
  Demonstrate openness in trying new ideas, materials, methods, and approaches in creating artwork.

• VA:Re7.1.5
  Explain their own artwork by describing choices they made in the process.

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Materials Needed (for 25 students)

• White drawing paper (9x12 inch size) – 1 per student
• Crayons (varied colors)
• Markers (fine and broad tip)
• Pencils (HB or 2B)
• Erasers
• Reference images of Mona Lisa (printed or projected on board)
• Timer or clock

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Lesson Breakdown

Time (min)	Activity	Details & Differentiation
0-5	Introduction & Mona Lisa Overview	- Greet class and introduce Leonardo da Vinci briefly.

• Show Mona Lisa image, ask students what they notice (expression, colors, background).
• Read aloud 2-3 short facts about da Vinci and the Mona Lisa from a prepared card.
• Use guiding questions: "What do you think Mona Lisa is feeling? What is special about her smile?"
• For students needing support: provide sentence starters or visuals. | | 5-10 | Drawing Instructions | - Hand out paper and pencils.
• Teacher/sub reads step-by-step directions (display large print).
• Steps:
  1. Draw an oval shape for the face at center of paper.
  2. Add simple eyes with a gentle smile (inspired by Mona Lisa).
  3. Draw hair around the face – straight/hairline, simple shapes.
  4. Sketch shoulders and upper body.
• Diff.: Students with short attention spans can focus on face only or use stencil templates if available. | | 10-30 | Coloring with Crayons and Markers | - Students color their portraits using crayons for skin tones and markers for hair and clothing outlines.
• Encourage layering colors to create shading (a light touch to mimic Mona Lisa’s soft shading).
• Prompt students to choose calm colors like browns, greens, blues to echo Renaissance style.
• Circulate to support and encourage creativity.
• Diff.: Provide blank faces to color for students who finish early or find drawing challenging.
• Timer reminders every 7-10 minutes help refocus short attention students. | | 30-40 | Sharing & Reflection | - Invite volunteers to show their drawings and explain one thing they liked about their work.
• Ask: "What did you learn about the Mona Lisa today?" and "How did you decide on your colors?"
• Write 1-2 student responses on board for group reflection.
• Diff.: Allow shy students to share with a partner or in small groups. | | 40-45 | Clean-up and Wrap Up | - Guide students to put away supplies neatly.
• Quick verbal review: Leonardo da Vinci > Mona Lisa > drawing a portrait.
• End with positive praise for effort and creativity. |

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Substitute Teacher Notes

• Arrive early to display Mona Lisa image and prepare materials.
• Keep the atmosphere supportive and lively; reward patience and effort.
• Use clear, calm voice and checkpoints to keep students on task.
• Keep small group or individual attention quick and positive.
• Follow the timed steps, and adjust if necessary to meet the class’s needs.

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Assessment

• Informal observation of student engagement and participation during the drawing and coloring process.
• Evaluate completed portraits for adherence to steps and creative use of materials.
• Participation in discussion and ability to articulate one fact or feeling about the Mona Lisa.
• Note any students needing additional support for future lesson planning.

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This lesson allows students to connect history and art through an accessible project, using visual and verbal skills aligned with Common Core standards. It provides active learning through artistic creation, reflection, and social sharing in a 45-minute period suitable for 5th graders.