Back to Unit Design Databank Index

Back to ALA Teachers' Forum

Art and Life in Africa Project

Lesson Plan Databank


Plan Number: 045

Title/Lesson/Theme: Drawing and Painting Lines and Shapes

Designed by: MT

Grade level/Discipline: K-2/Art

Estimated Time: 2 class periods

Objectives (what will be assessed?):

Students will brainstorm ideas and draw to create shapes that express personal symbols. Students will paint using colors to represent personal ideas or feelings

Description/Background:

Colors and shapes can represent ideas and feelings in any culture. Looking at art from many cultures and learning how color and design can represent ideas and feelings will give students an understanding and appreciation of differences and similarities in art and culture.

Step by Step Procedure:

Teacher leads a class discussion to explain the idea of symbolism and generate ideas for personal symbols. Students will draw lines and shapes on paper to create a design that represents personal ideas and feelings. Students will mix colors and paint their composition using colors that express personal feelings.

Assignment in CD (essays, chapters):

see bookmarks and slide shows of many African art forms that use color and shape in a symbolic way

Studio Materials Needed:

Drawing paper, 12"x18", crayons, paint sets and brushes, smocks and newspapers, water cartons, towels.

Vocabulary:

cultures, personal symbols, African art

Evaluation/Assessment tool (how will objectives be assessed?:

Ideas will be shared verbally to the whole class or written and attached to each student's work.

Bibliography/Alternative resources:

Websites:




Submitted 7/28/98