SNOW AND ONE “COOL” ANIMAL K-1

SNOW AND ONE “COOL” ANIMAL

SNOW AND ONE “COOL” ANIMAL

Learning Description

In this lesson, students will use what they learn about polar bears and the Elements of Art, Shape, Line, and Texture, to create an artistic representation of a polar bear.

 

Learning Targets

GRADE BAND: K-1
CONTENT FOCUS: VISUAL ARTS, SCIENCE & ELA
LESSON DOWNLOADS:

Download PDF of this Lesson

"I Can" Statements

“I Can…”

  • I can use what I learned about polar bears to create an artistic representation of a polar bear using the Elements of Art, Line, Shape, and Texture.

Essential Questions

  • How can I use what I learned about polar bears to create an artistic representation using the Elements of Art, Line, Shape, and Texture?

 

Georgia Standards

Curriculum Standards

Kindergarten

ELA

ELAGSEKRL10 Actively engage in group reading activities with purpose and understanding.

ELAGSEKRI1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

Science

SKL1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about how organisms (alive and not alive) and non-living objects are grouped.

 

Grade 1

ELA

ELAGSE1RI1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

ELAGSE1RI2 Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.

Science

S1L1. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the basic needs of plants and animals.

 

 

Arts Standards

Kindergarten

VAK.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

VAK.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.

VAK.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

VAK.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art. 

 

Grade 1

VA1.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

VA1.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes. 

VA1.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

VA1.CN.2 Integrate information from other disciplines to enhance the understanding and production of works of art.

 

 

 

 

South Carolina Standards

Curriculum Standards

Kindergarten

ELA

INQUIRY-BASED LITERARY STANDARDS 

Standard 2: Transact with texts to formulate questions, propose explanations, and consider alternative views and multiple perspectives.

2.1 With guidance and support, engage in daily explorations of texts to make connections to personal experiences, other texts, or the environment.

 

RANGE AND COMPLEXITY 

Standard 13: Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect and respond to increasingly complex text over time.

13.1 Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding.

 

Science

K-ESS2-2. Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.

 

Grade 1

INQUIRY-BASED LITERARY STANDARDS 

Standard 2: Transact with texts to formulate questions, propose explanations, and consider alternative views and multiple perspectives.

2.1 Engage in daily explorations of texts to make connections to personal experiences, other texts, or the environment.

 

RANGE AND COMPLEXITY 

Standard 13: Read independently and comprehend a variety of texts for the purposes of reading for enjoyment, acquiring new learning, and building stamina; reflect and respond to increasingly complex text over time.

13.1 Engage in whole and small group reading with purpose and understanding.

 

Science

1-LS1-2. Obtain information from multiple sources to determine patterns in parent and offspring behavior that help offspring survive.

 

 

Arts Standards

Artistic Processes: Creating- I can make artwork using a variety of materials, techniques, and processes.

Anchor Standard 1: I can use the elements and principles of art to create artwork.

Anchor Standard 2: I can use different materials, techniques, and processes to make art.

 

Artistic Processes: Responding- I can evaluate and communicate about the meaning in my artwork and the artwork of others.

Anchor Standard 5: I can interpret (read) and evaluate the meaning of an artwork.

 

Artistic Processes: Connecting- I can relate artistic ideas and work with personal meaning and external context.

Anchor Standard 7: I can relate visual arts ideas to other arts disciplines, content areas, and careers.

 

 

 

Key Vocabulary

Content Vocabulary

  • Arctic – The northernmost region of the Earth
  • Aquatic – Water
  • Mammal – Animals that have fur, drink their mother’s milk, and are warm-blooded
  • Shore – The land by the edge of the water
  • Seals – Web-footed aquatic mammals that live chiefly in cold seas and whose body shape, round at the middle and tapered at the ends, is adapted to swift and graceful swimming

 

Arts Vocabulary

  • Line – A short or long narrow mark
  • Texture – The way something feels or looks like it feels (soft, fuzzy, rough, etc.)
  • Shape – A two-dimensional or flat object. In art, it can be organic or geometric.

 

 

Materials

  • Blue paper plates for each student
  • Construction cut outs of ears and mouth
  • 1 set of googly eyes per student
  • Clothespin paintbrush (clothespin with cotton ball on top)
  • White paint
  • Plastic fork for each student
  • Plastic cup for fake snow
  • Fake snow: 
  • Wet wipes to clean hands

 

Instructional Design

Opening/Activating Strategy

  • Show pictures of snowflakes floating. Ask students what they notice about the snowflakes. Direct students towards noticing shapes and lines. Ask students how they imagine they might feel (warm, cold) and what they might smell. 
  • Tell the students they will be learning about using art materials such as white paint and fake snow to create their own “cool” animal, the Polar Bear.

 

Work Session

  • Show students where they live on a globe or map for reference. Next, show students where the Arctic is located. Ask students what they think it would feel like to be in this place. What colors would they see? What textures would they feel? Would it be warm or cool?
  • Read an informational book such as Polar Bear (Read and Learn: A Day in the Life: Polar Animals) by Katie Marsico. Ask students to connect the information in the book to the photos. Ask students to identify how the photos explain the text.
  • Show the students an image of a polar bear and define mammals, arctic, aquatic, and shore. Briefly identify each word so they are familiar with the vocabulary. 
  • As a whole group, go over what polar bears do, how the different parts of their bodies help them survive, and where they live. Show students photos and briefly provide information.
  • Ask students to identify characteristics of the polar bear such as color, size in relation to other animals, and texture.
    • Explain that next, they will use their art materials to create their own polar bear. 
    • Tell students that artists use color, size, and texture to express their ideas in their art.
  • Show the exemplar of the polar bear art. Ask students to describe the texture, lines, and shapes that they see that make the artwork. 
  • Demonstrate how to make fake snow (see “materials”). 
    • Help students notice what happens when baking soda is mixed with conditioner. 
    • Put some of the fake snow in their plastic cups for them to touch and feel. 
    • Ask them to describe the texture. 
    • (Teacher note: Remind them that the snow is not real, and we never put anything in our mouths.)
  • Go over the directions of how to make the polar bear using a fork to create texture.
    • Place about a tablespoon of white acrylic paint on a paper plate. 
    • Pass out the following materials to each student: plastic fork, blue paper plate (navy works best), two pre-cut/pre-glued shapes for ears and nose/mouth, one set of “googly” eyes. (Give students the choice of what eyes they want to use to personalize their polar bear.)
    • When they have all their materials, explain to students that they will start creating the element of art, texture, by dipping the fork in the white paint and pressing down in the center of the navy-blue plate. When you see their forks in the center, explain that they have to gently press and pull to create the texture look of a polar bear’s fur. They can re-dip when necessary.
    • Explain to the students to keep pressing and pulling until their blue plate is filled up. This will represent the face of the polar bear. 
    • When the students have finished the painting, have them take their nose/mouth and ears and place them where they think a nose/mouth and ears would be on a polar bear. 
    • After the teacher has checked, give students a glue stick to glue the nose/mouth and ears down. 
    • Tell students that next they will “glue” on their googly eyes. Explain that the wet paint will serve as glue for holding down the eyes, nose/mouth.

 

Closing Reflection

  • Have each student create and write a name for their polar bear. Remind students that proper nouns start with a capital letter.
  • Allow students to verbally introduce their polar bears to their classmates. Have the students say, “Hi, my polar bear’s name is….” The other students will say,

“Hi, (name of polar bear)”. This reinforces their speaking/communication skills.

 

Assessments

Formative

Observation of:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • CompletioN

     

    Summative

    CHECKLIST

    • Students can explain what polar bears do, how the different parts of their bodies help them survive in the Arctic, and where they live. 
    • Students can use texture, line, and shape to create a polar bear.

     

     

     

    Differentiation

    Acceleration: 

    • Students can use their completed polar bear to write their bear’s name and a complete sentence about their polar bear.

    Remediation: 

    • The teacher should work with identified children to assist with painting.
    • Allow students to work in pairs; pair students who are higher achieving with students who may struggle.

     

     ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    • Optional: An informational text such as Polar Bear (Read and Learn: A Day in the Life: Polar Animals) by Katie Marsico

     

    *This integrated lesson provides differentiated ideas and activities for educators that are aligned to a sampling of standards. Standards referenced at the time of publishing may differ based on each state’s adoption of new standards.

    Ideas contributed by:  Kim Spivey 

    Revised and copyright:  2024 @ ArtsNOW

    Back to Modules

    When a line becomes a shape K-1

    WHEN A LINE BECOMES A SHAPE

    WHEN A LINE BECOMES A SHAPE

    Learning Description

    In this lesson, students will learn about lines and shapes through the book, When a Line Bends…A Shape Begins. Students will be able to name and describe shapes, identify them in their environment, create a character out of shapes, and write a sentence summary about the defining attributes of their shape.

     

    Learning Targets

    GRADE BAND: K-1
    CONTENT FOCUS: VISUAL ARTS & MATH
    LESSON DOWNLOADS:

    Download PDF of this Lesson

    "I Can" Statements

    “I Can…”

    • I can identify different kinds of geometric shapes.
    • I can draw geometric shapes.
    • I can create a character out of a geometric shape.
    • I can write about the attributes of geometric shapes.

    Essential Questions

    • What are the different types of geometric shapes?

    • How can I draw geometric shapes?

    • How can I create a character out of a geometric shape?

    • How can I describe the attributes of a shape in written form?

     

    Georgia Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten:

    K.GSR.8: Identify, describe, and compare basic shapes encountered in the environment, and form two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional figures.

     

    Grade 1:

    1.GSR.4: Compose shapes, analyze the attributes of shapes, and relate their parts to the whole.

     

    Arts Standards

    Kindergarten

    VAK.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

    VAK.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes.

    VAK.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

    VAK.RE.1 Discuss personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy. 

    VAK.CN.3 Develop life skills through the study and production of art (e.g. collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication).

     

    Grade 1

    VA1.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

    VA1.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes. 

    VA1.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

    VA1.RE.1 Discuss personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy.

    VA1.CN.3 Develop life skills through the study and production of art (e.g. collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication).

     

     

     

    South Carolina Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten

    K.G.2 Identify and describe a given shape and shapes of objects in everyday situations to include two-dimensional shapes (i.e., triangle, square, rectangle, hexagon, and circle) and three-dimensional shapes (i.e., cone, cube, cylinder, and sphere). 

     

    K.G.5 Draw two-dimensional shapes (i.e., square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, and circle) and create models of three-dimensional shapes (i.e., cone, cube, cylinder, and sphere).

     

    Grade 1

    1.G.1 Distinguish between a two-dimensional shape’s defining (e.g., number of sides) and non-defining attributes (e.g., color). 

     

    1.G.4 Identify and name two-dimensional shapes (i.e., square, rectangle, triangle, hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, and circle).

     

    Arts Standards

    Anchor Standard 1: I can use the elements and principles of art to create artwork.

    Anchor Standard 2: I can use different materials, techniques, and processes to make art.

    Anchor Standard 3: I can improve and complete artistic work using elements and principles.

    Anchor Standard 4: I can organize work for presentation and documentation to reflect specific content, ideas, skills, and or media.

     

     

    Key Vocabulary

    Content Vocabulary

    • Capital/uppercase letter - The first letter of a sentence or a proper noun
    • Period - A punctuation mark that indicates the end of a sentence
    • Geometric shape - A flat, two-dimensional figure that has specific characteristics and can be identified by its attributes 
    • Edge - The side of a shape
    • Vertices - Angles

     

    Arts Vocabulary

    • Line - One of the seven elements of art; the path of a moving point
    • Shape - One of the seven elements of art; an enclosed line; two-dimensional object

     

     

    Materials

    • Pieces of yarn (some long, some medium, and some short)
    • Types of Shapes handout - one per student
    • White paper
    • Crayons or markers
    • Construction paper
    • Glue sticks
    • When a Line Bends…A Shape Begins

     

    Instructional Design

    Opening/Activating Strategy

    • Give students several pieces of yarn of different lengths and the Types of Shapes handout. Tell students that shapes are made from connected lines. Have students practice outlining the shapes using yarn as lines.

     

    Work Session

    • Show students the cover of the book, When a Line Bends, A Shape Begins. Ask students to help identify the title, author, and illustrator.
    • Tell students that today they are going to learn about different kinds of shapes through the book, When a Line Bends…A Shape Begins. As you read the book to students, have students practice making the shape discussed by manipulating their yarn. Ask students how many pieces of yarn they need to make the shape to help them understand the number of sides/edges and vertices each shape has.
    • After reading the book, ask students what the book was about to check for understanding. Ask them about the different kinds of shapes they learned about and where they can see examples of these shapes in the classroom. 
    • Tell students that they are going to be making shape characters. Assign each student a shape (square, circle, rectangle, triangle, etc). Tell students that their shape will become a character–it needs to have the correct number of vertices and sides/edges as well as arms, legs, hair, and a face. 
    • Students should first draw their shape large on construction paper. 
    • Then, students should cut it out and glue it on a white piece of paper. 
    • Finally, students can add a face, arms, legs, hair, etc. using crayons or markers.
    • Once students create their shape characters, they will write a sentence about their character. Their sentence should say what type of shape it is, how many lines are used to make it (how many sides), and what they choose to name their shape. Students should focus on using correct punctuation in their sentences (beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period).

     

    Closing Reflection

    Have students get in groups of four so that each member of the group has a different shape. Students should take turns presenting their shape character and reading their sentence to the group.

     

    Assessments

    Formative

    • Teachers will assess understanding through:

      • Students’ yarn shapes that they make as they read the book
      • Class discussion after reading the book to see if students understood the book and can identify types of shapes in the classroom

     

    Summative

    CHECKLIST

      • Students’ shape characters should have the correct number of vertices and sides/edges.
      • Students’ sentences about their shape character should begin with an uppercase letter and end with a period. They should include the attributes of their shape.

     

     

    Differentiation

    Acceleration: 

    • Have students work together to create a story in which their shape characters interact. Have students develop a beginning, middle, and end to their story. Students can either draw or write the beginning, middle, and end of the story depending on the student’s abilities.

    Remediation: 

    • Instead of having students use yarn to make the shapes, have them trace the shapes with their pencils or a colored crayon. 
    • Have students answer verbally or in non-sentence written form the type of shape character they created and the number of sides/lines used to create the shape.

     ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Types of Shapes handout

    When a Line Bends…A Shape Begins read aloud

    *This integrated lesson provides differentiated ideas and activities for educators that are aligned to a sampling of standards. Standards referenced at the time of publishing may differ based on each state’s adoption of new standards.

     

    Ideas contributed by:  Katy Betts

     

    Revised and copyright:  September 2023 @ ArtsNOW

     

    Back to Modules

    DANCING THROUGH SENTENCE STRUCTURE K-1

    DANCING THROUGH SENTENCE STRUCTURE

    DANCING THROUGH SENTENCE STRUCTURE

    Learning Description

    This lesson allows students to explore sentence structure through movement and choreographicsequences. Discover how to integrate dance into your language arts curriculum and engage yourstudents in a brand-new way!

     

    Learning Targets

    GRADE BAND: K-1
    CONTENT FOCUS: DANCE & ELA
    LESSON DOWNLOADS:

    Download PDF of this Lesson

    "I Can" Statements

    “I Can…”

    • I can identify types of sentences.

    • I can identify parts of speech.

    • I can use movement to express the intent of a sentence, i.e., strong emotion, a question, or a command.

    • I can choreograph a dance based on a given structure.

    Essential Questions

    • How can movement help us identify parts of speech and sentence type? 

     

    Georgia Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten:

    ELAGSEKL1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. 

    ELAGSEKL2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

     

     

    Grade 1:

    ELAGSE1L1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

    ELAGSE1L2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

     

     

    Arts Standards

    Kindergarten:

    ESDK.CR.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the choreographic process.

    ESDK.CR.2 Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication

    ESDK.PR.1 Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

    ESDK.RE.1 Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in dance.

    ESDK.CN.3 Identify connections between dance and other areas of knowledge.

     

    Grade 1:

    ESD1.CR.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the choreographic process. 

    ESD1.CR.2 Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication

    ESD1.PR.1 Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

    ESD2.CN.3 Identify connections between dance and other areas of knowledge.

     

     

    South Carolina Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten:

    K.W.MCC.4.1 With guidance and support, use nouns.

    K.W.MCC.4.3 With guidance and support, understand and use interrogatives. 

    K.W.MCC.4.4 With guidance and support, use verbs.

    K.C.MC.1.4 Participate in conversations with varied partners about focused grade level topics and texts in small and large groups. 

     

    Grade 1:

    1.W.MCC.4.1 Use common, proper, and possessive nouns. 

    1.W.MC.4.2 Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences. 

    1.W.MC.4.8 Produce and expand complete simple and compound declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamatory sentences. 

     

    Arts Standards

    Anchor Standard 1: I can use movement exploration to discover and create artistic ideas and works.

    Anchor Standard 2: I can choreograph a dance.

    Anchor Standard 3: I can perform movements using the dance elements.

    Anchor Standard 5: I can describe, analyze, and evaluate a dance.

    Anchor Standard 7: I can relate dance to other arts disciplines, content areas, and careers.

     

     

     

    Key Vocabulary

    Content Vocabulary

    Sentence Types

    • Interrogative - A sentence that asks a question and ends with a question mark.
    • Imperative - A sentence that gives a command or makes a request. 
    • Exclamatory - A sentence that shows strong emotion and ends with an exclamation mark. 
    • Declarative - A sentence that makes a statement and ends with a period.
    • Punctuation - Marks used in writing to separate words and numerals.

    Arts Vocabulary

    • Locomotor - Movement that travels from one location to another in a pathway through space

    • Non locomotor - Movement that occurs without the body traveling from one point to another point.

    Energy Qualities 

    • Percussive - A quality of movement characterized by sharp starts and stops, staccato jabs of energy.  
    • Suspended - A quality of movement that occurs in a moment of resistance to gravity, such as the instant in which a dancer hangs in space at the top of a leap.  
    • Sustained - A quality of movement that is smooth and unaccented. There is no apparent start or stop, only a continuity of energy.  
    • Swinging - A quality of movement established by a fall with gravity, a gain in momentum, a loss of momentum, and the repeated cycle of fall and recovery, like that of a pendulum.  
    • Vibratory - A quality of movement characterized by rapidly repeated bursts of percussive movements, like a jitter. 

     

     

    Materials

    • Sound source (CD player, iPod) and speaker  
    • Audio recording 
    • Cards with printed sentences 

     

    Instructional Design

    Opening/Activating Strategy

    • As a group, lead students in a warm up that includes these dance elements:

      • Movement energy qualities, including percussive, suspended, sustained, swinging, and vibratory. 
      • Locomotor and non-locomotor movements.
      • Identify these dance elements so that students learn dance vocabulary.

     

    Work Session

    ELA Discussion

    • Ask students to identify different sentence types (declarative, interrogative, exclamatory, and imperative). 
    • Ask students to match a movement quality of their choice to each sentence type. 
    • Ask students to identify the following parts of speech: verb, noun, pronoun, adjective, and adverb. 

    Small group choreography 

    • Divide students into groups and ask each group to create a movement/shape for each part of speech. Each group will create five movements. 
    • Now, give each group a card with a sentence on it. The members will need to identify the underlined parts of speech and the sentence type. 
    • Group members choreograph a short movement phrase that demonstrates the correct order of the underlined parts of speech as they appear, as well as the movement quality that matches the overall sentence type. 

    Presentation

    Once students have completed their choreographies, each group will present its sentence, identify the parts of speech, and present their choreography to the class. Option to choose music for each dance.

     

    Closing Reflection

    Ask students to explain, using dance vocabulary, how a movement of a peer group expresses a certain part of speech.

     

    Ask students to explain why they chose certain movements to express certain parts of speech.

     

     

     

    Assessments

    Formative

    • Students engage in collaborative discussion about movement choices and parts of speech.

    • Students correctly use dance vocabulary during discussion.

     

    Summative

    • Students correctly identify parts of speech and sentence types. 

    • The form and sequence of a group choreography correctly matched the sequence of the assigned sentence. 

    • Movements were correctly performed.

     

     

    Differentiation

    Acceleration: 

    Add layers to the choreographic process to:

    • Include transitions
    • Vary movements to show a clear beginning, middle, and end expressed in terms of movement (as opposed to simply following the order given by the sentence).

    Remediation:

    As a class, identify the underlined parts of speech and the sentence type and then assign groups to match movements with parts of speech.

     ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    As part of the standards discussion but not standards themselves, the statements below reflect the connection between the choreographic process and the writing process and are interesting to consider while implementing this lesson. 

    Fundamentals of Writing  

    Employ a recursive writing process that includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, rewriting, publishing, and reflecting.  

    Interact and collaborate with peers and adults to develop and strengthen writing.  

    Produce writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, discipline, and audience. 

    Fundamentals of Communication  

    Employ a reciprocal communication process that includes planning, drafting, revising, editing, reviewing, presenting, and reflecting.  

    Communicate using style, language, and nonverbal cues appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.  

    Use active and attentive communication skills, building on other’s ideas to explore, learn, enjoy, argue, and exchange information.  

    Monitor delivery and reception throughout the communication process and adjust approach and strategies as needed.

    *This integrated lesson provides differentiated ideas and activities for educators that are aligned to a sampling of standards. Standards referenced at the time of publishing may differ based on each state’s adoption of new standards.

     Ideas contributed and updated by: Melissa Dittmar-Joy and Julie Galle Baggenstoss

     Revised and copyright:  August 2022 @ ArtsNOW

     

    Back to Modules

    Dancing Differences K-1

    DANCING DIFFERENCES

    DANCING DIFFERENCES

    Learning Description

    In this lesson, students will compare and contrast choreographed movement sequences as a precursor to comparing texts. Next, students will apply this strategy to compare two texts.

     

    Learning Targets

    GRADE BAND: K-1
    CONTENT FOCUS: DANCE & ELA
    LESSON DOWNLOADS:

    Download PDF of this Lesson

    "I Can" Statements

    “I Can…”

    • I can identify similarities and differences between texts, whether they are dances or written literary works.

    • I can graphically document my observations about similarities and differences between two subjects.

    • I can express in complete sentences my analysis of similarities and differences between two subjects. 

    Essential Questions

    • How can movement and dance help your students compare and contrast literature?

     

    Georgia Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten:

    ELAGSEKRL9 With prompting and support, compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in familiar stories.

    ELAGSEKRI1 With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text. 

    ELAGSEKRI9 With prompting and support, identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures)

    ELAGSEKW7 With guidance and support, participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).

    ELAGSEKSL1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

     

    Grade 1:

    ELAGSE1RL9 Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.

    ELAGSE1RI1 Ask and answer questions about key details in a text. 

    ELAGSE1RI9 Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures). 

    ELAGSE1SL1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

     

    Arts Standards

    Kindergarten:

    ESDK.CR.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the choreographic process.

    ESDK.CR.2 Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication

    ESDK.PR.1 Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

    ESDK.RE.1 Demonstrate critical and creative thinking in dance

    ESDK.CN.3 Identify connections between dance and other areas of knowledge

    Grade 1:

    ESD1.CR.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the choreographic process. 

    ESD1.CR.2 Demonstrate an understanding of dance as a form of communication

    ESD1.PR.1 Identify and demonstrate movement elements, skills, and terminology in dance.

    ESD2.CN.3 Identify connections between dance and other areas of knowledge.

     

     

    South Carolina Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Kindergarten:

    K.RL.7.1 With guidance and support, retell a familiar text; identify beginning, middle, and end in a text heard or read. 

    K.RL.7.2 Read or listen closely to compare familiar texts

    K.RI.7.1 With guidance and support, compare topics or ideas within a thematic or author study heard, read, or viewed.

    K.C.1.4 Participate in conversations with varied partners about focused grade level topics and texts in small and large groups

    K.C.3.1 Explore how ideas and topics are depicted in a variety of media and formats.

    Grade 1: 

    1.RL.7.1 Retell text, including beginning, middle, and end; use key details to determine the theme in a text heard or read. 

    1.RL.7.2 Read or listen closely to compare and contrast familiar texts and texts in author and genre studies.

    1.RI.7.1 Compare and contrast topics or ideas within a thematic or author study heard, read, or viewed. 

    1.C.1.1 Explore and create meaning through conversation, drama, questioning, and story-telling.

    1.C.3.1 Explore and compare how ideas and topics are depicted in a variety of media and formats.

     

    Arts Standards

    Anchor Standard 1: I can use movement exploration to discover and create artistic ideas and works.

    Anchor Standard 2: I can choreograph a dance.

    Anchor Standard 3: I can perform movements using the dance elements.

    Anchor Standard 5: I can describe, analyze, and evaluate a dance.

    Anchor Standard 7: I can relate dance to other arts disciplines, content areas, and careers.

     

     

    Key Vocabulary

    Content Vocabulary

    Compare - Search for similarities between two or more subjects

    Contrast - Search for differences between two or more subjects

    Arts Vocabulary

    • Choreography - The art of composing dances and planning and arranging the movements, steps, and patterns of dancers.
    • Choreographer - A person who creates dances. 
    • Tempo - The speed of the movement or music.
    • Level - The vertical distance from the floor that a dancer occupies during a movement 
    • Pathway - The trail a dancer takes in a locomotor movement.
    • Locomotor - Movement that travels from one location to another in a pathway through space
    • Non-locomotor - Movement that occurs without the body traveling from one point to another point.

     

     

    Materials

    • Sound source (CD player, iPod) and speakers
    • Audio recording 
    • Stories or literary excerpts 
    • Venn diagram to project for class-wide viewing
    • Printed copies of Venn diagram to distribute for small group work

     

    Instructional Design

    Opening/Activating Strategy

    • Lead students in a brief warm-up.  As you move, point out what body parts are moving, the tempo (fast/slow), levels (high, medium, low), and pathways (on the ground or in the air). 

     

    Work Session

    • Analyzing movement 

      • Students discuss similarities and/or differences in the learned movements while incorporating dance vocabulary in descriptions.
      • Divide class into small groups. 
      • Each group creates a short movement phrase using 3-4 of the movements learned in the warm up. Without other groups knowing, assign each group a quality that they must use when performing their dance, i.e., fast, slow, etc. 
      • Each group performs its dance for peers.
      • As one group performs, peers identify the similarities and differences between the different group dances. These are documented on a Venn diagram. 

      ELA connection

      • Next, present two versions of the same written text to the class and ask them to work in small groups to complete a Venn diagram to document similarities and differences between the texts. 
      • Individually, students write sentences, draw a picture, or prepare an oral presentation to express their findings.
      • Select a few students to present their work and engage classroom discussion by those who support and dissent.

     

    Closing Reflection

    Ask students to recall creating the Venn diagrams in dance. Ask them what got their attention when they looked for similarities and differences in movement phrases.

     

    Ask students to think about creating the Venn diagrams for the written texts. Ask them what got their attention when they looked for similarities and differences in those works.

     

    Ask students to compare and contrast the processes of the work they just did, analyzing dances vs. written texts. Is one similar to the other? Is one different from the other?

     

     

    Assessments

    Formative

    • Students use dance vocabulary while creating dance phrases.
    • Students recorded data using a Venn diagram.
    • Students worked collaboratively.

     

    Summative

    • Students created dance sequences according to the aforementioned criteria. 
    • Students identified similarities and differences in the performed choreographic sequences. 
    • Students successfully compared and contrasted the presented written texts.

     

     

    Differentiation

    Acceleration:

    Ask students to partner when creating their dances, taking into consideration the choice to mirror or not to mirror. 

     

    Use three texts instead of two.

     

    Remediation:

    Rather than working in small groups, work as an entire class to create the compare and contrast piece about two dances.

     

    Rather than working individually, work in small groups to create the compare and contrast piece about two written texts.

     

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Classroom Tips:

    • Clear desks to have an open space. 
    • Be tolerant of noise and excitement but set limits. 
    • Review rules for appropriate audience behavior.   

    *This integrated lesson provides differentiated ideas and activities for educators that are aligned to a sampling of standards. Standards referenced at the time of publishing may differ based on each state’s adoption of new standards.

     Ideas contributed and updated by: Melissa Dittmar-Joy

     

    Revised and copyright:  August 2022 @ ArtsNOW

     

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    Mobiles & Story Elements

    Mobiles & Story Elements

    MOBILES AND STORY ELEMENTS

    Learning Description

    In this lesson, students will create a mobile sculpture inspired by the artist, Alexander Calder, to show the elements of a story.

     

    Learning Targets

    GRADE BAND: 2-3
    CONTENT FOCUS: VISUAL ARTSE & ELA
    LESSON DOWNLOADS:

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    "I Can" Statements

    “I Can…”

    • I can create a mobile sculpture inspired by the artist, Alexander Calder, that illustrates the elements of a story.

    Essential Questions

    • How can I demonstrate my understanding of the elements of a story through a mobile sculpture?

     

    Georgia Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Grade 2:

    ELAGSE2RL1 Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

    ELAGSE2RL5 Describe the overall structure of a story including describing how the beginning introduces the story, the middle provides major events and challenges, and the ending concludes the action.

    ELAGSE2RL7 Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

    ELAGSE2SL1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

    ELAGSE2SL2 Recount or describe key ideas or details from written texts read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

    Grade 3:

    ELAGSE3RL1 Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. 

    ELAGSE3RL7 Explain how specific aspects of a text’s illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting).

    ELAGSE3SL1 Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 3 topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

    ELAGSE3SL2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

    Arts Standards

    Grade 2:

    VA2.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning. 

    VA2.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes. 

    VA2.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, and processes of two-dimensional art.

    VA2.RE.1 Discuss personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy.

    VA2.CN.3 Develop life skills through the study and production of art (e.g. collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication).

    Grade 3:

    VA3.CR.1 Engage in the creative process to generate and visualize ideas by using subject matter and symbols to communicate meaning.

    VA3.CR.2 Create works of art based on selected themes. 

    VA3.CR.3 Understand and apply media, techniques, processes, and concepts of two dimensional art. 

    VA3.RE.1 Use a variety of approaches for art criticism and to critique personal works of art and the artwork of others to enhance visual literacy.

    VA3.CN.1 Investigate and discover the personal relationships of artists to community, culture, and the world through making and studying art.

     

    South Carolina Standards

    Curriculum Standards

    Grade 2:

    2.I.1.1 Ask self-generated questions that lead to group conversations, explorations, and investigations. 

    2.RL.MC.6.1 Use information gained from illustrations and words in a print or multimedia text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot. 

    2.C.MC.1.4 Participate in shared conversations with varied partners about focused grade level topics and texts in small and large groups. 

    2.C.MC.1.5 Explain personal ideas and build on the ideas of others by responding and relating to comments made in multiple exchanges. 

    2.W.RC.6.1 Write routinely and persevere in writing tasks over short and extended time frames, for a range of domain-specific tasks, and for a variety of purposes and audiences.

    Grade 3:

    3.I.1.1 Formulate questions to focus thinking on an idea to narrow and direct further inquiry. 

    3.RL.MC.1 Use text evidence to: a. describe characters’ traits, motivations, and feelings and explain how their actions contribute to the development of the plot; and  b. explain the influence of cultural and historical context on characters, setting, and plot development.

    3.C.MC.1.1 Explore and create meaning through conversation and interaction with peers and adults. 

    3.C.MC.1.2 Participate in discussions; ask questions to acquire information concerning a topic, text, or issue.

    3.W.RC.6.1 Write routinely and persevere in writing tasks

    Arts Standards

    Anchor Standard 1: I can use the elements and principles of art to create artwork.

    Anchor Standard 2: I can use different materials, techniques, and processes to make art.

    Anchor Standard 3: I can improve and complete artistic work using elements and principles.

    Anchor Standard 4: I can organize work for presentation and documentation to reflect specific content, ideas, skills, and or media.

     

    Key Vocabulary

    Content Vocabulary

    Character - A person, figure, or animal depicted in literature.

    Setting - When and where a story takes place.

    Plot - The main events of the story.

    Summary - A brief description of a passage that captures the main idea.

    Main idea - The central idea or theme of a story.

    Detail - Information from the passage that supports the main idea.

    Arts Vocabulary

    Shape - One of the seven elements of art; a two-dimensional object that can be geometric, organic, or free-form.

    Form - One of the seven elements of art; a three-dimensional object that can be geometric, organic, or free-form.

    Sculpture - An art form that shows the element of form.

    Mobile - A hanging sculpture that has moving parts.

     

    Materials

    • Paper plates
    • Markers/colored pencils
    • Plain white paper
    • Yarn/string
    • Paper clips
    • Scissors

     

    Instructional Design

    Opening/Activating Strategy

    • Show the students Alexander Calder’s sculpture, Mariposa (Butterfly), on a screen. Do not show them the title of the artwork. Have students go through the See, Think, Wonder strategy to engage with the image.
    • Tell students that the name of the sculpture is Mariposa (Butterfly). Ask students if they can see the butterfly in the sculpture.

     

    Work Session

    • Explain to the students that this sculpture shows the following elements of art: shape, line, and form. Explain that sculpture is three-dimensional art. The pieces of the sculpture are made up of free-form shapes and lines. Show students the different types of shapes in art: organic, free-form, and geometric.
    • Tell students that you are going to read them a story. Students should listen for details that tell about the character(s) and setting of the story. As you read, students should raise their hands whenever they hear a detail about the character(s) or setting. Pause as you read to allow students to share their details. Create a list of details on the board. 
    • At the end of the story, ask students to summarize the story. Students should identify the beginning, middle, and end of the story. 
    • Explain to students that they are going to create a sculpture like the one they looked at at the beginning of class, Mariposa, by Alexander Calder. 
    • Students should draw the setting of the story on their paper plate. 
    • Then, demonstrate to students how to draw a spiral on their paper plate, starting at the middle and spiraling outward. Students will then cut along the spiral.
    • Next, students will draw images/symbols on plain white paper to represent the character(s) and the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Students should cut these out.
    • Students will tie yarn or string to the spiral that they cut out of the paper plate and attach the symbols for the beginning, middle, and end of the story to the yarn or string. Students should place the symbols in sequential order. On the back of the symbols, students should summarize the beginning, middle, and end of the story. 
    • Students will attach a paper clip to the center of the spiral to hang the sculpture.

    Closing Reflection

    • In small groups, have students compare and contrast their artwork to the illustrations in the book. What are the similarities and differences between the way the illustrator communicated meaning and the way students communicated meaning? 
    • Students should conclude by writing an artist statement that says what they are most proud of in their artwork, their names as artists, and what symbols they chose to show in their artwork.

     

    Assessments

    Formative

    • See, Think, Wonder strategy analyzing Calder’s, Mariposa (Butterfly) - students should be able to use visual evidence to support reasoning
    • Students’ identification of the character(s)
    • Students’ identification of the setting
    • Students’ identification of the beginning, middle, and end of the story

     

    Summative

    • Students’ mobiles that show the character(s), setting, and beginning, middle, and end of the story
    • Students’ summaries of the beginning, middle, and end of the story

     

    Differentiation

    Acceleration: Have students retell the story to each other using their mobiles as a visual aid. Students should then compare and contrast their use of symbols to communicate meaning.

    Remediation: Have students work in groups. Each member is assigned one part of the story to illustrate for their group’s mobile–beginning, middle, or end. Students will combine their work to create one piece of art. Students will work together to retell the story using their mobile.

    Additional Resources

    Mobiles and Story Elements

    Types of Shapes

    *This integrated lesson provides differentiated ideas and activities for educators that are aligned to a sampling of standards. Standards referenced at the time of publishing may differ based on each state’s adoption of new standards.

    Ideas contributed by: Katy Betts

    Revised and copyright: September 2023 @ ArtsNOW

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