Exploring Nature:Symbols of Life
http://ncmoa.org/artnc/lesson.php?themeid=1&lessonPlanid=13
This piece of art work is a 17th/18th Dutch still life showing earth's life forms. I would use it with my first graders at the beginning of the year. This lesson would target science, language arts, and art activities.
Day 1
I would begin the lesson by showing the picture and discussing what they know about life forms (if anything) and still life. I would need to explain these if they do not have the background information. Once they know what life forms are I would have them look at the picture and identify as many as they could and write them on chart paper.
Day 2
I would give them some information about 17th century Dutch still life provided by the web site. Then we would discuss why they think the artist used the life forms that he did. To set the stage for our next activity I would then talk about how the lion respresents courage and the owl stands for wisdom and then have them talk about other animals and what they stand for. Then for homework I would have them look for magazine or computer pictures of animals that would tell about themselves. I would explain these will be used to make a still life collage about them. I would have an example of myself and explain why I chose the animals that I did. (For those students who do not have magazines at home I will have some on hand).
Day 3
Using a projector students will trace each others profile (shoulders up).
Day 4
Students will use the pictures that they found of animals to fill in their profile that are symbolic of themselves. Making sure they understand that these respresent their personal characteristics.
Day 5
Students will write 1 to 3 sentences telling about their work of art. Since this is the beginning of the year I would give alot of assistance. When all students have finished they will share and tell about their art work and read their sentences. I will display their work in the hallway. Then toward the end of the year I would have them revisit their art work and add to their writing.
You utilized this painting beautifully to integrate your subjects! You have great ideas of interesting activities. I hope you can use this with your class. On a side note, we did our profiles when I was in elementary school and I thought that was amazing. I have never seen myself from that perspective so it was cool to see what other saw. A different perception is refreshing.
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