An Elephant Project
Year Level Duration
Foundation 60mins
Rationale
Inspired by Eric Carle's book, 'The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse' this activity encourages children to let the imaginations run free! The quirky story about an artist who paints a blue horse, red crocodile, yellow cow, orange elephant and sends a very important message to children that art is supposed to be free and you can't be wrong. This follows my philosophy of arts in education where students should not be afraid of getting things wrong. This will lead them to take risks and be creative throughout the learning and in life.
Links to AusVELS
At Foundation Level, students “make performing and visual arts works that express and communicate experiences, observations, ideas and feelings about
themselves and their world”(VCAA, 2013). They respond to stimuli from sources such as play, problem solving, imagination and observation, and with guidance they make arts works.
themselves and their world”(VCAA, 2013). They respond to stimuli from sources such as play, problem solving, imagination and observation, and with guidance they make arts works.
Prior Knowledge Required
None
Resources Required
Book 'The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse' by Eric Carle
'What does an elephant look like' PowerPoint
'What does an elephant look like' PowerPoint
what_do_elephants_look_like.pptx | |
File Size: | 276 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Equipment Required
White A3 paper
Paints
Coloured paper
Glue
Paint brushes
Art smocks
Paints
Coloured paper
Glue
Paint brushes
Art smocks
Introduction to Lesson
- Begin lesson by reading the story 'The Artist who Painted a Blue Horse'
- Ask the question to the class, 'What is an artist?' and discuss different ideas of the students
- Explain to the class that an artist is someone who produces or makes something. Therefore ALL the students in the class are artists.
- Talk about the different crazy animals that were painted in the book. What other animals can we create that are not real.
Main Component of Lesson
Look at pictures of elephants on the PowerPoint 'What does an elephant look like?' and discuss the characteristics- big, large feet, floppy ears, tail.
Students will create an elephant of a colour of their choice. Before sending them off to begin their artwork, the teacher will model it.
After deciding on the colour of the elephant that will be made by each child, the will take a piece of paper of that colour. They will need to separately cut out a body with 2 legs, a head, 2 ears, a trunk and a tail. Assesmble these to make your elephant on the white A3 paper and then glue these down.
Paint the landscape behind the elephant which might include grass, trees and sky.
Students will create an elephant of a colour of their choice. Before sending them off to begin their artwork, the teacher will model it.
After deciding on the colour of the elephant that will be made by each child, the will take a piece of paper of that colour. They will need to separately cut out a body with 2 legs, a head, 2 ears, a trunk and a tail. Assesmble these to make your elephant on the white A3 paper and then glue these down.
Paint the landscape behind the elephant which might include grass, trees and sky.
Lesson Conclusion
Every child should get a chance to share the elephant they created.
Assessment of Learning
- Are the children able to use their imagination to create a piece of art?
- Ability to cut out paper, stick and paint for their artwork
Extension and Adaption
This activity can be done with children choosing their own animals and making these any colour they wish.
Students can also use their imagination to think up something else crazy and odd that doesn't really exist such as a blue house or a pink tree.
Students can also use their imagination to think up something else crazy and odd that doesn't really exist such as a blue house or a pink tree.