Visual and Performing Arts Lesson Plans

Seventh graders review the artistic style of Impressionism. They choose an Impressionistic artist who appeals to them and create a Power Point presentation based on this choice.

Students examine the works of Luisa Roldan and Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun. In this visual arts lesson, students view various pieces of art from each of the artists and read about their lives. Students discuss the information and construct a Venn diagram, comparing the two famous artists.

Students examine and assess the relationship between Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. They are able to identify how Frida Kahlo incorporates this tumultuous relationship into her artwork.

Eleventh graders examine aesthetics using existing and student-created program music. They describe music, propose meanings in music and defend their descriptions and propositions.They also describe and defend music and visual arts representations of subject matter that are not from the arts.

Use drama techniques to recreate the story, Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni. They engage in problem-solving as they identify the roles they will fufill in their groups for the performance. This is a motivating way to connect literature to performing arts.

What are the characteristics of the Impressionist period? Using art and music, middle schoolers will discover similarities between the two mediums and discuss whether there was a common language present. They will also use the internet to gather more information on artists from this era. Internet resource links are included.

Fourth graders observe symmetry, radial balance and fractional parts in natural and man-made objects in their environment. They give examples and identify symmetrical and asymmetrical designs. Pupils are given a box of crayons and they divide the crayons into hot and cold colors to identify warm and cool colors.

Fifth graders create angles and lines in art. In this visual arts instructional activity, 5th graders draw a bird's eye view of a neighborhood. They create straight, parallel, perpendicular, and oblique lines. 

Examine how art and music can be powerful tools for conveying a political or social message. After considering the issues surrounding rapper Paris, students design their own album covers that reflect their political and/or social concerns. They will also write lyrics for one of the songs on thier album.

Learners design art galleries. In this visual arts lesson, students create miniature shoebox art galleries as they explore the world of art history.