+
Lesson Plan
National Endowment for the Humanities

History in Quilts

For Teachers K - 5th
Learners investigate the use of cloth-based art forms intended to pass down traditions and history. They research types of quilts, quilt characteristics and then identify how Freedom Quilts were historically used in the US.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mexican Folk Art: Sugar Skulls

For Teachers K - 5th
Scholars use their knowledge of color to create vibrant skulls for Día de los Muertos. A thoughtful discussion brings forth information about the special holiday. A review of cool colors and warm colors prepares learners for the creation...
+
PPT
Curated OER

Rotational Hex Designs

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learn about the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, Rotational Hex Design. This image-rich presentation provides a comprehensive description of the origin and meaning behind these interesting totems. Instructions to create these symmetrical...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Mexican Metal Tooling

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Metal work can be a wonderful way to expose learners to Mexican folk art. This resource provides all the necessary steps for creating Mexican metal tooling with your art class. Images, web links, recommended books and products make...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Folk-Art Weathervanes

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Students research the history of American Folk Art, as evidenced in weathervanes and whirligigs. They compare and contrast the traditional examples they find with their more modern drawings. They then recognize and apply math terms such...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Huichol Indian Yarn Painting

For Teachers 2nd - 6th
Create to understand the cultural significance and beauty of Huichol Yarn Painting. Elementary learners use glue and bright yarn to create images similar to those made by the native Mexican Huichol Tribe. Note: Images of this art form...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Oaxacan Animal Art

For Teachers 1st - 6th
Kids of any age can experience the beauty, color, and patterns of Oaxacan art. They view, discuss, and then make their own versions of Oaxacan animal sculptures using sulphite paper. This would be a good follow-up activity to accompany a...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Shoe Shine

For Teachers 5th - 12th
Young artists use Paintstik colors on paper, canvas, metal, fabric or another surface to create a work of art to be presented in a gallery. Young scholars research the origins of the "Snakebasket" they are creating. These art lessons...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Ojo De Dios

For Teachers 8th - 9th
Spanish learners will follow directions given in Spanish (provided here) to craft an "ojo de dios". Learners will also discuss where it originated from and what its purpose is. 
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

ART IN COLONIAL AMERICA: PAINTINGS AND CRAFTS

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine art critically and discuss art they have made, art made by their peers, and art made by recognized artists. They add to their art vocabulary and use it accurately to discuss art.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Symmetry and Symbols

For Teachers 2nd - 3rd
Students identify symmetrical and congruent elements in folk art. In this art and geometry lesson, students examine pictures of Masonic Plaque in the Form of a Royal Arch Tracing Board for evidence of congruent and symmetrical elements....
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Folk Art: Bird of Paradise Quilt Top

For Teachers 7th - 9th
Students examine a "Bird of Paradise Quilt Top" to discover what the themes and patterns tell about mid-nineteenth-century America.  In this American Folk Art lesson, students discuss the possible creator of the quilt and the symbols...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Many Ways of Seeing

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Investigate themes and issues in art such as the concept of originality, interpretation of visual language, symbolism, and examination of the categories of fine art and folk art.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Create, Design, and Invent with Plastic

For Teachers 1st - 5th
Students explore creative ways to reuse materials. In this ecology/art lesson, students create artwork using trash. Students view examples of folk art from around the world that used waste products as a main component.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

Questions for Traditional Artists

For Students 6th - 8th
In this classroom applications and fieldwork basics worksheet, students utilize the 20 interview questions once they locate someone in their community who creates traditional art. An oral release is included.
+
Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Designing an Appalachian Folk Art Museum

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Learners investigate the concepts related to the Appalachian area and the movement of Folk Art. They conduct research using a variety of resources and use the samples as inspiration for creating their own works of art. They could...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

In the Eye of the Beholder

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students view, examine and analyze the artwork of Howard Finster along with other various visionary artists. They create and design an original piece of artwork and personalize creative spaces in the spirit of Finster's Paradise Gardens.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Creating and Preserving a Tradition

For Teachers 1st - 12th
Students explore folk art and tradition. They work in small groups and produce an essay about folk art or traditions practiced in their community. Students discuss the creation and preservation of a tradition. They discuss various...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Fiber of Life

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Learners examine the importance of plants to individuals and society through a multi-discipline set of activities. They observe and draw different leaf structures and then create a book about trees and photosynthesis. They explore ways...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Retablo-Style Self-Portraits

For Teachers 3rd - 12th
Students design tinfoil self-portraits based on the work of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican painter. They study the style of this Mexican artist before making their own portraits.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Folk Art Weather Vane

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Students observe weather vanes and explore their purpose and history and create a miniature weather vane from cardboard or wood.
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Checkerboard

For Teachers 4th - 7th
Young scholars explore the game of checkers and the folk art that has been used to create checkerboards. They create their own checkerboards that reflect current culture.
+
Worksheet
Curated OER

Secret Number Painting

For Students 4th - 5th
In this art learning exercise, students make a folk-art style painting of a room in their home. Students select a room. They choose a secret number and draw items in sets of the number they selected. Students are directed to keep their...
+
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Family Quilts Keep Us Warm

For Teachers K
Students discuss and describe the differences and similarities in families. After reciting finger plays about families, they draw pictures of their own families. Next, they incorporate their family pictures into a paper quilt.