Students read about the four elements of poetry: form, theme, purpose, and mood. They are given several questions to ask themselves about each element as they begin to write their own successful poems.

Students examine why fabric was first sewn in layers and how it was used. They identify, compare and make 3 different fabric design types which will become a basis for looking at the quilts created by African Americans. They begin the...

Students explore Navajo traditions and art. In this sand painting lesson plan, students discuss Navajo rituals and traditions prior to designing a sand painting that is representative of the Navajo ideal of the hozho.

Ninth graders summarize and paraphrase a short story read in class. They identify the six story elements of character, setting, plot, conflict, solution, and tone/mood. Students create a PowePoint presentation that illustrates the...

Students investigate the art of mask-making. In this cultural masks lesson, students may visit the Hancock or Horniman Museums in Britain online or in-person to discover details about cultural masks and give a try at making their own.

Young scholars construct a ribbon wand which, through the use of line, color, contrast and shape can be used to better express a given emotion. They create a dance using the ribbon wand.

Students listen to Haydn's "Surprise" and use the score to create themes and variations with other rhythms. They create poems using Haydn's rhythm in the symphony and research his life. They also use "body percussion" to play parts of...

Students explore the musical concepts of rhythm, melody, expression, and tone color in a three-instructional activity unit about the William Tell Overture. They identify dynamics and tempo and play a vocal tone color singing game.

Eighth graders create scenes that might have existed if the American Revolution had not taken place. They use information they have gathered to plan, produce, and present a variety of products from the perspective of a British citizen in...

Young scholars read a variety of short stories that focus on teenage protagonists. In groups, they answer comprehension questions and discuss the characters and setting for each story. Individually, they choose one writing assignment to...

Students investigate the use of proportion using gesture drawing as the subject matter. They create a painting using the elements of art and principles of design.

Students review Gerald Ferstman's work and discuss abstract art. They design and create monoprints on Mylar. They reflect on their work and write about the experience of creating the piece.

Students identify where China is in relation to the US. They investigate the history of dragons in Chinese culture. Students explore the nine different parts of a dragon and incorporate them into their own dragon. Student identify the...

Students explain the impact that the media may have in shaping their intellectual and emotional responses to current events. They examine broadcast and Web-based news sites to find subtexts through the use of language, audio, and visual...

Students, in groups, create three-dimensional sculptures from found objects. They paint their sculptures and write essays that reflect on the collaborative creative project.

Students investigate the history of Mali. In this African cultures lesson, students research the impact of Sundiata Keita as king of Mali, recognize the significance of historical Malian festivals, and create character masks to be worn...

Fourth graders engage in a multitude of written and artistic activities as they study illustrators, how illustrations enhance a studenT book, and the Caldecott Award.

Students examine the 20th-century sculpture "Gandydancer's Dream" by Mark di Suvero. In this visual arts lesson, students examine the sculpture and then use flat shapes and wire to create their own sculpture. The students are...

Students study Chinese jade carvings and then carve an animal from soap in a similar fashion.

Students discuss still life painting and the Realism style of art. They plan a personal narrative still life drawing, complete the project and present it to the class.

Sixth graders explore how primary colors create secondary colors. They incorporate their knowledge of primary and secondary colors by creating various colors of frosting. Given the cookie shape, they complete a decoration plan for...

Students explore colors and shapes. In this art concepts lesson plan, students discuss shapes, lines, and color while creating a variety of abstract designs. The instructions for several art activities are provided. Basic art vocabulary...

Students study letters and letter sounds and are to be used throughout the year. They predict the letters and sounds and words that are represented by each letter. Letter and sound recognition can be assessed through one to one...

Students become both mystery readers and writers. They utilize the Internet to understand the elements of this classic genre; employ critical thinking skills when reading various stories in both print and electronic formats; form groups...