Lions and birds and squirrels—oh my! In this virtual program, students are introduced to animal imagery in art through guided observation, discussion, storytelling, and artmaking. Students practice visual literacy skills by identifying animals in artworks, comparing real and artistic representations, and creating observational drawings. The lesson also introduces symbolism, habitats, geography, and the role of imagination in artistic creation.
After completing this program students will be able to:
• Compare real animals with artistic representations
• Identify special characteristics of certain animals (i.e.: a giraffe’s long neck, an elephant’s trunk, or a lion’s mane)
• Create an observational drawing
• Develop speaking and observational skills by using observations to cite evidence to support viewpoint during collaborative conversation
Program agenda:
5 min | Greeting and introduce Hillwood and the program’s theme of animals on art
10 min | Activity 1
• Identify several animals that live in the African savanna; move like the different animals (turn your arm into an elephant trunk… roar like a lion… run like the cheetah…); notice that each animal has something special that helps it survive in its habitat
10 min | Activity 2
• Play a game to spot 4 differences between a painting of a bird and an altered version of the painting
• Compare the bird painting to a photograph of a real bird
• Students create their own bird drawings, based on their observations
10 min | Activity 3
• Discuss how animals have characteristics that an artist may use to share a message – for example, so an artist put a squirrel design on a cup to show the idea of hard work/determination/perseverance
• Students identify an animal that has a characteristic that they have themselves—for example if the student likes to swim, they may choose a dolphin or fish, or if the student runs fast they may choose a cheetah; if time allows, students will draw a picture of the animal they chose… if not enough time for a drawing activity, students will share their ideas through conversation/discussion
10 min | Conclusion
• Students have the opportunity to share the drawings they completed during the program with the program instructor and their classmates
Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to ask questions and have their questions answered in real time.
Program facilitators use inquiry-based discussions to engage students in exploring art.