Lesson Plans
Writing lessons is one of the most artistically challenging processes I know. It requires creativity, criticality, and most importantly, empathy.
To create a lesson that inspires students to take risks while also providing them with the knowledge they will need to create something new is at the heart of my teaching. Included below are examples of lesson plans for art practice, as well as social justice learning.
Exquisite Monsters
The Exquisite Corpse game is an essential part of any art teacher’s lesson plans. Based on the original concept developed in the Surrealist period, I updated the idea to have students create their own monsters.
I found that many of my students were uncomfortable with the idea of making something “ugly” so I created the attached worksheets to create a stepping stone into risk taking.
Protest Patches
Upper grades. Students are introduced to fiber art, using embroidery as an introduction. Through critically examining the use of fiber materials in historical protest movements, such as the AIDS Quilt and Knitting Resistance Circles, they develop a deeper understanding of the value of “uncommon” and “feminine” art making.
Students then create their own “protest patch” about an issue they are passionate about, using 3-6 embroidery stitches.