Art and Mimi’s Dada Catifesto by Shelley Jackson

Lesson Plan: Mimi’s Dada Catifesto by Shelley Jackson

Teacher: Art teacher

Subject Area: Art

Grade: 1-4

California State Standard: (http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/documents/vpastandards.pdf)

CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Creating, Performing, and Participating in the Visual Arts

Students apply artistic processes and skills, using a variety of media to communicate meaning and intent in original works of art.

Skills, Processes, Materials, and Tools

2.1 Use texture in two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of art.

2.2 Mix secondary colors from primary colors and describe the process.

2.3 Demonstrate beginning skill in the manipulation and use of sculptural materials

(clay, paper, and papier maché) to create form and texture in works of art.

Name of lesson: Creative environ-wise collage

Overview: Exploration and manipulation of mixed media to create form and texture in original works of mixed media art.

Description:

Students complete an expressive mixed media collage

Students use color, shape, form, texture, and various types of media to create their original work of art

Students gain a deeper understanding of the materials and gain confidence

Students are encouraged to look at ordinary objects as art

Students should understand that art can be silly

Time needed for lesson:

50-60 minutes in length

Procedure:

Lesson one

The teacher reads the book, Mimi’s Dada Catifesto, to the class. Discussion centers on the art in the book with emphasis on how the book makes the children feel and how the author achieves that. The teacher explains primary and secondary colors.  The class explores colors and discusses color association.

Lesson two

Found art and the environment. The teacher talks about art existing in everyday life. Students look around for ‘found’ objects to use in their collages. Each student writes a nonsensical poem or words on an index card.

Lesson three

Students start by letting the material ‘speak’ to them. They collect and cut objects to make a collage of their choice while including their own poetry.

Alternative lesson

The class makes collages based on colors and the feelings that those colors provoke or communicate while using their found objects.

Materials:

Index cards

Newspapers

Magazines

Various types of paper

Packages

Recyclable items

Found objects like bottles, feathers, string, buttons, leaves, flowers, etc.

Acrylic paint

Pens, colored pencils, etc.

Paintbrushes of various sizes

Glue

Scissors

Closure:

Include statements that help students make sense of the lesson plan and bring the discussion back to how art can be silly and the Dadaists.

Student evaluation:

Student completed the Dada inspired word/poem on the index card

Student completed the collage

Student was engaged in the discussion

Student felt free to be silly

Extension of lesson

Students share their poetry and art with the class

Teacher reads silly poetry (Shel Silverstein)

Field Trip: Modern art museum or a hike that will let students pick up materials/ garbage for their collages.

Jackson, Shelley. Mimi's Dada Catifesto. New York: Clarion Books, 2009. Print. ISBN: 978-0547126814.