The purpose of this learning experience is to cultivate students' ability to connect literature with visual art, encouraging them to express personal narratives and emotions through creative mediums. By setting up and drawing floral still lifes, students will explore artistic elements and principles, enhancing their understanding of self and community. This project fosters critical thinking, self-directed learning, and academic mindset by inviting students to reflect on their work, engage in peer feedback, and create a digital portfolio that showcases their artistic journey and personal connections to the story.
Learning goals
Students will explore connections between art and literature by creating a floral still life inspired by "Millie Fleur's Poison Garden," using various art materials to express personal experiences and emotions. They will apply art vocabulary to discuss and critique their work, focusing on elements such as line, shape, and color to convey meaning. Through peer feedback and self-reflection, students will develop self-directed learning skills and build a sense of identity and belonging. By participating in a gallery walk and creating digital portfolios, students will engage in critical thinking and problem-solving, considering innovative approaches to express complex ideas.
Standards
[Texas] FA.A.3.1A - explore ideas from life experiences about self, peers, family, school, or community and from the imagination as sources for original works of art
[Texas] FA.A.3.1B - use appropriate vocabulary when discussing the elements of art, including line, shape, color, texture, form, space, and value, and the principles of design, including emphasis, repetition/pattern, movement/rhythm, contrast/variety, balance, proportion, and unity
[Texas] FA.A.3.2A - integrate ideas drawn from life experiences to create original works of art
[Texas] FA.A.3.2C - produce drawings; paintings; prints; sculpture, including modeled forms; and other art forms such as ceramics, fiber art, constructions, mixed media, installation art, digital art and media, and photographic imagery using a variety of materials.
Competencies
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will create a floral still life artwork using their choice of watercolor, sharpies, oil pastels, or other art supplies, drawing inspiration from Millie Fleur's Poison Garden. They will develop a digital portfolio that includes images of their artwork and audio or written narratives explaining the connections between their piece, the story, and their personal experiences. The final product will be displayed in a 'Blooming Gallery Walk' in the school hallway, with QR codes linking to their digital portfolios for visitors to explore.
Launch
Begin the lesson by reading an excerpt from "Millie Fleur's Poison Garden" and invite students to imagine stepping into the vibrant, mysterious world of the story. Set up a diverse array of flowers and plants in the classroom, allowing students to explore and touch them, sparking curiosity and inspiration. Encourage students to share initial thoughts and feelings about the story and the flowers, using art vocabulary to describe their observations.
Exhibition
Organize a 'Blooming Gallery Walk' in the school hallway, showcasing students' floral still life artworks. Each piece will be accompanied by a QR code that links to the student's digital portfolio, allowing visitors to explore detailed narratives and reflections. Encourage students to stand by their artwork during the exhibition, ready to engage with viewers and discuss their creative process, the story connections, and personal experiences depicted in their art.