3rd Grade  Project 2 weeks

¡Pintores y Yo: Autorretrato Español!

Megan S
VA:Pr6.1.3a
VA:Cn10.1.3a
VA:Cn11.1.3a
VA:Pr5.1.3a
VA:Cr2.1.3a
+ 5 more
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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse students in the diverse cultural and artistic heritage of Spanish-speaking artists, empowering them to explore identity expression through color and style. Students will engage in hands-on creation of self-portraits, understanding and reflecting on how artistic choices shape personal and cultural narratives. Through a combination of artistic practice and language skills development, this project fosters a deeper comprehension of self and others, celebrating the intersection of art and identity in a vibrant community showcase.

Learning goals

Students will explore and analyze the artistic styles of Spanish-speaking artists, gaining insights into how cultural elements influence identity expression through art. They will actively engage in conversations and reflection, using Spanish language skills to describe their self-portraits and articulate the connections between style and personal identity. Critical thinking will be stimulated through the exploration of diverse perspectives and personal storytelling, facilitating the development of both artistic and linguistic competence. Collaborative activities will further enhance their capacity to understand and appreciate cultural narratives, while self-directed learning will support their growth and confidence in expressing individual identities creatively.
Standards
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Pr6.1.3a - Identify and explain how and where different cultures record and illustrate stories and history of life through art.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn10.1.3a - Develop a work of art based on observations of surroundings.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cn11.1.3a - Recognize that responses to art change depending on knowledge of the time and place in which it was made.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Pr5.1.3a - Identify exhibit space and prepare works of art including artists’ statements for presentation.
  • [National Core Arts Standards] VA:Cr2.1.3a - Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.
Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Students will create a personalized self-portrait in the style of a Spanish-speaking artist they have studied, accompanied by a concise description in Spanish. The final showcase will be an "Identity and Expression Wall" in the school hallway or library, where portraits and written descriptions are exhibited together. This display will encourage peer engagement through interactive sticky note feedback. Additionally, students will complete a reflective journal entry detailing their creative journey and enhanced understanding of artistic styles and identity expression.

Launch

Kick start the project with 'Meet the Artists' Day, where students explore videos and stories about diverse Spanish-speaking artists, focusing on their unique styles. Engage students in a lively group discussion to identify and predict how these styles might reflect the artists' identities. Conclude with an interactive Q&A to spark curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for exploring art and identity through personal creation.

Exhibition

Create a meaningful showcase by arranging a collaborative 'Identity and Expression Wall'. Display all student portraits alongside their Spanish descriptions in a public school space like a hallway or library. Encourage interaction by providing sticky notes, so peers and community members can leave supportive comments and inquisitive questions, fostering a sense of community engagement and dialogue around identity and art.