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Middle School Grade  Project 1 week

Wild Style: Animal Fashion Portraits

Emily A
Updated
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Academic Mindset
Self Directed Learning
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Purpose

This project aims to deepen middle school students' understanding of artistic expression through anthropomorphic design, blending animal characteristics with human elements. Over the course of a week, students will engage in creating drawings of woodland animal portraits, enhancing their creative and technical skills by focusing on color and texture to convey narratives. The experience is designed to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and self-directed learning, enabling students to effectively communicate their artistic visions and reflect on their emotional growth through exhibitions and peer interactions. Additionally, the process encourages an exploration of cultural storytelling traditions, connecting students’ personal experiences with broader artistic practices.

Learning goals

Middle school students will develop skills in effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They will explore the intersection of human and animal traits through anthropomorphic art, learning to convey character and emotion using color and texture. By engaging in group discussions and peer feedback sessions, students will refine their artistic techniques and enhance their socio-emotional insights. They will cultivate academic mindset and self-directed learning by regularly reflecting on their creative process, developing a sense of identity and belonging through the storytelling elements in their artwork.

Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • 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.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • 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.

Products

Students will develop animal portrait scrolls that narratively convey their artistic journey, using colorful storytelling elements and personal reflections throughout. They will design an interactive art kiosk where visitors can engage with their artwork and listen to narrated stories complete with sound effects for an immersive experience. By the end of the project, students will collaboratively create a large format zine displaying individual portraits and narratives, alongside a communal mural representation, offering exhibition visitors insight into their artistic growth and storytelling mastery.

Launch

Kick off the project with an 'Inspirational Gallery Tour.' This event will feature a curated selection of intriguing art pieces, including the works of Indi Maverick. Accompany the tour with a scavenger hunt that encourages students to identify and analyze unique applications of color and texture within the artworks. This interactive start will foster curiosity, provide insight into storytelling through art, and inspire students to innovate within their own projects.

Exhibition

Organize a 'Storyteller's Studio' event where each student performs live readings of their narrative descriptions beside their artwork, inviting audience interaction and feedback. Launch the 'Animal Collective Mural Unveil,' showcasing the collaborative mural with personal reflections on the artistic journey shared by students. Set up a 'Character Chronicles Reflection Corner' where visitors can explore visual reflection journals and personal project insights, providing a deeper understanding of each artist's development.