Art of Excellence: Celebrating Civil Rights Heroes

2nd Grade

Project
1 week

Art of Excellence: Celebrating Civil Rights Heroes

Sandra Glusac

Purpose

This project invites second-grade students to explore and celebrate black excellence through creative art and storytelling, focusing on the civil rights movement. By engaging with local artists and participating in hands-on activities, students will collaboratively create a mural and individual art pieces that highlight influential figures and themes of the era. The project culminates in a classroom 'Black Excellence Museum,' where students proudly present their work, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the impact of civil rights leaders.

Learning goals

Students will explore the significance of the civil rights movement and black excellence through art and storytelling, understanding key themes such as equality, justice, and courage. They will develop skills in various art techniques and mediums to creatively express stories of influential black leaders. By collaborating on a mural and participating in peer reviews, students will enhance their ability to work in teams, give and receive constructive feedback, and appreciate diverse perspectives.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 2 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.2: Write informative/explanatory texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts and definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2.3: Describe the connection between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text.

Products

Students will create individual art pieces and storytelling projects that highlight civil rights leaders and themes. They will collectively design and contribute to a mural celebrating black excellence, which will be a centerpiece in the 'Black Excellence Museum'. Each student will also produce a reflection piece for the 'Reflection Wall', sharing personal insights on black excellence.

Launch

Kick off the project with an interactive storytelling session featuring a picture book about a civil rights leader, followed by a discussion about their impact. Invite students to brainstorm and share what they already know about black excellence and the civil rights movement. Introduce the local artist who will guide the mural project, allowing students to ask questions and get inspired by their work.

Exhibition

Transform the classroom into a vibrant 'Black Excellence Museum' where students' art projects and storytelling pieces are prominently displayed. Invite other classes and parents to visit, with students acting as knowledgeable tour guides, sharing insights about their work and the civil rights movement. Incorporate interactive elements, such as a mural-in-progress where visitors can contribute by adding their own thoughts on black excellence.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Begin with an interactive storytelling session using a picture book about a civil rights leader. Facilitate a discussion where students share their thoughts and brainstorm ideas about black excellence and the civil rights movement.	Introduce the local artist through a virtual or in-person visit, where they discuss their work and the theme of black excellence. Students can ask questions and get inspired for their projects.	Organize students into small groups to discuss and choose a civil rights leader or theme they want to explore through their art and storytelling.	Guide students in creating individual art pieces using various art techniques and mediums learned from the artist's presentation. Encourage them to focus on the chosen leader or theme.	Facilitate a peer review session where students pair up to share their storytelling projects, offering one suggestion for improvement and highlighting one element they enjoyed.	Assist students in starting their sections of the collaborative mural, focusing on how their individual contribution will fit into the larger theme of black excellence.
Deliverables	1. Each student will create an individual art piece depicting a civil rights leader or theme. 2. Students will produce a short storytelling project about their chosen leader or theme. 3. Contributions to the collaborative mural will begin, with students completing rough drafts of their sections.
Preparation	1. Secure a picture book about a civil rights leader appropriate for second graders. 2. Coordinate with the local artist for a classroom visit or virtual session, ensuring technology is set up if needed. 3. Gather art supplies such as paper, paints, brushes, markers, and other materials for students to use in their projects. 4. Prepare a space for the mural to be created and displayed, ensuring it is accessible for all students. 5. Create a schedule for the peer review sessions, grouping students in pairs or small groups.