Grade One Art

​Students will focus on four major components: Reflection, Depiction, Composition, and Expression.
  • Artists
  • Class Activities
  • Teacher Resources
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Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Study after study has shown the value of exposing children with positive role models. Representation, including in the hours spent consuming media within the classroom, shape what they imagine to be possible for people who look like them, live where they live, or come from where they came from. Simply put, kids determine what they can be based on the examples around them. Therefore, we highly recommend you take 2-5 minutes everyday in your art class to introduce artists of colour. We've made this easy for you by creating a presentation that you can use with a slide a day to showcase a new artist of diverse background. You could do this on a daily, weekly, bi-weekly or during a certain month. You could also make your own presentation and encourage this representation. 
K-6 Artists of Colour by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation
Artists of colour to introduce to your class related to the Alberta curriculum

Reflection

Aida Muluneh
Aida's modality is mainly art photography, and features primary colours in all of her works. She also showcases the experiences of Black women in all of her paintings. Her work is primarily influenced by her Ethiopian heritage. This video showcases her work in an exhibition called Water Life.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    ​- 1. Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use:  
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
    - Discuss the relationship between colour and mood/emotions
    ​- Create abstract self-portrait through drawing/painting that uses colours that represent their identity/feelings​
Mamoru Iriguchi
Mamoru Iriguchi is a Japanese multimedia and performance artist based in Scotland. His work is rooted in his expertise in costume and set design, 2D/3D, gender and sexuality, and fairytales. The video describes his passion for performance art and goes into detail how kids can create performance art.
  • Art Sample:
    - ​Eaten
  • Curriculum connection:
    - 1. Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
    - Students create their own tableaus in groups about a story and read as a class
  • Accessibility: 
    - Closed caption autogenerated 
Carmen Lomas Garza
Carmen Lomas Garza is a Latina American artist, whose paintings and works of art are inspired by her Mexican-Amercican heritage. She is also an illustrator for various children's books. The YouTube video depicts Garza describing the inspiration behind her artworks in greater detail.
  • Art Samples:
    - View samples
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1. Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discussion on what students think is happening in the paintings
    - Discussion on traditions/activities they do with their families
    ​- Draw and label a picture of a family activity they enjoy doing
  • Accessibility: 
    - Closed caption autogenerated 
Depiction

Derrick Adams
Derrick Adams is a New-York based artist who specialized in paintings, collages, sculptures, and interactive installations. His work frequently references popular culture, and explores the ways in which individuality and self-identity can be ascribed to various colours, symbols and objects. He frequently alludes to the intersections of Black identity and Black joy as a form of political defiance in Black liberation.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Trace and cut out shapes on colourful paper to create self portraits
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Kenojuak Ashevak
​Kenojuak Ashevak was born in Baffin Island in Nunavut, and is a graphic artist whose work focused on carvings and drawings. Her art reflects the Inuit traditions and cultures, and paints a rich and vibrant landscape of her Nunavik homeland.
  • Art Samples:
    - NINGIUKULU TEEVEE
    - OOLOOSIE SAILA
    - Sedna's Creation
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder" 
    - Symmetrical art - students draw the other half of one of Ashevak's art
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
        - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Takashi Murakami
Takashi Murakami is a contemporary artist from Japan, whose work reflects popular culture, and anime and manga influences. He often amalgamates contemporary Japanese visual art with historical art, and produces paintings, sculptures, drawings, and animations.
  • Art Samples:
    - My Next Smiley (2020)
    - Ohana-Chan: Soul to Soul (2020)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -1. Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Draw/depict flowers similar to Murakami's style that represents various feelings/emotions
    - Connection to the seasons (spring) and how the colours/objects represent a season
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
Alex Janvier
Alex Janvier is Canadian-based artist from the Cold Lake First Nations, whose work is known for his use of curved lines and bright colour combinations. His style of art is abstract and has laid the foundation of Indigenous art for many aspiring First Nations artists in Canada. The video describes his preparation for an exhibit in Italy. View his website. 
  • Art Samples:
    - View samples ​
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students discuss what they notice about the colours
    - Students attempt similar effects using watercolour painting on coffee filter. Discuss colours used and how to mix different colours to create new ones
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
    ​- Transcription
Adia Millett 
Adia Millett is a US-based contemporary artist who uses multiple mediums including dioramas, quilting, painting, stitching, and woodworking. Her work is inspired by transitions and storytelling. The video details Millett's exhibit Breaking Patterns, where she details her use of patterns and design to tell a visual story. View her website.
  • Art Samples:
    - Paints
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Discussion on what shapes/colours student observe. Students choose a painting and write/orally tell a story about the picture. Students read a story and use shapes/blocks/paint to retell the story visually
  • Accessibility: 
    - Translation 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
    - Descriptive captioning is not available on the video
Alaa Awad
​Born in 1981, Dr. Alaa Awad is an Egyptian painter and muralist. Inspired by ancient Egyptian heritage and contemporary society, some of Awad’s most popular work includes scenes of celebration, victory, Sufism, Egyptian social life and culture.
  • Art samples:
    - Nephthys
    - The Zodiac
    - Fluccas
    - Egyptian Women
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 3. Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
    ​- Write/orally tell a story about the artworks
Leeroy New
​Leeroy New is a Filipino visual artist whose works are inspired by mythology, films, video games and Filipino folklore. The YouTube video describes his early life and his inspiration for his artwork.
  • Art Sample:
    - Aliens of Manila (2019)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
    ​- Can be used as a counting activity for students to count how many different shapes they can find
  • Accessibility: 
    - Captioned by creator 
Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a legendary Japanese contemporary artist whose works primarily include sculpture and installations, and shows attributes of minimalism, pop art, and abstract expressionism. The YouTube video describes her tumultuous beginnings in Japan to her groundbreaking artwork in 'hippie counterculture' in the US, during the Andy Warhol era.
  • Art samples:
    - Love is Calling (2019)
    - An Infinity Room (n.d.)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
    - Use as a counting activity for students to count how many dots they see in "Love is Calling"
    ​- Use circle stamps/drawing/painting to create their own abstract art
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Yinka Shonibare
Yinka Shonibare is a British-Nigerian artist whose work explores themes of colonialism, post-colonialism, and globalization. His artwork is exhibited in various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, installation art and performance. The YouTube video describes the early life of Yinka Shonibare and how his interest in art came to be.
  • Art Samples: 
    - Cheeky Little Astronomer (2013)
    - Butterfly Kid (2018)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 1. Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Can be used to prompt a discussion on what students would like to be when they grow up
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder"
  • Accessibility: 
    - Autogenerated captions
Rasheed Araeen
Rasheed Araeen trained as a civil engineer in Pakistan before moving to England and becoming an artist. Araeen called some of his artworks “structures”. This computer activity allows children to explore minimalism inspired by Rasheed's works. Click on "Menu" to go to the activity.
  • Art Sample:
    - ​Basant (1970)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder" 
    - Students recreate patterns using various manipulatives
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Visually impaired students may benefit from classroom-provided descriptions of artwork
Kim Lim
Singapore-born artist Kim Lim is considered one of the first sculptors and printmakers in Southeast Asia. Her sculptures are made of repeated shapes and forms. This computer activity allows children to explore minimalism inspired by Kim's works. Click on "Menu" to go to the activity.
  • Art Sample:
    - Intervals I (1973)
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - 2. Imagery based on observations. Main forms and proportions (natural vs geometric forms). Actions and viewpoints (stillness vs motion). Qualities and details (colour/ tints & shades/ contrast/ textures)
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art as a picture prompt for "I see, I think, I wonder" 
    - Students recreate patterns using various manipulatives
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Visually impaired students may need additional accommodations for some parts of activity
Reflection
Raden Saleh
Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining Boschbrand by Javanese painter Raden Saleh. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week​
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity 
Khoo Sui Hoe
Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining Children of the Sun by Malaysian artist Khoo Sui Hoe. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week​
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity 
The Dichotomy Between Fine Art and Crafts
Students will explore the dichotomy between craft and fine art while investigating Ruth Asawa’s sculpture work and identity.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Provides videos, discussion questions, and reflection questions for students to follow along
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Gregorius Sidharta Soegijo
Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining a sculpture by Indonesian artist Gregorius Sidharta Soegijo. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.​
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Cheong Soo Pieng
Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining the ink style in "Drying Salted Fish". Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection:
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Fua Haribhitak
Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining how cubism influenced Thai artist Fua Haribhitak piece. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    - Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Syed Ahmad Jamal
​Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining this Malay artist's portrayal of the joget dance and how it links to Malaysian independence. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Roberto Chabet
​Colourful kid-friendly poster explaining this Filipino artist's collage. Poster includes fun facts about the painting and goes into the details of the work.
  • Curriculum connection:
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork.
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Great for printing as a handout for the class, or to hang up in the classroom every week
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Using Colour Theory to Deconstruct Race
​Race is something students recognize from their earliest ages. They learn right away that they belong to a certain race and that their race is completely different than all others. Society has used different colours to categorize people with labels such as black, white, yellow, red, and brown. The theory I challenge students with each year is this: no human being is actually white, black, yellow, or red, but we are all variations of brown. In colour theory terms, all human skin colours are different hues and values of brown.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    -  Responses to visual forms in nature/ designed objects and artwork
    Specifically looking at:
    1. analyzing structures in nature (the beauty of naturally made forms)
    2. assessing designed objects (human-made forms)
    3. appreciating art
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Discussion on our skin colours and what colours we usually use to colour ourselves. Use in conjunction with self-portrait activities
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Depiction
​
Art and Racial Justice: What is in a Self-Portrait?
In this activity, students will learn about various diverse artists who have done self-portraits, understand the key elements of a self-portrait, and identify the ways in which identity is closely reflected through self-portraits. They will be guided through key activities related to racial justice and how this can be explored through self-portraits.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use:  
    ​- Create self-portraits​
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    - For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity 
Choy Weng Yang
Activity inspired by Choy Weng Yang's use of abstract shapes and colours to evoke feelings. PDF with tangrams to explore warm and cool colours.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Discussion on warm and cool colours, and where we usually see them (connection to nature, seasons). Use tangrams to create a variety of shapes, objects, animals, etc.​
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students, accommodations may be required for some parts of the activity 
Art and Social Justice: What is a Portrait?
This activity will introduce students to photographic portraiture, and explore how portraits display their subjects to make a statement. They will also explore the ways in which they can learn more about artists and their subjects from their portraits.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    - Use portraits provided as an "I see, I think, I wonder" activity
    - Create self-portraits based on their identity
    ​- Students take a picture of one another and write a word/sentence used to describe their partner
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    ​- For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Composition

Creating Colourful Self-Portrait Collages
Students will create a self-portrait image and use secondary colours to paint a background for their self-portrait. They will paint different paint colours to match their skin. They will be guided through various anti-racist resources (books and a short film) as they go through the activity and answer questions as a class related to skin colour and why it is important. This is a multi-day activity.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use:
    - Watch/listen to read aloud "All the Colours We Are" from website. Connected to the book "Skin Again" by Bell Hooks
    ​- Practice mixing colours to create a colour closest to their skin colour; have students create a large batch and store in container for students to continue to use throughout the year, make sure students know their skin is beautiful
    - Can be connected to the book "Skin Again" by Bell Hooks
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, some accommodations may be required during discussion 
    - For hard of hearing and visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity 
Picasso's Peace Flowers
Students will create artwork which shows them the importance to be kind to each other. They read the "Shades of People" and go through some discussion questions. They will then represent differing skin colours through oil pastels on a painting - Picasso's flowers.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students choose a partner to create 1 artwork with​ and create a kind message 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, some accommodations may be required 
    - For visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity; may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events on each page 
Origami Reina
Lesson in origami. The most famous object in the Asian Art Museum’s collection and among the most celebrated ancient Chinese bronzes in the world, this is the only bronze work in the form of a rhinoceros known to have been made during the Shang dynasty (approx. 1600–1050 BCE). The museum affectionately refers to this object as Reina, which means princess or queen in Spanish.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    - Students learn about 'Ritual vessel in the shape of a rhinoceros' either by watching video or reading up on the information as a class and complete origami activity 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, some accommodations may be required 
    - For visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Japanese Hand Fan Craft
Students will learn about Japanese culture by creating a hand fan.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Art activity can be used alongside a class study on Japanese culture by reading about/listening to Japanese folktales (book)
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students 
Decorate and Fold a Paper Fan
In Korea, paper fans are used in a traditional dance called buchaechum, which is often performed by groups of female dancers wearing colored hanboks (Korean traditional dress). Through dance choreography and movement, the fans express the beauty of nature by creating impressions of flowers, butterflies, and water.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Art activity can be used alongside a class study on Korean culture by reading about/watching buchaechum 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, some accommodations may be required 
    - For visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Dragon Vase Painting Project
Students can create an art piece focusing on a dragon vase.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Art activity can be used alongside a class study on Japanese culture by reading about/listening to Japanese folktales (book)    ​​
    - Provides art lesson on how to create the art piece, includes printable vase template 
    - Discuss the symbolism of the dragon and importance in Asian culture (*note that Asian in this context is a very broad term and should be discussed)​
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal 
    - Accessible for hard of hearing, dependent on reading ability ​
    - Visually impaired students may require additional accommodations; may benefit from a read aloud that includes descriptions of images and events 
Make Chinese Paper Lanterns, Dragon and Dragon Dance
The Chinese New Year ends with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the celebration. Some of the lanterns may be works of art, painted with birds, animals, flowers, zodiac signs, and scenes from legend and history. People hang glowing lanterns in temples, and carry lanterns to an evening parade under the light of the full moon.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Art activity can be used alongside a class study on Chinese/Lunar New Year and Chinese culture     
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, some accommodations may be required 
    - For visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
Putting Together the Puzzle: Leo Valledor’s Shaped Canvases
Two lessons to help students understand Leo Valledor's choices behind his shaped canvas paintings.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Provides teacher packet with lesson plans and possible extensions 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing, some accommodations may be required 
    - For visually impaired students some accommodations may be required at some parts of the activity
The Power of Four
​The number four is powerful in Indigenous cultures. In this activity, students will be creating an original piece of art which showcases why the power of four is important in Indigenous cultures.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Connection to teachings of the Medicine Wheel and how we take care of ourselves
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard and hearing, and visually impaired
    - Some accommodations may be required - student dependent
The Art of Batik
PDF of an activity: Learn Batik, an Indonesian technique of wax-resist dyeing on cloth with using oil pastels and paint.​
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Wax resisting art using oil pastels and watercolour; technique can be used for a variety of activities
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired; some accommodations may be required 
Sudjana Kerton
​Activity inspired by Sudjana Kerton's piece, using shapes and patterns to evoke the gamelan traditional Indonesian ensemble.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Class discussion on the Indonesian orchestra; listen to gamelan music to make connections
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students, some accommodations may be required
Expression

Kujo's Kid Zone MiniEpisode 4 "Paper Mache"
An experiment. Kujo shows kids how to make a mask using paper mache.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use:
    - Paper mache art activity
  • Accessibility: 
    - Auto-generated captions
Black Lives Matter Posters
Students will learn how to draw a fist - the sign of liberation - in relation to social justice movements like Black Lives Matter. They will then design their own Black Lives Matter posters.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​​- Engage students in a discussion about the Black Lives Matter movement (see other resources to support beginning this discussion prior to beginning art task). Discuss the meaning and purpose of the movement as well as the historical context and continued relevance 
  • ​Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal and hard of hearing 
    - Additional accommodations required for visually impaired students
More than Peach Project
Students and teachers can learn about Bellen, a 9 year old girl who is a crayon activist. Bellen started a project to highlight the problematic use of Peach as "skin" tone. She created a set of crayons that represent the diverse skin colours that exist. Students can discuss the importance of finding the right tone to match their own beautiful skin.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Discussion on what crayons/pencil crayons we have that we can use to draw our skin colour accurately
  • Accessibility: 
    - No captions
Yeo Shih Yun
Ink painting online activity inspired by Yeo Shih Yun, a Singaporean artist. Uses spontaneity, unconventional brushes in her work.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Organization of images/ creating unified statement. Emphasis (proportions)/ Unity (patterns)/ Craftsmanship
  • Suggested use: 
    - Practice brush strokes on website before trying watercolour paints on an empty canvas 
    - Discuss how the colours/brushstrokes make them feel, or what it might remind them of
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students; additional accommodations may be required for some parts of the activity 
Odon the Giant – Story Time Draw Along
Students will draw their favourite small hero from the Philippine folk tale “Odon the Giant.”
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    - Art activity that can be used alongside class study on Philippine culture and folk tales 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students; additional accommodations may be required for some parts of the activity 
Fire Wrapped in Paper: Make Your Own Paper Lantern
In the story called “The Girl Who Used Her Wits” (also known as “The Clever Daughter-in-Law”), two sisters are tasked to find fire wrapped in paper and are stumped. Luckily, on their journey to visit their mother, they meet a clever girl who solved the riddle and gave them fire wrapped in paper – a lantern! Like the clever girl, create your own paper lantern and retell the Chinese folktale to your friends.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    - Provides PDF and PowerPoint Presentation with step-by-step instructions on art activity that can be used alongside class study on Chinese culture and folktales 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students; additional accommodations may be required for some parts of the activity 
Tiger and Puppy Paper Plate Animals
The story “Tiger and Puppy” is about a village with five families, where a mischievous tiger would eat all the food. An unlikely hero, a small puppy, comes to the rescue and helps the villagers capture the tiger.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    - Provides video of story and step-by-step instructions on art activity that can be used alongside class study on Korean culture and folktales 
  • Accessibility: 
    - Accessible for nonverbal, hard of hearing, and visually impaired students; additional accommodations may be required for some parts of the activity 
Reflection

Conversations with Colleagues
Part of being an anti-racist educator is calling out racism. Here are some guides to help you have those conversations with colleagues and students.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Use to inform teaching in anti-racism education
Black Lives Matter: An Open Letter to Art Educators on Constructing an Anti-Racist Agenda
An open letter from the Chair of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the National Art Education Association on the importance of anti-racist art education in the age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use:
    ​- Letter on how creating art and teaching art must be rooted in anti-racist practices
How Black Art Can Spark Conversations With Children
An article which describes the importance of showcasing Black art in art education and in education beyond.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Provides a variety of Black artists and their works in painting, collages, photography, and picture books
Art and Social Justice
"What is the relationship between art and social justice? How have artists over the last 100 years used their work to speak out against injustices, advocate for change, and honour the lived experiences of marginalized communities? This course uses artworks in LACMA’s collection to encourage critical thinking about historical and contemporary social justice issues, and build confidence in integrating art into interdisciplinary lesson plans that inspire real-world connections and elevate student agency."
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Self-paced course to help inform teaching in anti-racism and social justice, in relation to art
How Do Children of Colour Learn to Draw Themselves?
“You’re going to have one of the white children in that school call that child black, and that child is going to go home or ask the teacher, ask somebody: ‘What does that mean? I’m not black.’” This article explores the importance of anti-racist art education from multiple different perspectives - in the classroom, in the textbooks, and in the future of colouring.
  • Curriculum connection:
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Article with snippets from educators on how children of colour will perceive themselves in art based on the colours provided to them
Kids Think About Race and Art
The YouTube video chronicles a group of kids from various races and ethnicities who visit the Soul of the Nation exhibit in the UK, and have a conversation with Zoe Whitley (curator) about race and art.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter
  • Suggested use: 
    - Listen to children's perspective on the importance of representation in the art world
  • Accessibility: 
    - Captioned by creator
Anti-Racist Art Teachers
Working towards removing biases, stereotypes, and false narratives in art education.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter​
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Use to inform teaching in anti-racism education
Asian Educational Resources
Asian-focused website with many resources including videos, activities, and lessons.
  • Curriculum connection: 
    - Main focuses on theme/ subject matter and media & techniques. Using art as medium to say something. Varying purposes (tell a story/ record activities & people & events/ decoration/ express a feeling or message/ create original composition and subject matter​
  • Suggested use: 
    ​- Use to implement Asian-inspired art projects and lessons 
This website is created by Canadian Cultural Mosaic Foundation