Elementary Lesson Plan

Title: Abstract Watercolor Weaving

TN Standards, SPIs:
Standard 1.0 Media, Techniques, and Processes: Students will understand and apply media, techniques, and
processes.
2.1.spi.9 Compare and contrast a variety of techniques and processes used in creating a personal work of art.
Standard 2.0 Structures and Functions: Students will use knowledge of structures and functions.
2.2.spi.6 Create and evaluate a functional work of art that could be used in everyday life.
Standard 3.0 Evaluation: Students will choose and evaluate a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.
2.3.spi.4 Create a work of art representing a specified theme.
Standard 5.0 Reflection and Assessment: Students will reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of
their work and the work of others.
2.5.spi.8 Compare the reasons for their personal preferences in their own art works and in works of others.
Standard 6.0 Interdisciplinary Connections: Students will make connections between visual arts and other
disciplines.
2.6.spi.2 Recognize similarities and differences between visual arts and other disciplines

Grade Level: 2nd

Subject: Visual Art

Knowledge/Skills (Objectives): The student will be able to…

1) Discuss the content of Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge.
2) Analyze the watercolor illustrations of a book, focusing on pattern.
3) Create a weaving that demonstrates understanding of watercolor techniques and pattern.
4) Reflect upon the artistic experience by explaining processes and choices.

Vocabulary:
pattern, watercolor, wash, resist, dry brush, wet on wet, weaving

Guiding Questions:
How many different ways can you use watercolors?
Who is special in your life, and how could you make a gift for that person?

Instructional Strategies:
small group discussion, whole group discussion, teacher demonstration, peer tutoring, one-on-one instruction,
independent production, visual aids

Duration: 2 weeks

Motivation/Lesson Opening:
The teacher will ask students “Who is special to you?” Students will write names or draw pictures in their
sketchbooks, or on scrap paper. When finished, the teacher will explain that they will be making a special gift for a
special person.

Materials:
Art-Making: 9” x 12” white paper, 9” x 12” black construction paper, scissors, crayons, watercolor sets, brushes,
water cups, paper towels, salt shakers, mat board, glue
Other: Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox, illustrated by Julie Vivas, instructional posters illustrating
the steps for each watercolor technique, prepared by the teacher in advance
Teacher Procedures: The teacher will…
1) Call students to the rug and read aloud Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge. Next, the teacher will ask
students probing questions about the story: What do you think a memory is? How did Wilfred Gordon
McDonald Partridge show he was kind and caring? What could you give, of your own, that would make
someone feel warm, remember long ago, make them laugh or cry, and that is just as precious as gold? Do
you think what Wilfred did was special? What could you do to be kind to someone?
2) Lead a critique of an illustration from the book, emphasizing patterns and the qualities of watercolors.
3) Demonstrate watercolor techniques: wet on wet, crayon resist, splatter, scratch resist, wet on wet with salt,
and dry brush.
4) Demonstrate folding the white and black paper like a fan into four 2 ½ “ x 12” strips.
5) Instruct students to experiment on the white paper with each watercolor technique, and to use several
sheets of paper so that they will have many choices when they get to the weaving step (use finished
weaving as illustration).
6) Demonstrate cutting the strips of paper once the paint has dried, as well as cutting the black paper.
7) Demonstrate weaving the papers together.
8) Help students mount their weavings to the mat board.
9) Work with individual students who need additional help.
10) Instruct “early finishers” to write a note to the special person that expresses how they feel about that
person.

Student Procedures: The students will…

1) Listen to the read aloud of the book and answer the reflective questions.
2) Pick a special person to whom they would like to give their finished weaving.
3) Fold the white paper, and fill each strip with a watercolor technique. They should use each technique at
least one time.
4) Fold the black paper into strips in the same manner.
5) Cut the papers into strips, using the folds as guides.
6) Weave the strips together.
7) Mount the weaving on a mat board.
8) Write a note to the person that expresses how special he or she is.
9) Tutor other students who need additional help.

Assessments/activities/projects/performances:
checklist or rubric

Closure:
Show & Tell: Students will display their weavings. Each student will explain how he or she made the weaving, why
certain choices were made, and the special person who will be receiving the gift. The teacher will guide the
students with probing questions.

Cross-Curricular Activities/Connections:
language arts, character development

Source: “Abstract Watercolor Weaving” created by Teresa Holt. Nasco Artworks.

http://www.enasco.com/artsandcrafts/page/ac_lesson/?
utm_source=arts&crafts&utm_medium=showcase&utm_campaign=artworks