Grow Up Great
Note: This is PART 2 of a two-part lesson and should be taught AFTER the lesson, Part 1: Expressing Emotion, found on this website.
Prior to beginning the lesson, cut 1 softball-sized piece of clay per child, plus 1 extra for demonstration. Keep additional clay available for children who need more. Place the clay rolls on a tray, and cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. If preparing the clay more than 1 day in advance, wrap clay carefully to prevent drying out.
A self-portrait is an artist’s creation of an image of him- or herself. Self-portraits can be paintings, drawings, or sculptures. When an artist creates an image of somebody else (as Rodin did in his Pierre de Wissant sculpture), it is called a portrait.
A sculpture is something that an artist builds with his or her hands. Sculptures show emotions or ideas. Sculptures can be abstract, meaning without objects you can name, or representational, meaning the artwork shows something you can name, like a tree or a house. Creating a sculpture is an artistic process of making three-dimensional artwork using clay, wood, stone, metal, paper, or any combination of these. Sculptures are different from paintings because paintings usually hang flat on a wall. Sculptures are usually objects that can be walked around and viewed from all sides.
These lessons are aligned with the Common Core State Standards ("CCSS"). The CCSS provide a consistent, clear understanding of the concepts and skills children are expected to learn and guide teachers to provide their students with opportunities to gain these important skills and foundational knowledge.**
A self-portrait is an artist’s creation of an image of him- or herself. Self-portraits can be paintings, drawings, or sculptures. When an artist creates an image of somebody else (as Rodin did in his Pierre de Wissant sculpture), it is called a portrait.
A sculpture is something that an artist builds with his or her hands. Sculptures show emotions or ideas. Sculptures can be abstract, meaning without objects you can name, or representational, meaning the artwork shows something you can name, like a tree or a house. Creating a sculpture is an artistic process of making three-dimensional artwork using clay, wood, stone, metal, paper, or any combination of these. Sculptures are different from paintings because paintings usually hang flat on a wall. Sculptures are usually objects that can be walked around and viewed from all sides.
Auguste Rodin was a famous artist from France. His artwork includes illustrations and paintings; however, he is most well-known for his sculptures. In fact, Rodin is considered to be one of the most important sculptors of his time (1840–1917). He is best known for his piece, The Thinker, which is among the most recognizable sculptures in the world.
- Keep extra clay available for the children as they are making noses and mouths in their sculptures.
- Once children are finished sculpting with the clay, they will need soap and water to completely clean their hands.
- Cover tables or work spaces with newspaper or butcher paper to make clean-up easier. Encourage children to keep their clay on their plates during the lesson.
- Clay (Threads) by Annabelle Dixon
- I Am America by Charles R. Smith Jr.
- Glad Monster, Sad Monster by Ed Emberley and Anne Miranda
- The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
While we believe that the books and resources recommended may be of value to you, keep in mind that these are suggestions only and you must do your own due diligence to determine whether the materials are appropriate and suitable for your use. PNC has no sponsorship or endorsement agreement with the authors or publishers of the materials listed.
There are currently no Common Core Standards for pre-k, but these lessons are aligned as closely as possible to capture the requirements and meet the goals of Common Core Standards. However, these lessons were neither reviewed or approved by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices or the Council of Chief State School Officers, which together are the owners and developers of the Common Core State Standards.
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