We began this lesson by looking at the artwork of artist Ted Harrison.  Harrison created vibrant, colorful landscapes.  We discussed mostly color and the horizon line.  Harrison uses different color blocks to break up space and gives it a sort of whimsical or mysterious quality.  

This was a 3-day project.  The first day was spent looking at and discussing Harrison's work as well as drawing the lines on their paper with pencil.  Students started with the horizon line and added more lines to separate the space.  Students had to decide if they wanted to draw a forest, a desert, ocean, etc.  One class did this project on white paper, the other on black.  
The second and third classes were spent using chalk pastels to really fill in the space with vivid color.  They were urged to push hard with the pastel and take their time getting the color nice and bright.  Most students enjoyed the pastels and got very messy.  Others (like myself) really disliked the feeling of the chalk pastels on their skin.  I allowed those students to use oil pastels instead.
This was a pretty quick project that overall the students enjoyed.  It was definitely the most messy project we've done so far this year!

This is a lesson from my amazing friend Mary Ann whom I student taught with at Evergreen Community Charter School.  I observed her teaching this to her third graders last year and fell in love with the project.

As my 3rd grade students this year were learning about astronomy, I decided that there would be no better time to teach this super fun project.  I love this project because the end result is amazing.   Also, there is glitter.  And I love glitter.

Step 1.  Students cut out large black circle.
Step 2.  Students look at images of the six basic human emotions, moonscapes, and fun moon face art found online.
Step 3.  Students use white oil and chalk pastels, black oil and chalk pastels and a few extra colors thrown in for the mix (browns, blues, etc) to draw a large face on their moon.  They must select on the the six emotions to try to capture.
Step 4.  We talk about highlights and shadows.  They use the white and light colors to create highlights, dark for shadows.  A few students understood this concept right away, other really struggled to understand.  
Step 5. Add moon characteristics such as craters and clouds.  Using the long side of chalk pastel to rub over surface creates nice shadows and clouds.
Step 6.  Cut out large white circle to glue behind moon face.
***Step 7.  Write a poem about the moon beginning with the words "I am the moon" (this was my favorite part)
Step 8.  Copy poem on white circular paper.
Step 9.  Use glue to add glitter to white circle or around moon eyes.
Step 10.  Be super excited about how adorable or funny moon is!

"I am the moon.  I am high in the sky.  You might see me at night because I shine bright.  My designs are a sight."

"I am the moon up in the sky I shine bright light.  You can see me every night.  I stay up when you are asleep."

"I am the moon glowing bright, your comfort in the night.  Way up high in the sky, I am the moon."

"I am the moon I'm high in the sky, I am sometimes shy.  I am very happy in the sky, I am the night, I shine bright."

"I am the moon I hover over planets and when it is dark I light the night so bright.  I am the moon"

::EDIT::

When I taught this lesson again, I switched it up a bit.  The students each did both a moon and a sun!  Each had a different facial expression/emotion.  They posted the faces onto a background paper and each student wrote a poem to go along with the moon and sun.  
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Some of these finished pieces were selected to be on display at 67 Biltmore Cafe in downtown Asheville.

Last week, the third grade students finished their Folk Art birds project.  Before beginning, I introduced the students to the term "Folk Art" and showed them local folk artists work.  
"Cornbread" is quite the well known local artist.  He does really fun, colorful bird and fish paintings.  The students really enjoyed his work.
http://www.jtfolkart.com/artist/john-cornbread-anderson/

I also showed the students artwork by Kent Ambler.  http://www.kentambler.net/

As the students viewed the bird artwork by local folk artists, I pointed out the simplicity of shape used to create the birds bodies and talked about how these were not realism but are more fun, free and expressive.

The Folk Birds that the students did were really cute and some are quite funny! 

Process:
1. Cut paper bag into long strip.
2. Using chalk pastel, draw three large connected squares to break up area into three.
3.  Draw large, very basic shapes for bird bodies.
4.  Using tempera cakes, paint inside bird body shape, do multiple layers if necessary for opacity.
5. Using a contrasting color, paint the inside of square shape surrounding the bird.
6. Use chalk pastel to add details of beak, eyes, feet, wings and tail.
7. Use chalk pastel to create pattern design behind bird.
8. Use chalk pastel to create border pattern.

After the projects were completed, a family member of one of the 3rd grade students was inspired by the project and did her own take on Folk Art Birds. Instead of using paint and chalk pastels, she used hand-dyed fabric and sewing instead! How cool!

3rd grade Folk Art Birds Lesson Plan


Overview
3rd grade
3-4 days
Students will observe local folk art and create unique multi-media art of birds.

NC Essential Standards
3.V.1.1 Use art vocabulary, including specific artistic terms. 3.V.1.4 Understand characteristics of the Elements of Art, including lines, shapes, colors, textures, form, space, and value.

3.V.3.2 Use a variety of media with refined skills. 
3.CX.1.1 Exemplify how visual arts are used by various groups for artistic expression within the local community. 
3.CX.1.3 Classify artists, styles, and movements. 
3.CX.1.5 Use local, natural, or recycled resources to create art.

Materials
Used paper grocery bag, chalk pastels, tempera cakes

Art Vocabulary
Folk Art, lines, shapes, colors, Kent Ambler, "Cornbread", contrast