Planning Backwards Model* Teaching Artist Practicum

Name of Project: Self Portraits

School/Teacher/Classroom or Arts Organization/Mentor: Urban Arts Academy/ La Kong

Grade Level or Age of Participants: Preschool (2-5 yrs)

MCAD Teaching Artist: Dana Sexton

Number of Students: Unknown (At least 6)

OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

The students will get a piece of paper, crayons and a small mirror. I will bring in many images of self portraits by the classes Artist of the Month, Jean Michel Basquiat. The students will be able to just draw and learn about observational drawing and hand-eye coordination.

“BIG IDEAS”/ ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S)

The Big Idea will be to have fun and continue to work on their drawing skills while also being able to relate to a famous artist. Students will struggle with figuring out how to mimic what they see in the mirror but it will help them understand more about themselves.

STUDENT OUTCOME OBJECTIVES

Students will:
1. Learn observational skills
2. Achieve growth in drawing ability 3. Gain better hand-eye coordination

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE

How to draw and/or hold a crayon

LESSON PREPARATION TIMELINE

Meet with La Kong
Meet with Lynda
Buy / acquire materials
Go to Urban Arts Academy, set out materials on one of the round tables

Explain project briefly to students assistants

EXAMPLES OF ARTWORK

Will have digital prints of Jean Michel Basquiat’s self portraits

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

MATERIALS

Paper
Crayons
6 small plastic mirrors

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TIMING

1. Prep table with materials
2. When students get into circle me, La and Hilary will discuss what will be worked on during the next 30 minutes
3. Show students several print outs of self portraits and introduction to project
4. Help students get started
5. Assist with ideas, hold mirror for them if they ask

TEACHING ARTIST REFLECTION

I assume some students will pick different tables to work at instead of mine, not finish, get frustrated with their face and how to draw it.
This project fits within the context of their Artist of the Month.
The students will take home their portraits to their families.

I will receive feedback from myself watching the video I take teaching, also from La Kong after.

For this project I intend on the children to have fun and get to have a better understanding about themselves. I think by them looking in the mirror and having references to self portraits that are not realist or possess aspects they are unable to achieve will hopefully encourage them to be experimental with the way their portraits look.