# Year 2 Art Appreciation Lesson Plan
**Subject:** The Arts
**Grade Level:** Year 2
**Lesson Title:** Art Appreciation
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objective:** Students will be able to identify and describe basic elements of art (line, color, shape, and texture) and express their opinions about different artworks.
## Materials Needed:
- Art prints or digital images from various artists (both contemporary and historical)
- Chart paper and markers
- Construction paper
- Crayons, markers, colored pencils
- Glue sticks and scissors
- Worksheet template for art analysis (simple questions)
- Interactive whiteboard or projector (optional)
## Standards:
- Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes
- Using knowledge of structures and functions in art
- Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others
## Introduction (10 minutes):
1. **Greeting and Objective:** Welcome the students and explain that today they will learn about appreciating art by observing and discussing different artworks.
2. **Hook:** Show an engaging piece of art (e.g., Van Gogh's "Starry Night" or a contemporary kid-friendly piece). Prompt students with questions such as:
- “What do you see in this picture?”
- “How does it make you feel?”
- “What colors and shapes do you notice?”
## Instruction (15 minutes):
1. **Basic Elements of Art:** Introduce and briefly explain the basic elements of art.
- **Line:** Straight, wavy, thick, thin.
- **Color:** Primary, secondary, warm, cool.
- **Shape:** Geometric (circle, square) and organic (leaf, cloud).
- **Texture:** How things feel or look like they might feel (smooth, rough).
2. **Discussion:** Using a second artwork, facilitate a guided discussion to help students identify the basic elements of art.
- Use targeted questions: “Can you find where the artist used lines? What colors do you see?”
## Activity (20 minutes):
1. **Visual Exploration:** Hand out a selection of different art prints around the classroom or set up a rotating gallery. Have students walk around and spend a few minutes observing each piece.
2. **Art Analysis Worksheet:** Provide each student with a simple art analysis worksheet. Worksheet could include:
- Draw or name the shapes you see.
- Circle the colors used in this artwork.
- Draw a line like you see in the artwork (smooth, wavy, zigzag).
3. **Group Sharing:** Have students pair up and share their worksheets with each other, explaining what they observed.
## Art-Making Activity (10 minutes):
1. **Create Your Own Art:** Hand out construction paper and art supplies. Allow students to create their own artwork inspired by what they saw and discussed. Encourage them to use at least one element of art they learned about (line, color, shape, or texture).
## Closure (5 minutes):
1. **Gallery Walk:** Have students display their artwork and do a short 'gallery walk' where they can admire each other's work.
2. **Reflection:** Gather the students and ask:
- “What was your favorite part of looking at the art?”
- “How did it feel to make your own art inspired by others?”
## Assessment:
- Informal observation of student participation and engagement during discussions and activities.
- Review of completed worksheets to check for understanding of basic art elements.
- Evaluation of student artwork with a focus on the use of discussed elements.
## Extensions:
- Invite a local artist to talk about their work and process.
- Set up a classroom “art museum” with students’ artwork and have a day where students can bring in family members to view the pieces.
- Create a digital gallery of famous art pieces for students to explore and discuss.
## Notes:
- Ensure that art prints/images selected are age-appropriate and culturally diverse.
- Encourage a positive atmosphere where all students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and creations.
Adapt as needed for the specific interests and needs of the students.