Lesson Plan for Year 6 - Art - Art History (20th century)

# Year 6 Art Lesson Plan: Art History (20th Century) ## Lesson Title: Exploring 20th Century Art Movements ### Age/Grade Level Year 6 ### Duration 2 Hours ### Lesson Objectives - Students will gain an understanding of major 20th-century art movements. - Students will be able to identify key characteristics and notable artists of these movements. - Students will create an artwork inspired by a 20th-century art movement of their choice. ### Materials Needed - PowerPoint presentation or printed materials covering major 20th-century art movements (e.g., Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art) - Art supplies (coloured pencils, paints, brushes, paper, scissors, glue, etc.) - Notebooks and pencils for brainstorming and sketching - Access to the internet for visual references (optional) ### Lesson Outline #### Introduction (15 Minutes) 1. **Hook:** Start with a brief discussion about what students think of when they hear "20th-century art." Ask them if they are familiar with any artists or styles from that period. 2. **Objective Sharing:** Explain that they will be learning about different art movements from the 20th century and creating their own artwork inspired by one of these movements. #### Mini-Lesson (30 Minutes) 1. **Presentation:** Use a PowerPoint or printed materials to introduce major 20th-century art movements. Cover the following: - **Cubism:** Key artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. Characteristics include fragmented objects and multiple viewpoints. - **Surrealism:** Key artists such as Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. Characteristics include dream-like, bizarre, and fantastical imagery. - **Abstract Expressionism:** Key artists such as Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko. Characteristics include abstract, expressive brushstrokes and emotional intensity. - **Pop Art:** Key artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. Characteristics include bright colours, commercial techniques, and imagery from popular culture. 2. **Discussion:** After each movement is introduced, ask for student observations and reflections. Encourage them to discuss what they find interesting or unique about each style. #### Guided Practice (15 Minutes) 1. **Group Brainstorming:** Divide the students into small groups. Ask each group to choose one of the discussed art movements and brainstorm ideas for an art piece inspired by that style. 2. **Sketching:** Each student should sketch a draft of their artwork in their notebooks. Encourage them to think about the key characteristics of their chosen movement. #### Independent Practice (50 Minutes) 1. **Creating Artwork:** Students will create their own artworks based on their sketches, using the provided art supplies. Remind them to incorporate the specific characteristics of their chosen 20th-century art movement. 2. **Teacher Support:** Walk around the room, offering guidance and feedback as students work on their projects. #### Conclusion (10 Minutes) 1. **Showcase:** Allow students to present their finished artworks to the class. Ask them to explain which movement inspired their piece and which characteristics they incorporated. 2. **Reflection:** Lead a group discussion on what they learned about 20th-century art movements and their creative processes. #### Extension Activities 1. **Research Project:** Assign students to research a 20th-century artist of their choice and present a short biography along with examples of their work. 2. **Art Gallery Visit:** If possible, organise a trip to a local art gallery or museum that features 20th-century art. ### Assessment - **Formative Assessment:** Observe student participation during discussions and group activities. - **Summative Assessment:** Evaluate the final artworks based on creativity, adherence to the style of the chosen art movement, and effort. ### Differentiation - For students needing additional support: Provide simplified materials, one-on-one assistance, and more structured guidance during the brainstorming and sketching phase. - For advanced students: Encourage more in-depth research into additional 20th-century movements or challenging them to combine elements from multiple styles in their artwork. ### Homework - **Reflection Essay:** Ask students to write a short essay on the artist or art movement they found most interesting and why. Encourage them to include thoughts on how 20th-century art has influenced modern art and culture. ### Resources - PowerPoint or PDF summarising key points of major art movements - Art supply kits - Books or articles about 20th-century art for deeper understanding This lesson plan aims to offer a comprehensive exploration of 20th-century art, encouraging both creative expression and critical thinking.