Lesson Plan: Exploring Autumn Through Art

Grade Level: secondry

Subject: Art

Duration: 2 class periods (approximately 90 minutes each)

Materials Needed:

• Drawing paper or sketchbooks
• Pencils, erasers, and sharpeners
• Colored pencils, watercolors, or markers
• Reference images or photographs of autumn scenes, animals, and holidays
• Fall-themed props (leaves, pine cones, etc.)
• Computers or tablets with internet access (optional)

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the essence of autumn: Students will learn about the characteristics of autumn, including its colors, sights, animals, weather, and holidays.
2. Express creativity through art: Students will use various art techniques to create visual representations of autumn scenes and elements.
3. Develop observation skills: Students will practice observing and drawing objects, animals, and scenes accurately.

Lesson Plan:

Day 1: Introduction to Autumn and Sketching

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Begin by discussing the concept of autumn, its characteristics, and what makes it unique.
2. Show images or photographs that represent autumn colors, sights, animals, weather, and holidays to engage students’ interest.

Activity 1 – Autumn Mind Map (15 minutes)

1. Provide each student with a sheet of paper and ask them to create a mind map of words and ideas associated with autumn.
2. Encourage them to brainstorm words related to colors, sights, animals, weather, and holidays.

Activity 2 – Observational Sketching (30 minutes)

1. Distribute pencils, erasers, and sketchbooks to students.
2. Show various autumn-themed objects (leaves, pine cones, etc.) and ask students to choose one and sketch it in detail.
3. Emphasize the importance of observing details and textures.

Discussion and Sharing (15 minutes)

1. Have students share their sketches and describe what they observed during the sketching activity.
2. Discuss the importance of observation and how it relates to art.

Day 2: Creating Autumn Art

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Recap the previous day’s discussion about autumn characteristics.
2. Explain that today, students will create autumn-themed artwork using various art techniques.

Activity 1 – Autumn Landscape (40 minutes)

1. Provide students with reference images of autumn landscapes or show them online.
2. Instruct students to choose an autumn scene they find appealing and start sketching it in their sketchbooks.
3. Encourage the use of autumn colors and details like falling leaves, trees, and the sky.

Activity 2 – Autumn Animals (30 minutes)

1. Provide images of animals commonly associated with autumn (e.g., squirrels, owls, or migrating birds).
2. Ask students to select an animal and create a detailed sketch or drawing.
3. Emphasize the unique characteristics of the chosen animal and its connection to autumn.

Activity 3 – Autumn Holidays (20 minutes)

1. Discuss autumn holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving and their symbolism.
2. Encourage students to create artwork that represents these holidays or their personal experiences related to them.

Wrap-Up (10 minutes)

1. Allow students to share their completed artwork with the class.
2. Discuss how they incorporated autumn elements into their art.

Assessment:

• Evaluate students based on the quality of their artwork, attention to detail, and their ability to incorporate autumn characteristics into their pieces.

Homework (Optional):

• Assign students to research an aspect of autumn (e.g., a specific animal, holiday tradition, or weather phenomenon) and create a short written report or presentation for the next class.

Extension Activity (Optional):

• Take students on a nature walk to observe and collect autumn-related items like leaves, twigs, or pine cones. Use these items in a mixed-media art project.