Grade Level: Grades 1-6
Subject Area: Visual Art and Language Arts
Half day or full day options

Our young artists had an extraordinary time exploring mixed media art making. We dove into the mesmerizing world of watercolours, using professional grade paints and thick watercolour paper to bring our imaginations to life. 

The students took it to the next level by cutting up our vibrant paintings to form stunning floral shapes, which we then skillfully sewed onto our other masterpieces. Students experimented with various sewing and stitching techniques, using threads in shades of gold, silver, bronze and a rainbow of colours to create captivating shapes and forms. To add an extra touch of magic, we adorned our creations with beads and buttons, generously provided by a wonderful group of women who have been actively collecting vintage buttons for us. 

The kids were absolutely enchanted by the designs, colours, shapes and sizes of these vintage treasures! The joy and wonder on their faces as they brought their visions to life through art were simply priceless. Thank you to our amazing community for supporting us in igniting the spark of creativity in our children!

Curriculum Expectations:

Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum Expectations in Art:

• Explore the use of various art forms, materials and tools to create visual art pieces (1-6)

• Demonstrate an understanding of colour, shape, line and texture in visual art (1-6)

• Experiment with different techniques and processes in creating visual art (1-6)

• Use elements and principles of design to create visual art (1-6)

• Reflect on their own artwork and the artwork of others (1-6)

Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum Expectations in Language Arts:

• Communicate ideas effectively through various forms of writing and oral communication (1-6)

• Use descriptive language to express thoughts and feelings (1-6)

• Respond to and analyze visual art pieces (1-6)

Lesson Plan:

Introduction:

1. Begin the lesson by displaying examples of vibrant watercolour paintings and floral art pieces from artists throughout history.

2. Engage students in a discussion about watercolour painting and the emotions and ideas it can evoke.

3. Explain how the students will be exploring the world of watercolours and sewing to create their own unique floral masterpieces.

Half Day Option:

Art Activity:

1. Provide each student with professional-grade watercolour paints, thick watercolour paper and paintbrushes.

2. Instruct students to create watercolour paintings using vibrant colours and various techniques, emphasizing the use of colour, shop, line and texture. Separate worksheets provided for follow-up learning.

3. Encourage students to experiment with different brushstrokes and blending techniques to add depth and dimension to their paintings.

4. Once the paintings are dry, guide students in cutting their paintings into stunning floral shapes, such as flowers, leaves or petals. 

5. Introduce basic sewing and stitching techniques using needles, threads in shades of gold, silver, bronze and a rainbow of colours, beads and buttons. Provide assistance as needed.

6. Instruct students to sew their floral shapes onto their masterpieces, creating mixed media forms and designs. 

7. Encourage students to reflect on their artwork as they sew, discussing their choices of colours, shapes and stitching techniques.

Add on for full day option -

Language Arts Connection:

1. Integrate language arts by having students write a descriptive paragraph or poem about their watercolour paintings and floral masterpieces.

2. Instruct students to use descriptive language to express their thoughts and feelings about their artwork, emphasizing the use of vivid adjectives and sensory details. 

3. Provide time for students to share their written reflections with the class, fostering communication and analytical skills.

Extended ideas for classroom teachers:

1. Display the students’ finished floral masterpieces in a gallery-style setting within the classroom or school.

2. Celebrate the students’ creativity and artistic achievements by inviting parents, teachers and the community to an art exhibition.

3. Reflect on the process of creating the artwork, discussing what the students learned and how they can apply their newfound skills in future art projects in journals.

Note: It’s essential to adapt the lesson plan’s duration, resources and instructions based on the grade level and individual needs of the students.