Instructional Plan
Sequence and Organization of the Unit
For this unit we focused on the student’s identity through superheroes because we felt this was a topic that the students would enjoy and be engaged in. Students started by exploring their own identity through a collage self-portrait. We then asked them to think of their traits and interests to create a superpower they could have that would help their community. This led to the creation of their superheroes. Once the students were superheroes and had superpowers we had them design a symbol and costume that they could be recognized by in the community. They were asked to consider the intent behind the colors and shapes they were using so that they were making artist decisions. Finally the students will finish up the unit by reflecting back on why they made the artwork they had over the last few weeks in an artist statement video. Then they will take on a different perspective and focus on assemblage to make connections to everything they had done this semester.
For this unit we focused on the student’s identity through superheroes because we felt this was a topic that the students would enjoy and be engaged in. Students started by exploring their own identity through a collage self-portrait. We then asked them to think of their traits and interests to create a superpower they could have that would help their community. This led to the creation of their superheroes. Once the students were superheroes and had superpowers we had them design a symbol and costume that they could be recognized by in the community. They were asked to consider the intent behind the colors and shapes they were using so that they were making artist decisions. Finally the students will finish up the unit by reflecting back on why they made the artwork they had over the last few weeks in an artist statement video. Then they will take on a different perspective and focus on assemblage to make connections to everything they had done this semester.
Methods for Integrating Literacy, Numeracy, Technology, and Other Relevant Subjects
Literacy:
Throughout our unit plan we incorporated literacy into each of our lessons. In the majority of our lessons the students included some form of writing in their planning process. They listed ideas about their identities and while brainstorming for their superheroes. When the students learned about famous artists in our lessons they had to compare and contrast artists and their work, helping them determine similarities and differences in both art and their daily lives. While creating their artist statement videos, the students first had to read the questions they will be asked and write down the answers they wanted to respond with in their videos. Discussion was also a big form of literacy that we used in each lesson. Not only did they discuss their artistic decisions in their videos but also at the end of each lesson they had the opportunity to discuss their ideas and artwork and their thoughts on their classmates artwork as well.
Numeracy:
We integrated numeracy in our lesson plans. In our second lesson the students were creating mono-prints which incorporated multiple forms of numeracy. With the process of creating mono-prints there is a specific sequence that is necessary to create a successful print. The students were able to follow the sequence to create their art. Problem solving is also an important form of numeracy that the students used this semester. Many of the processes and techniques we used required trial and error as students were experimenting and using these materials. Students made discoveries while persevering through these processes and had the opportunity to explain to the class how they used problem solving to create this discovery.
Technology:
We integrated technology in our lesson through using PowerPoint presentations to introduce new concepts as well as review previous concepts we had covered earlier in the semester. We used these presentations as a way to make the learning more interactive with moving images and as a way to direct questioning. The students also had a way to directly interact with and use technology in our fourth lesson. The students had to learn how to use the Flip Cameras and work together to create these digital works of art.
Literacy:
Throughout our unit plan we incorporated literacy into each of our lessons. In the majority of our lessons the students included some form of writing in their planning process. They listed ideas about their identities and while brainstorming for their superheroes. When the students learned about famous artists in our lessons they had to compare and contrast artists and their work, helping them determine similarities and differences in both art and their daily lives. While creating their artist statement videos, the students first had to read the questions they will be asked and write down the answers they wanted to respond with in their videos. Discussion was also a big form of literacy that we used in each lesson. Not only did they discuss their artistic decisions in their videos but also at the end of each lesson they had the opportunity to discuss their ideas and artwork and their thoughts on their classmates artwork as well.
Numeracy:
We integrated numeracy in our lesson plans. In our second lesson the students were creating mono-prints which incorporated multiple forms of numeracy. With the process of creating mono-prints there is a specific sequence that is necessary to create a successful print. The students were able to follow the sequence to create their art. Problem solving is also an important form of numeracy that the students used this semester. Many of the processes and techniques we used required trial and error as students were experimenting and using these materials. Students made discoveries while persevering through these processes and had the opportunity to explain to the class how they used problem solving to create this discovery.
Technology:
We integrated technology in our lesson through using PowerPoint presentations to introduce new concepts as well as review previous concepts we had covered earlier in the semester. We used these presentations as a way to make the learning more interactive with moving images and as a way to direct questioning. The students also had a way to directly interact with and use technology in our fourth lesson. The students had to learn how to use the Flip Cameras and work together to create these digital works of art.
Strategies for Classroom Management relevant to Lessons Taught in the Unit
During this semester routines were a main component of our classroom management because it is important for students to have structure in the classroom so they know what to expect and what is expected of them. Part of our main routine was to have a power point presentation to introduce what we would be working on that day in class. During this time we involved the students in discussion by asking the students questions of new concepts and also as a review for things we had covered before. This was a way for us to see what prior knowledge students had about the concepts as well as to make sure that students understood previously taught concepts.
Another component of our routine was to make sure students had a visual of how the clean-up process should go. This was a way for us to talk about what responsibilities they had. Also when someone didn’t know what to do we just told them to look at the board and then they could find it themselves. Having a clean-up visual was especially important on day one of our third lesson. This was because students were given the opportunity to work in stations and to make sure they got enough time to work at both the clean-up in between had to go smoothly. Since we already had established a routine of the clean-up process being on the board it made the transitions on this day most successful.
Giving demonstrations of the process the students would be working with was also established as part of our routine. This was important for our classroom because we used new processes and materials that students hadn’t had an opportunity to work with yet. When giving a demonstration we made sure to allow students to ask questions at any time as long as they raised their hand. Also during demonstrations we made sure to point out any safety concerns we had to the students. We also made sure to tell them the correct way to be safe while using all materials.
Also during this semester we used the attending skills system that Brittany already had in place in her classroom. This meant that anytime during the class session that we or student wanted to get the attention of the class they would ring a bell that was placed on Brittany’s desk. This was a symbol that meant everyone needed to stop what they were doing and give their full attention to the speaker by the bell. Also when students would get off topic during a presentation we would count down from five and this would signal that everyone needed to stop their conversations and bring their attention back to the presentation. These were very helpful tools that Brittany already had in place in the classroom that helped us be successful at classroom management.
During this semester routines were a main component of our classroom management because it is important for students to have structure in the classroom so they know what to expect and what is expected of them. Part of our main routine was to have a power point presentation to introduce what we would be working on that day in class. During this time we involved the students in discussion by asking the students questions of new concepts and also as a review for things we had covered before. This was a way for us to see what prior knowledge students had about the concepts as well as to make sure that students understood previously taught concepts.
Another component of our routine was to make sure students had a visual of how the clean-up process should go. This was a way for us to talk about what responsibilities they had. Also when someone didn’t know what to do we just told them to look at the board and then they could find it themselves. Having a clean-up visual was especially important on day one of our third lesson. This was because students were given the opportunity to work in stations and to make sure they got enough time to work at both the clean-up in between had to go smoothly. Since we already had established a routine of the clean-up process being on the board it made the transitions on this day most successful.
Giving demonstrations of the process the students would be working with was also established as part of our routine. This was important for our classroom because we used new processes and materials that students hadn’t had an opportunity to work with yet. When giving a demonstration we made sure to allow students to ask questions at any time as long as they raised their hand. Also during demonstrations we made sure to point out any safety concerns we had to the students. We also made sure to tell them the correct way to be safe while using all materials.
Also during this semester we used the attending skills system that Brittany already had in place in her classroom. This meant that anytime during the class session that we or student wanted to get the attention of the class they would ring a bell that was placed on Brittany’s desk. This was a symbol that meant everyone needed to stop what they were doing and give their full attention to the speaker by the bell. Also when students would get off topic during a presentation we would count down from five and this would signal that everyone needed to stop their conversations and bring their attention back to the presentation. These were very helpful tools that Brittany already had in place in the classroom that helped us be successful at classroom management.
Unit Lesson Plans
Super Identity: Collages
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Super Identity: Superhero Symbol Mono-Prints
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Super Creation: Superhero Costumes
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Super Community: Superhero Videos
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Super Community: Super Fan Boards
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