Lesson Plan: Exploring the National Gallery of Art: Unveiling the Treasures of Washington, DC
Lesson Plan: Exploring the National Gallery of Art: Unveiling the Treasures of Washington, DC
Grade Level: 3-5
Objective: By the end of this lesson, students will gain knowledge about the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, its history, and its famous artworks. Students will engage in research, art analysis, and creative writing activities to deepen their understanding of the gallery and its significance in the art world.
Common Core Standards:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1: Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions on grade-level topics, expressing ideas clearly and building on the ideas of others.
Materials:
- Books, articles, or online resources about the National Gallery of Art
- Images of famous artworks from the National Gallery of Art
- Paper and pencils
- Chart paper or whiteboard for group discussions
Procedure:
1. Introduction (5 minutes):
- Begin the lesson by discussing the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, as a renowned museum housing extraordinary artworks.
- Show images of famous artworks from the gallery to capture students' interest and curiosity.
2. Research and Note-Taking (20 minutes):
- Provide books, articles, or online resources about the National Gallery of Art for students to conduct research.
- Instruct students to take notes on the history of the gallery, its founders, and its mission to preserve and showcase art.
- Encourage students to refer to details and examples in the text when explaining what the text says explicitly.
3. Art Analysis (15 minutes):
- Display images of famous artworks from the National Gallery of Art.
- Instruct students to analyze the artworks, paying attention to the colors, shapes, and subjects depicted.
- Ask students to discuss their interpretations of the artworks and what emotions or messages they believe the artists were trying to convey.
4. Group Discussion: Art Appreciation (20 minutes):
- Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a different artwork from the National Gallery of Art.
- Provide chart paper or a whiteboard for each group to record their discussions.
- Instruct each group to discuss and share their findings about the assigned artwork, including their favorite aspects, what they think the artist was trying to communicate, and why they find the artwork meaningful.
- Encourage students to engage effectively in collaborative discussions, expressing ideas clearly and building on the ideas of others.
5. Creative Writing: Artwork Reflection (30 minutes):
- Instruct students to choose one artwork from the National Gallery of Art and write a creative reflection about it.
- Ask students to describe the artwork in detail, including the elements and principles of art they observe.
- Encourage students to convey their emotions and thoughts about the artwork, explaining why they find it inspiring or meaningful.
6. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes):
- Allow students to share their artwork reflections with a partner or small group, providing feedback and discussing the highlights of their exploration of the National Gallery of Art.
- Conclude the lesson by facilitating a whole-class discussion, allowing students to share their overall impressions and reflections on the significance of art and the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage.
Common Core Labels Correlations:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.4.1
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.3.2
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1
A visit to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. But it was all a dream.
