Art Lesson What Can You Do With a Dot?

Item description

This math-connected Kandinsky-inspired art lesson is easy, fun, and foolproof. Students’ creativity is activated as they use circles and dots to create a non-representational, abstract composition that shows unity and balance. This is a mixed-media lesson which uses common art materials and requires almost no preparation.

The lesson is introduced with an observation of and discussion about two Wassily Kandinsky paintings composed almost entirely of circles. The lesson offers students the opportunity to use geometry vocabulary as they discuss Kandinsky’s work.

This lesson includes the following:

– a list of art concepts and skills addressed

– national Visual Arts Standards information

– a list of materials needed

– targeted art and related vocabulary

– detailed steps for introducing the lesson

– suggestions for related read-aloud books

– suggestions for looking at art by Wasily Kandinsky

– directions for the art-making activity

– ideas for extending or varying the lesson

– ideas for looking at and discussing student work

– suggestions for writing extensions

– photographs of student art work for reference

 Also included: About Wassily Kandinsky artist biography and art reflection student worksheet.

 This comprehensive art lesson is designed to teach art appreciation, artist behavior, and art analysis.

National Core Visual Arts Standards are listed at the beginning of the lesson.

Listed grade levels are suggestions only; any of these lessons can be simplified or made more complex to work for any elementary grade.

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More art-making activities:
Abstract Shape Collage
Art Activities Math Integrated Geometry Meets Art
Art Task Cards

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I am a retired elementary classroom teacher, a former art teacher, an artist and a writer. I have a Multiple Subjects credential, a Single Subject credential for Art and English, LDS/ESL certification, a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Mathematics focus, and Montessori certification. I have worked with all elementary grades, and with special groups including ELL, GATE, and At-Risk students. Creating Art With Kids and Share2Learn lessons and resources are designed to foster student creativity, choice, and independence, and to encourage authentic art-making. Consideration is given to developmental appropriateness, differentiation possibilities, and teacher individuality. For this reason, directions are general, expectations are open-ended, and clip art on student pages is kept to a minimum.

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Terms of Use:

Permission is granted to copy for single classroom use only, including homeschool classrooms, for use with classroom students. Additional licenses may be purchased for a reduced price. Electronic distribution is limited to single classroom use. Public and/or online display are not authorized; this resource may not be posted on district or classroom websites, or on any teaching resource websites, without permission of the author. Please do not give away my work. 

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Connect With Me:

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Pinterest: Renee Goularte

Blog: Creating Art With Kids

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Enjoy!