Lesson Script: Creating Story Textiles
Duration: 50 Minutes
Grade Level: Year 6
Topic: Jeannie Baker
Objectives
- To use textiles as a medium for storytelling.
- To analyze the narrative aspect of textiles through examples in literature.
- To brainstorm personal stories that can be depicted through textile art.
- To begin working on a textile story panel as a creative project.
Introduction (10 Minutes)
Teacher's Introduction:
Welcome, everyone! Today, we will explore the fascinating world of textiles and how they can tell stories. We'll look closely at the work of Australian artist Jeannie Baker, who uses textiles and collage in her beautiful picture books.
Discussion Points:
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Who is Jeannie Baker?
- An overview of her background and artistic style.
- Discussion of her notable works, such as Where the Forest Meets the Sea and Home.
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Textiles as a Storytelling Medium:
- Explanation of how textiles can convey emotions, settings, and narratives.
- Examples of textiles in storytelling within different cultures.
Activity 1: Analyzing Textile Art (15 Minutes)
Group Activity:
-
Visual Analysis:
- Display images from Jeannie Baker's books on the smartboard/whiteboard.
- Ask students to describe what they see. What feelings does the use of fabric and texture evoke?
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Textile Story Discussion:
- Why might an artist choose textiles to tell a story instead of just words?
- Discuss how colour, pattern, and texture can impact the narrative.
-
Connection to Literature:
- Identify how narratives unfold through visuals rather than text.
- Questions for students:
- What story do you think the textiles are telling?
- How does the use of different fabrics help in expressing the characters or themes?
Activity 2: Brainstorming Personal Stories (15 Minutes)
Individual or Group Brainstorming:
-
Personal Story Creation:
- Each student will think about a personal story or memory that they would like to tell through textile art.
- Encourage them to consider elements like:
- Important life events
- Cultural background
- Family stories
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Guided Questions:
- What emotions do you want to express?
- What images or symbols represent your story?
- What colours or textures can you associate with your story?
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Sharing Ideas:
- Students can share their stories in small groups.
- Encourage constructive feedback and suggestions.
Activity 3: Beginning to Create Textile Story Panels (10 Minutes)
Starting the Creative Project:
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Materials Overview:
- Show the different types of textiles and materials available for them to use.
- Explain the tools they’ll be using (scissors, glue, etc.).
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Planning the Panel Layout:
- Students sketch a basic layout of their textile story panel.
- Discuss how they can represent their narrative through choice of fabric and composition.
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Getting Started:
- Allow students to begin selecting fabrics and starting assembly of their panels.
- Walk around to provide assistance and encouragement.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
Wrap-Up Discussion:
- Invite students to express what they enjoyed about today’s lesson and the stories they are inspired to tell.
- Remind students that they will continue to develop these panels in future classes.
- Encourage them to think about the message they want to convey through their textile story art.
Homework Assignment
- Students will write a short paragraph describing their textile story and the significance of their choices of colour, texture, and imagery. This will be shared during the next lesson.
Materials Needed
- Images of Jeannie Baker's textile art
- Variety of colorful fabrics, threads, and other textile materials
- Scissors, glue, sketch paper, and markers
- Access to a smartboard or projector for displaying images
Additional Notes:
- Ensure a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their personal stories.
- Consider providing examples of famous textile artists from different cultures for added inspiration.
This lesson focuses not only on developing artistic skills but also on promoting self-expression through narrative understanding, making it a rich learning experience for Year 6 students.