Course Plan: Exploring Jeannie Baker's Windows
Course Introduction
This course is designed for Year 6 students to explore the artwork of Australian artist Jeannie Baker, particularly her unique use of mixed media and collage in picture books. Students will delve into the themes and techniques Baker employs in her art while creating their own mixed media artworks inspired by her style. This five-lesson course will encourage creativity, artistic expression, and critical thinking, as well as enhance students' understanding of visual storytelling.
Course Goals
- To introduce students to the works and artistic style of Jeannie Baker.
- To explore the themes of connection with nature, community, and storytelling in Baker’s art.
- To develop students' mixed media and collage techniques.
- To create original artworks inspired by Jeannie Baker's aesthetics.
- To encourage reflection and discussion about the themes and processes of visual arts.
Course Aims
- Enhance students' visual literacy and appreciation of art.
- Foster creativity through hands-on experiences in creating original artwork.
- Develop critical thinking skills through analysis of artworks.
- Promote collaborative learning through peer feedback and discussions.
Lesson Breakdown
Lesson 1: Introduction to Jeannie Baker
Module A: Artist Background
- Objective: Learn about Jeannie Baker’s life, career, and artistic influences.
- Activities:
- Presentation on Jeannie Baker, highlighting her major works and contributions to children's literature through art.
- Discuss the themes of nature and environment in her works.
- Reading excerpts from “Window” to observe her style and thematic expression.
Lesson 2: Themes in Baker’s Art
Module B: Analysis of Themes
- Objective: Analyze key themes in Baker’s work, particularly nature and community.
- Activities:
- Group discussion about how Baker represents nature and community in "Window."
- Create a mind map of additional themes they observe in her art.
- Begin developing personal themes for their own artwork that connect to their lives.
Lesson 3: Exploring Techniques and Materials
Module C: Mixed Media and Collage Techniques
- Objective: Learn about mixed media and collage techniques used by Jeannie Baker.
- Activities:
- Demonstration of materials (paper, fabric, natural elements) and techniques (layering, gluing, cutting).
- Students experiment with different materials to create samples of collage techniques.
- Discuss how these techniques can enhance their storytelling.
Lesson 4: Create Your Artwork
Module D: Artistic Creation
- Objective: Start the creation of a personal artwork inspired by Jeannie Baker.
- Activities:
- Students sketch their ideas based on the themes they mapped out previously.
- Begin to create their mixed media artwork, using techniques learned.
- Peer review sessions where students share their artistic progress and give constructive feedback.
Lesson 5: Reflection and Presentation
Module E: Sharing Artworks
- Objective: Reflect on the artistic process and present their finished works.
- Activities:
- Finalize their artworks and prepare for presentation.
- Host a mini-exhibition where students present their art pieces to the class, explaining their themes and techniques.
- Reflective discussion on what they learned about Jeannie Baker and their own artistic process.
Assessment and Evaluation
Students will be assessed on their participation in discussions, the creativity and originality of their artwork, and their ability to articulate their artistic choices during presentations.
References
- Baker, J. (1996). Window. A & R Classics.
- Baker, J. (1991). Where the Forest Meets the Sea. North South Books.
- Aesthetic Education, Australian Curriculum: Arts. Retrieved from Australian Curriculum
- Boal, A. (1992). Games for Actors and Non-Actors. Routledge.
- AusArt, Understanding Visual Art. Retrieved from AusArt
This course will provide a comprehensive exploration of Jeannie Baker's art while fostering students' creativity and analytical skills, preparing them for a deeper appreciation of visual storytelling.