Course Plan: Exploring "Home in the Sky" by Jeannie Baker
Introduction
Welcome to our Year 2 Art course, where we will embark on a creative journey through the beautiful and imaginative world of Jeannie Baker's "Home in the Sky." This course aims to enrich our understanding of storytelling through art, engage with environmental themes, and encourage creativity and expression in our young artists.
Throughout this five-lesson course, students will explore the themes, techniques, and artistry of Jeannie Baker while developing their own creative skills. The curriculum complies with the Australian Curriculum standards for the Arts, fostering a love for literature and visual arts.
Course Goals and Aims
Goals:
- To understand and appreciate the themes in Jeannie Baker's "Home in the Sky."
- To explore various artistic techniques and materials used by Jeannie Baker.
- To encourage creativity and self-expression in students through art.
- To develop visual literacy and critical thinking skills in art appreciation.
Aims:
- Students will analyze and discuss the narrative and illustrations of "Home in the Sky."
- Students will experiment with collage-making and other artistic techniques.
- Students will create their own artworks inspired by the themes of the book.
- Students will reflect on their and others' artwork and articulate their thoughts.
Lesson Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Jeannie Baker and "Home in the Sky"
Module 1: Who is Jeannie Baker?
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Objectives:
- Introduce Jeannie Baker as an author and illustrator.
- Discuss her style and the materials she uses.
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Activities:
- Read "Home in the Sky" aloud.
- Look at illustrations and discuss the story.
- Share students' prior knowledge or experiences related to homes and nature.
Lesson 2: Themes of Nature and Environment
Module 2: Exploring Themes
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Objectives:
- Explore themes of nature, habitat, and community in "Home in the Sky."
- Discuss the importance of protecting our environment.
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Activities:
- Group discussion on the different homes depicted in the book.
- Create a mind map of themes (e.g., sky, home, environment).
- Watch a short video on the importance of nature conservation.
Lesson 3: Artistic Techniques – Collage and Texture
Module 3: Collage Making
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Objectives:
- Understand the collage technique used by Jeannie Baker.
- Experiment with various textures and materials.
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Activities:
- Review the types of materials used in collages from "Home in the Sky."
- Introduce students to different textural materials (paper, fabric, etc.).
- Create sample collages focusing on texture and shape.
Lesson 4: Creating Personal Collage Art
Module 4: Expressing Individual Stories
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Objectives:
- Create a personal collage artwork inspired by "Home in the Sky."
- Incorporate learned techniques in their art.
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Activities:
- Students brainstorm their own 'homes' using a mind map.
- Begin creating their own collage artworks that represent their ideas.
- Share their progress with peers for feedback.
Lesson 5: Reflection and Art Showcase
Module 5: Celebrating Our Art
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Objectives:
- Reflect on the creative process and discuss art with peers.
- Present artwork in a friendly and supportive environment.
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Activities:
- Complete collage artworks.
- Host a mini art showcase where students present their works.
- Engage in a group reflection on what they learned about art and the environment.
Conclusion
This five-lesson course provides a comprehensive exploration of Jeannie Baker's "Home in the Sky," weaving together art and environmental themes. By the end of the course, students will not only have developed their artistic skills but will also possess a deeper appreciation for the natural world and storytelling through art.