Unit Title:   Brushstrokes From West to East

Unit Author:    Melissa Kristiansen

Grade Level:   K-6

Unit Overview:
Most of my students look at art as something that is created to hang on a wall and be admired. It is often surprising to them to find that objects they consider art can also be functional. China is a country that infuses art into everything they do; from teapots to writing, from toys to lights. I want my students to take their ideas about art and compare them to the philosophy in China. As each lesson begins, students will discuss their ideas about the project and then discover the history and culture of that project in China.  Each lesson has vital Results, Fields of Knowledge, National Art Standards, and assessments listed. The lessons are as follows:
           K-2:
                Clay Chinese Dragons
                Paper Mache Opera Masks
                Chinese Lanterns
                Chinese Calligraphy for Friends
                Chinese Kites
           3-4:
                Clay Opera Masks
                Chinese Paper Cuts
                Chinese Calligraphy Scroll
                Chinese Kite
          5-6:
                Clay Teapots
                Chinese Paper Cuts
                Chinese Calligraphy Scrolls
                Chinese Kites

Essential Question:
How did we adapt our western materials, techniques, and processes to embrace the culture of China?

Culminating Task:
Art Exhibit: All artwork from this unit will be on display. Students will demonstrate the tea ceremony, calligraphy,
Chinese zodiac, and folk tales.

Vermont Standards
Vital Results
2.1  Students ask a variety of questions
        c.  Students as questions that compare and contrast theater in the west with Peking Opera in the east, listing
             similarities and differences.
National Art Standards
3.    Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.
        b.  Students use subjects, themes, and symbols that demonstrate knowledge of Peking Opera design and then
             create a mask inspired by a specific character and color symbolism.
4      Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures.
        b.  Students can identify masks of the Peking Opera and understand the culture and history.
Learning Opportunities:
A1-Access- Lessons follow the Rutland Southwest Supervisory Curriculum and the concepts and skills identified
                    in Vermont’s Framework and the National Arts Standards.

B1-Acquiring Knowledge and Skills- Students link their new experiences about china and Chinese art with their
                                                         previous knowledge and experiences pertaining to western art. They explore
                                                         their misconceptions and replace them with accurate knowledge of China.

C2-Criteria- Rubrics for all lessons are explained and displayed for student use.

E1-Arts, Language, and Literature- Students will be using multiple artistic forms and techniques. Students will be
                                                       exposed to the music of China during all lessons.

Time to complete unit: 6 weeks
 

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