THEME: IDENTITY    
SUBJECT: EARLY CHILDHOOD
ARTIST: RYDER HENRY / CHIHARU SHIOTA / JOHN PEÑA / YAYOI KUSAMA
GRADE: recommended PreK-1st grade
 
OBJECTIVES
Students will explore the concept of self-expression.
Students will learn vocabulary associated with expressing their feelings and ideas.
Students will observe how art is a form of self-expression.
Students will begin to connect what they see with what they feel.
 
KEY QUESTIONS
1. What do you see? How does it make you feel?
2. How many feelings/words can describe this space?  Name as many as possible. 
3. Which word do you feel in this space?
 
 
BOOK REFERENCES
1. I’m as Quick as a Cricket by Audrey Wood
2. I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont
3. I Feel Happy & Sad & Angry & Glad by Mary Elizabeth Murphy
 
VISUAL REFERENCES
1. Diaspora, (2014) by Ryder Henry
2. Traces of Memory, (2013) by Chiharu Shiota
3. Word Balloons, (2014) by John Peña
4. Infinity Dots Mirrored Room, (1996) by Yayoi Kusama
 
 
ACTIVITY
Give each student a small paper journal to use in various galleries, rooms or the places that you plan to explore.  Upon visiting the space, each student (or their parent/caregiver) will write in the journal the feeling(s) or word(s) which the student associates with the artwork.  This could include an expression such as “Wow!” or a more descriptive and specific word such as “nervous.” Visit three or four spaces and repeat the journal entry exercise each time.  Once all spaces have been visited, students will create a ME! Collage using the words from their journal. Cut out magazine photos, images, colors, objects to match each word from the student’s journal.  Arrange and glue on a paper to create a collage of all different feelings that make each student unique. 

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PENNSYLVANIA CORE STANDARDS
VISUAL ARTS
(9.1.3.A-9.1.5.A)
-know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities
 
(9.1.3.C-9.1.5.C)
-recognize and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms
 
(9.1.3.E-9.1.5.E)
-demonstrate the ability to define objects, express emotions, illustrate an action or relate an experience through creation of works in the arts