This is the first of a series of posts we will do monthly to expose young children to various artists and artwork that may or may not be familiar to them.
“Reading Art“
How should teachers and parents expose young children to artworks?
*help the children to discover the elements and principles of design: what kind of lines did the artist use? What colors did the artist choose? Are there patterns or shapes within the artwork? Is there a “mood” to the artwork the children are looking at? Perhaps there is more than just one in the same piece.
*by seeking out the effect or message it transmits
*reminding children that there is NO single “right” way to make art; children will then not feel stressed when they cannot duplicate the skill level of the artist.
Jean Dallaire – born in Hall, Quebec, Canada (1916) and died Venice, France (1965) – *it helps to have the children look at the cities on a globe or map in relation to where they currently live. Point out other things on the map that the children might be familiar with. Jean began drawing at age 11. Most of the children will know another child who is also around that same age. Remind the children that a love of art often begins while children are young. Tell the children that Jean liked birds, little flags, and different textures of fabrics. Have the children feel the sleeve of their shirt and the sleeve of one of their friend’s shirts. Does the fabric FEEL the same or different from the fabric of their own shirt? What is different about the FEEL (texture)? Give the children some examples of words they might choose from: soft, scratchy, bumpy, thin, thick, fuzzy, etc.
Introduction Song – to the tune of “Zacchaeus was a Wee Little Man”
Jean Dallaire was a very fine artist, A very fine artist was he, He made a rooster-unicorn, What COLORS do you see?
-adaptations to original by The Preschool Toolbox
Show the children the picture of Coq licorne (unicorn rooster) (1952) – for an example or to purchase a print, click the photo below: {disclosure -affiliate product}
Ask the children what COLORS they see in the picture. Are they soft or bold colors? Does the artist use both bold and soft colors? What color is the background of this particular piece of art? (show the children where the background is located.) Ask the children if they see any PATTERNS/SHAPES in the picture of the rooster? (Dallaire combines warm and cool complementary colors. The rooster’s harsher symbols are a display of pride and vigilance in the rooster.)
Ask the children if they think the rooster is peaceful? What do they see in the artwork that would indicate the rooster is not a peaceful rooster? Have the children name the various things they find in the artwork. The rooster symbolizes a morning’s victory cry while the legendary unicorn is strong and beautiful.
Do the children LIKE Coq licorne? Remind the children that they do not have to LIKE the piece of art, but that they must always use their manners. They may say they do not like it, but must be gracious to those children who do. Declining graciously also shows respect for the artist’s skills; not every piece of artwork will appeal to every child.
Suggested activities: Print one copy of the rooster for each of the children (linked here): Rooster Printable for Young Children. View and discuss another piece of artwork by Jean Dallaire such as Birdy.
Have the children choose markers, crayons, or tempera paints to make their own rooster. Encourage the children to think about what colors they are going to use before beginning. Remind your students that they can use patterns on their rooster, if desired. Display the roosters in a class book when completed. The children will enjoy looking for their own picture and garner different ideas from the artworks of their peers.
Exposing children to various and age-appropriate artists will leave lasting memories and “plant the seeds” for a love of art to carry as they grow!
Extra Resources:
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