Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, students will produce collages consisting of paper cut-outs, reflecting elements of rhythm of in music.

Length of Lesson:

One 45-minute period

Instructional Objectives:

Students will:

• understand, describe, and interpret non-verbal language (auditory and visual).
• work in different media, such as drawing, collage (manipulative), and painting.
• explore the relationship between elements and principles—specifically, line, shape, and color, and their maximum and minimum contrast.
• observe and respond to the content in their work and in others' work.
• develop critical thinking skills (comparing, contrasting, and analyzing).

Supplies:

• 18" x 12" white and black construction paper
• assorted fadeless paper
• scissors
• Elmer's glue
• recordings of instrumental music from around the world
• posters that describe fundamental elements of design

Instructional Plan:

Days 7-8

Review

Review the vocabulary of lines learned in the Gesture Drawing lesson.

Display the line drawings, on a bulletin board. Point out specific lines in student work and ask the class to identify the different lines. Ask the artist of the selected work to explain what he/she attempted to do and compare his/her work with the work of others.

Select another work and ask students to compare and contrast. Which one of the two has evident movement, rhythm, repetition, emphasis, and variety?

Teacher Demonstration

While playing music in the background, demonstrate how to create black and white paper cut-outs:

1. Select three geometric shapes (e.g., square, triangle, circle), and draw them on black construction paper. Cut out the selected shapes in different sizes.
2. Play with shapes on paper. Follow the rhythm of the music with both hands. Draw in the air and coordinate a visual movement and rhythm with the repetition of these shapes.
3. Search for the repetition of shape, movement, rhythm, variety, and emphasis. (Use posters to help explain fundamental elements of design, particularly repetition and rhythm.)
4. Glue black geometric shapes on white paper.

Student Work

Students should finish one paper cut-out using the 18" x 12" white paper (60 lb).

Closure and Cleanup

Discuss with students how the cut-outs reflect the rhythm of the music. Evaluate which collages were more effective and discuss why. Preview what students will be working on next, the color wheel. Store work in appropriate shelves.

Assessment:

At the end of the unit, Making Connections Between Music and Art, evaluate student performance based on this Self-Assessment Guide.

Extensions:

This exercise could be extended one more day to create paper cut-outs using negative shapes (black background with white shapes).

Proceed to the next lesson in the Rhythm and Art unit, Painting.

Authors:

• Teresa Ghiglino, Studio Art - AP
  Bell Multicultural Senior High
  Washington, DC