The chinese art of calligraphy lesson plan
Unit theme: Visual Arts
Lesson: The Chinese Art of Calligraphy
Integrated subject: Social Studies
Level: 3-4
Projected Time: 30 minutes
Lesson: The Chinese Art of Calligraphy
Integrated subject: Social Studies
Level: 3-4
Projected Time: 30 minutes
Lesson overview:
Students will create Chinese calligraphy. Students will be exposed to various artists and art work that depicts images of Chinese calligraphy to expand their view of art and why it is created.
image of teacher exemplar:
visual culture component:
![Picture](/uploads/2/3/7/4/23746810/9407719.jpg)
Calligraphy in China can be defined as "the way/method/law of writing". Calligraphy is also considered an art. The English word "calligraphy" means "beautiful writing". Calligraphy can mostly be seen at Chinese and Japanese restaurants. They also can be found in household decorations in the form of inspirational quotes and wall paintings.Calligraphy can also be seen in fortune cookies.
vocabulary:
art
Definition: The expression of creative skills in a visual form such as painting or sculpture balance Definition: A state in which weight, proportions, or position are evenly distributed calligraphy Definition: Stylized or artistic handwriting |
Definition: A rules or belief governing behavior tradition Definition: A long established custom or belief |
standards:
Grade 4 Social Studies
|
Grade 4 Visual Arts
|
objectives:
The learner will:
- Demonstrate an understanding that calligraphy is an ancient Chinese tradition.
- Describe the principles of Chinese calligraphy.
- Identify specific characters and symbols.
- Create a work of art using Chinese calligraphy.
procedure:
- 1. Introduce the concept of Chinese calligraphy to the class. Show Segment 2 (Write Chinese) of China: People and Places, and describe the ancient tradition.
- 2. Tell students they will create their own works of art using Chinese calligraphy. Have them cover their desks with newspaper and distribute the paintbrushes. Discuss the five principles of Chinese calligraphy:
- • Posture: It is important to sit up straight.
- • Good knowledge of the tools: Demonstrate with the same the brushes students will use.
- • Control: You must know how to control the brush.
- • Rhythm: The characters should flow smoothly down the page.
- • Balance: Make sure all the lines are the right thickness and length.
- **Make sure students have a good understanding of each principle and they feel comfortable using them while they work**
- 3. Give students the examples of Chinese characters, words, and symbols, and tell them to choose two to reproduce on white construction paper. The following Web sites have examples:
- • http://www.omniglot.com/writing/chinese_evolution.htm
- • http://www.omniglot.com/writing/chinese_types.htm#types
- • http://www.chinapage.org/word/chineseword.html
- 4. Distribute the black paint and butcher paper so students can practice calligraphy. Once they’re comfortable, give them the construction paper for their final works of art. Have them write their name on the back first. While students are working, walk around the classroom reminding them to incorporate the five principles of Chinese calligraphy. Assess students’ understanding of these principles during this time.
- 5. Beneath their finished calligraphy, students should write the English translation of the symbols, words, or characters. Allow students to share their work with the class. Discuss difficulties the students may have had and what they enjoyed in this activity. Then talk about the history and styles of Chinese calligraphy.
- 6. Display the finished art in the classroom so that students have a chance to view the similarities and differences in their peers’ work.
artists of art history focus:
Jin Nong: Became popular as a painter and calligrapher.He is from China. He was the first artist in the Chinese tradition to paint a large number of self-portraits. He was known to travel with a number of servants who assisted in the production of ink stones and lanterns. He was born in 1687 and died in 1763/1764. Most of this work can be seen in The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The China Online Museum.
Tang Yin(1470-1524): A Chinese scholar, painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Ming Dynasty. Even though he was born during the Ming Dynasty many of his paintings were illustrated with elements from the Pre-Tang to Song Dynasty. He is one of the most notable painters in Chinese art history. His work can be found in the China Online Museum.
evaluation:
Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson.
- 3 points: Students participated fully in class discussions; used art materials wisely; were able to identify the English meaning of the chosen Chinese characters, words, or symbols; and used all five principles of Chinese calligraphy to complete two unique pieces of art.
- 2 points: Students somewhat participated in class discussions; used art materials with little help; were able to identify the English meaning of at least one of the chosen Chinese characters, words, or symbols; and used at least three of the five principles of Chinese calligraphy to complete at least one finished piece of art.
- 1 point: Students did not participate in class discussions; were unable to use art materials without direction; did not identify the English meanings of the chosen Chinese characters, words, or symbols; and used one or none of the five principles of Chinese calligraphy, but could not complete a finished piece of art.
materials
- Discovery School Video China: People and Places (Search for this video by using the video title)
- Newspaper to cover desks
- Butcher paper, one large sheet per student
- Examples of Chinese symbols and characters (Websites are listed in procedures)
- Black paint (Tempera or watercolor)
- Calligraphy brushes, one per student (or substitute watercolor or tempera paintbrushes)
- White construction paper, 2 sheets per student