Connect to Art > Claude Monet

Grades 2-5.
Preknowledge: Telling time. Independent writing.

Reading

Read Monet from Masterpieces: Artist and Their Works series.

Science: Plants

Plant seeds (Sprout and Grow Window) and observe the growth. Have each students keep a journal with text and sketches of his/her observations over time. Help students identify each part of the plant.

Science: Sundial

Make your own sundial. (directions) Discuss shadows in relation to position of sun. Observe objects outside during different times of the day paying specific attention to the shadows on the object and on the ground. Instruct students to record observations in a journal.

Science: Seasons

Review some of Monet's paintings. Determine the time of year that the painting represents. Discuss the features of each season and the effect the season has on the world in general.

Writing: Adjectives

After discussing effects of the seasons, brainstorm adjectives for each season. (For example, winter is cold, dead, bare and dark. Spring is fresh, green, new, and bright). Have students write story using several of these adjectives

Math: Venn Diagram

Write words from writing activity on index cards. Using a Venn Diagram Pocket chart, make a Venn Diagram comparing two of the seasons.

Art: Impressionism/Shading

Instruct students to draw the outline of a simple image (i.e., a potted flower, a house, a tree). Then instruct students to use a pencil to lightly draw small (but not too tiny) circles, ovals, triangles or squares to fill up the inside of the outlined image. Have students add a sun to their drawing to serve as a light source. Help students think about the direction of the light source and how it will shine on the object. Instruct students to color the tiny shapes inside their inside a different shade/color using a large rainbow assortment of colored crayons or markers. (See example.) Encourage students to use lighter colors and shades on the side of the object closest to the light source and darker colors and shades on the parts of the image furthest from the light source. When complete, have students hold up their image for other students to look at from a distance to demonstrate how the human eye blends together the small patches of color.