Description: 

The unit begins with students making observations about an Eric Carle collage illustration. Youngsters note that the figure is composed of several shapes; they explore making a balanced composition of shapes. After making observations about collages by Alex Katz and Romare Bearden that feature a figure in an environment, students create a collage that incorporates a figure in a setting. The unit concludes with a display of work accompanied by signage.

Grade 2 Benchmark:

Through an exploration of art materials and techniques, students exercise imagination, construct meanings, and depict their experiences; work in two-dimensional and three-dimensional art forms, use basic art tools, and gain knowledge of media and compositional elements

Performance Indicators:

Students will be able to:
Create a collage that demonstrates experimentation with: placement of shapes, color, torn and cut paper, composition, and layering
Students will be able to: 
Arrange shapes to create a balanced composition
Make observations about works of art
Employ color to evoke a sense of place
Select materials for specific effect
Determine how details enhance a composition
Reflect in writing about the art making process
Students will understand that: 
Artists experiment with compositional elements
Artists use various materials and techniques to evoke a sense of place
Artists construct meanings and depict their experiences
Artists make aesthetic decisions
Art is exhibited for all to enjoy
Exhibitions are the result of teamwork
Vocabulary:
collage, layering, composition, depict, palette, matte, glossy, vertical, balance, surface, signage, exhibition
Formative Assessments:
Student Self-Assessment: Works-in-progress, informal student reflection and responses to experimentation, descriptions of art experiences and processes.
Peer Assessment: Student interviews of peer-artists, peer critiques of work.
Teacher Assessment of Student Work: Teacher observation of work-in-progress with feedback to students, questioning students during independent work.