The National Gallery of Art 4th and Constitution Ave. This instructional unit is designed for fourth grade students combining both Art History, Art Appreciation and Social Studies in a unit on Colonial Life in America. Students look at art critically and discuss art they have made, art made by their peers and art made by recognized artists.
Students add to their art vocabulary and use it accurately to discuss art.
Emphasize the works of John Singleton Copley and Edward Hicks while comparing and contrasting their styles. Bring into the classroom examples of folk art. Upon visiting the National Gallery of Art, focus the visit on artists who portray colonial life in America and other examples of folk art. Develop a list of questions and interactive techniques a docent could use to keep the children occupied and interested. Have students look at a piece of folk art and point out specific details.