China

Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2

Your Kinder to year 2 classes can learn about China with art projects to create in clay, drawing and mixed media. Red Pandas have red bushy fur and can be found in South-East China. They are an endangered species. We make a gorgeous Red Panda face in terracotta clay and add painted details with acrylic paint.

The Giant Panda has been a favourite Chinese animal for many children. This type of bear has a fun black and white pattern. Make a sweet chalk pastel drawing of a Giant Panda bear on coloured paper with your kids. The snow leopard is an elusive animal that lives in high mountain areas. They have thick white fur to protect them from the cold and are very agile. Create a mixed media artwork with drawing, printing and collage processes.

Students will learn about line, shape, colour, form, texture and contrast in the creation of these works. 

Grade 3 and Grade 4

China has a long tradition of making ceramic artworks, and Ming porcelain is one of the most well known types. We look at the patterns on Ming vases and create a drawing on paper with our own design. To begin we create a vase shape and look at symmetry. The design can be symmetrical or not, allowing for creative freedom.

The Golden Snub-nosed Monkey can be found in the mountain forests of south-east China. It has golden fur and a striking blue face. They are very vocal mammals with over 18 different types of calls. Use oil pastel to create a portrait of this striking creature!

Students will learn about line, shape, colour, contrast and symmetry. Use coloured pencil or oil pastel on paper in these two drawing projects.

Grade 5 and Grade 6

The dragon is a symbol of power in Chinese culture and is often associated with the emperor as emperors were considered “sons of the dragon.”  Chinese dragons are wise and benevolent creatures that are believed to control rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. They’re seen as auspicious creatures that bring prosperity, success, and good luck. Create a stunning mixed media dragon artwork with drawing, watercolour and collage elements.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. All twelve silhouette animals are included in this lesson plan. This artwork can be done to celebrate the Lunar New Year or to create a paper cut of the year each child was born. Paper cuts are created on red paper to symbolise good luck and are used to decorate windows so the light shines through the cut out details.

These lesson plans cover line, shape, implied texture, layering, composition, contrast, and colour with elements to be drawn and painted using watercolour paints and coloured papers.