In this middle school art lesson, students create a personal “avatar” using colored pencils to visually represent their identity, interests, personality, and values. Over multiple class periods, students begin by brainstorming meaningful symbols, colors, and traits, then develop and refine sketch ideas before creating a final composition. They apply colored pencil techniques such as layering, blending, and shading to produce a detailed and expressive artwork. The lesson emphasizes creative decision-making, symbolism, and strong craftsmanship. Students complete the project by adding final touches and writing an artist statement explaining the meaning behind their design choices. Continue Reading Creating a Personal Avatar
Global Classroom Connect Lesson Plans
6-8
Ada’s Violin / SDGs and The Global Competency Indicators
These lessons guide students in connecting literature, global goals, and personal skills. First, students read Ada’s Violin and identify which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) the story best represents through discussion and voting. Next, they break down Global Competency Indicators into student-friendly language, building understanding through definitions and examples. Finally, students revisit the story to identify and explain how characters demonstrate specific global competencies, helping them connect abstract ideas to real actions in the text. Continue Reading Ada’s Violin / SDGs and The Global Competency Indicators
Artful Introduction
Students create a visual self-introduction to share with a partner in Taiwan. Over four days, they take profile photos, paint watercolor backgrounds, write and translate “Who am I?” sentences, and assemble all pieces into a finished artwork. The final product combines images, writing, and Chinese translations and is mailed to Taiwan to help students begin a cross-cultural friendship. Continue Reading Artful Introduction