“Reading Art” Using Arts Integration
Reading Art: Putting New Skills into Action
1st Grade • English Language Arts (ELA), Reading & Visual Arts
Lesson Overview: This collaborative arts integration lesson plan focuses on teaching first-grade students to analyze both visual and textual elements in storytelling through the picture book "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild." The 45-minute lesson emphasizes developing students' visual literacy skills by guiding them to interpret illustrations, colors, shapes, and facial expressions while making connections between images and text. Students will participate in guided reading, group discussions, and reflective activities that align with Florida's Visual Art and ELA standards, with particular emphasis on creating an inclusive environment where all perspectives are valued. The plan incorporates Universal Design for Learning principles and the REACH grant framework to ensure all students can engage meaningfully with the material.
Learning Objectives | Students Will:
Students will explore the integration of visual and textual elements in storytelling by engaging with the picture book "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild," deepening their understanding of how images and words work together to convey meaning.
Students will develop their ability to analyze visual cues in illustrations, such as colors, shapes, and facial expressions, to infer character behaviors and motivations, enhancing their comprehension skills.
Students will practice reading both images and words, strengthening their literacy skills and fostering a love for reading through an immersive and interactive storytelling experience.
Lesson Process: This arts integration lesson guides first-grade students through an exploration of the picture book "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild," focusing on how illustrations and text work together to convey meaning. Students analyze visual elements such as colors, shapes, and facial expressions to infer character emotions and motivations while developing their comprehension skills. Through guided reading, interactive discussions, and reflective activities, students will strengthen their literacy skills and learn to articulate connections between visual and textual storytelling. The lesson incorporates accessibility considerations for all learners and assessment through observational methods, with emphasis on fostering a collaborative learning environment where all student voices are valued and respected.
Time Required:
45 Minutes
Materials List:
Picture book, Mr. Tiger Goes Wild
Assessment :
Students participate in conversations and share evidence from the text and illustrations to support their interpretations of "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild."
The teaching artist will observe how students interact and engage with their peers during discussions and creative activities, noting their contributions to the collaborative learning environment and their engagement with the content.
Lesson
Activities & Instructions
The Activities & Instructions section provides a structured sequence of learning experiences, guiding educators through engaging, interactive lessons.
Lesson Activities
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Begin by introducing the picture book "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" to the students, providing a brief overview of the story and its themes.
Share the learning intentions for the lesson, emphasizing the focus on exploring both the visual and textual aspects of storytelling.
Classroom teacher observes teaching artist model lesson while providing classroom management support.
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Item descriptionRead aloud the book "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" to the students, pausing at key moments to discuss the illustrations and the text.
Encourage students to actively engage with the story by asking questions about the characters, the setting, and the events unfolding in the book.
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Lead a discussion with the students about the visual cues present in the illustrations, such as colors, shapes, and facial expressions.
Guide students in analyzing how these visual elements contribute to their understanding of the story and the emotions of the characters.
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Facilitate an interactive discussion about the themes and messages conveyed in "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild," encouraging students to share their interpretations and insights.
Create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and engaging in respectful dialogue with their peers.
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Conclude the lesson with a brief reflection on what students have learned and experienced. Invite students to share any insights or connections they made between the visual and textual elements of the story.
Emphasize the importance of exploring both images and words in storytelling and encourage students to continue exploring literature and art in their own lives.
NATIONAL CORE ARTS STANDARDS
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Anchor Standard 7
Perceive and analyze artistic work.Anchor Standard 8
Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
Key Themes & Ideas
Arts Integration:The core concept revolves around integrating Visual Art and ELA skills. The lesson aims to demonstrate how visual elements (colors, shapes, facial expressions) in illustrations contribute to understanding the story and characters' emotions. "Students will explore the integration of visual and textual elements in storytelling by engaging with the picture book 'Mr. Tiger Goes Wild,' deepening their understanding of how images and words work together to convey meaning." This integration helps to strengthen literacy skills and foster a love for reading through an immersive and interactive experience.
Visual Literacy and Textual Comprehension: A primary objective is to enhance students' ability to analyze visual cues and infer character emotions and motivations. "Students will develop their ability to analyze visual cues in illustrations, such as colors, shapes, and facial expressions, to infer character emotions and motivations, enhancing their comprehension skills." Students practice reading both images and words to strengthen literacy.
Student Engagement: The lesson plan emphasizes creating a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. The lesson plan promotes shared experiences by guiding a discussion allowing students to see themselves represented in the story. It encourages students to share their unique perspectives and interpretations. "Students will collaborate with peers from many backgrounds to engage in discussions and activities focused on interpreting and appreciating 'Mr. Tiger Goes Wild.'"
Standards Alignment: The lesson aligns with specific Florida Visual Art and ELA standards for first grade. Examples: "VA.1.C.1.2 Gather clues to help interpret and reflect on works of art." and "ELA.1.R.2.3 Explain similarities and differences between information provided in visuals and words in an informational text." These standards ensure that the lesson contributes to students' academic growth in both disciplines.
Role of the Teaching Artist: The teaching artist plays a crucial role in modeling observation skills, facilitating partner conversations, encouraging creative expression, and providing constructive feedback. The teaching artist will "demonstrate how to closely observe the illustrations in 'Mr. Tiger Goes Wild,' pointing out specific details and encouraging students to notice subtle elements that contribute to the story's meaning."
Assessment: Assessment methods include observational assessments by the teaching artist, focusing on student engagement and contributions to collaborative learning. Content teacher assesses based on student participation in conversations and using evidence from the text and illustrations to support interpretations. "Students participate in conversations and share evidence from the text and illustrations to support their interpretations of 'Mr. Tiger Goes Wild.'"
MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Support):The lesson plan acknowledges the importance of MTSS to meet the academic and behavioral needs of ALL learners. Core principles of MTSS, such as early intervention, data-based decision making, and a multi-tiered model of service delivery, are highlighted. The lesson is designed to effectively teach all children using research-based instruction.
UDL (Universal Design for Learning):The lesson design reflects UDL principles to accommodate all students’ learning needs. Universal Design for Learning recognizes the different needs that are unique to those with visual, hearing, motor, or learning/cognitive disabilities while also designing for able-bodied users as well."
Success Criteria:
Students will be able to identify key visual elements in the illustrations of "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild," and describe how they contribute to the story.
Students will demonstrate their ability to infer character emotions and motivations based on visual cues in the illustrations, using descriptive language to articulate their observations.
Students will recognize the interconnectedness of visual and textual storytelling, discussing how the illustrations enhance the meaning of the text and vice versa.
Overall Significance
This lesson plan represents a significant integration of visual art and language arts that teaches students the essential skill of reading both images and text to construct meaning. By focusing on the relationship between illustrations and written narrative in "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild," the lesson develops critical visual literacy skills that extend beyond traditional text-based reading comprehension. The plan aligns with the REACH grant framework by prioritizing inclusive education practices that value varied perspectives and ensure all students feel represented in their learning experiences. Through the lens of arts integration, students develop transferable skills in observation, analysis, and interpretation that will benefit them across subject areas and in their future educational journey. The lesson ultimately fosters not only academic growth by encouraging students to consider different perspectives, express their unique interpretations, and engage in respectful dialogue with peers.
– REACH –
Thank you to our Educators, Artists, and Collaborators.
School: Visible Men Academy
Teacher: Tanisha Knight and Jimmy Don Moore
Teaching Artist: Maria Schaedler-Luera
Arts Organization: Atomica Arts
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