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Art Imitates Life

Subjects

• World History
• Visual Arts

Grades

• 3-5
• 6-8

Brief Description

Students study postcards of World War I and create prints that reflect their lives.

Objectives

Students create prints that focus on images from their lives.

Keywords

postcards, lithographs, printing, Warhol

Materials Needed

• printouts of postcards from Propaganda Postcards of the Great War or other examples of World War I postcards
• Soft-Kut Print Blocks -- this material is rubberlike and much safer and easier to use than linoleum -- it also has two usable surfaces. Buy 9-inch by 12-inch sheets, and cut each piece into four 4-inch by 6-inch pieces.
• linoleum-carving tools
• four pieces of 4-inch by 6-inch pieces of colored paper per student
• one 9-inch by 12-inch piece of white paper per student
• tempera paints
• brayers or brushes
• Andy Warhol prints (preferably repeating patterns)

Lesson Plan

• Ask students to explore Propaganda Postcards of the Great War or another collection of World War I postcards and select their favorite card. Encourage each student to share the favorite with classmates, explaining why he or she chose the postcard and the historical significance or message the artist was trying to convey.
• Explain to students that the World War I postcards were created using a printing process called lithography. Tell students they are going to create different kinds of prints that reflect various aspects of their own lives.

Assessment

Base evaluation on students' ability to identify symbols of society, participate in discussions, use tools safely and properly, and achieve good craftsmanship.

Lesson Plan Source

Art Takes Time by Tabitha Miller

Submitted By

Linda Starr

National Standards

World History:
NSS-WH.5-12.8