Lesson Plan Submitted by Judith Walsh
Art teacher at Mt. Zion Elementary, Suffolk, VA.
Grades: 2th & 3th grades

Materials:

• Watercolor paints
• white paper
• pencils and butterfly pattern (optional)

Procedure:

Each student is given 2 sheets of paper and a butterfly pattern. The pattern is optional. If they want to draw their own they can. They will trace around the pattern on each of the papers. Next, students will cut them out. The teacher (you) will then demonstrate the wet-on-wet painting technique on one butterfly and the wet-on-dry technique on the other butterfly. Students will see the difference in the techniques and get to experiment on their own butterflies. The two outcomes are very attractive!

Next, you can have a discussion on which technique they liked the best. Which one gave them more control? When papers are dried they can be mounted on poster board for display. You will be pleased with the outcome!

Note from Ken: Having students color patterns or cartoons that are already drawn is not very creative. You could put up a selection of patterns on an overhead or whiteboard. Once they study them a minute for comprehension, you then remove the images so students are forced to create their own design. Students should probably be introduced to symmetry so that students understand that butterflies are the same on both sides.

Links:

• Thinking Fountain- butterfly pattern lesson.
• Mel Stampz- This blog not only has information about butterflies but it has man butterfly lesson links.