Art Lesson Plan

Title: Messai Necklace Unit: African Culture

Grade level (s): 4-5 grade Medium: Paper Plate & Markers
Suggested Time: Hour One class period

Instructional Objectives (2-3):

The students will be able to understand African culture and design by creating an
African Massai necklace. This will help the learner to better understand African color
design and tradition.

Elements of Art (1-3) line, color, shape, form, space, texture, value
Color- The students will begin to understand the color wheel in the placement of colors.
Texture- The embossed grooves on the outer edge of the plate provides a design
element open for creative interpretation.
Line- The line detail adds to the African design element of the necklace.

Principles of Design (1-3) repetition, pattern, movement, balance, emphasis, contrast, unity
Contrast- With using the color wheel, these colors provide contrast.
Repetition- Using repetitive African patterns on the necklace, the students are exposed
to this principle of design.
Pattern- The students will design patterns to be used to portray the African heritage.

Materials and Equipment:

Markers, Paper Plate, Stapler/Staples, Scissors, hole punch, yarn and provide
examples of African necklaces and hard copy book form and/or online.

General Vocabulary (4-5):

Massai A necklace African men and women wear to indicate someones age, social
status, marital status, and even whether a woman has given birth to a boy or a girl.
African people who live in Africa or trace their ancestry to indigenous inhabitants of
Africa.
Heritage Something that has been passed on through a certain ethnic group.
Symbolism The massai necklace uses colors to portray certain traits the person
wearing the necklace possesses.
Art Production (based on Madeline Hunter model)
1.anticipatory set 2. state objectives 3. Input: art history, instructions 4.demonstration, modeling
5. check for understanding 6. guided practice 7. independent practice 8. closure

1. Present visuals of African people and necklaces to gain interest.

2. Today we will be introducing African Heritage and learn the design of this Messai
Necklace, and be creating one of our own.
3. Start by explaining the significance of this necklace to the African Culture and the
history of African art and jewelry design.
4. Completed model would be available and steps to create project would be
demonstrated in front of class. I would then model how to cut the middle of the paper
plate out to make the necklace and use the cut-out piece for the bottom of the necklace,
staple that on, then hole punch the bottom, then how they should divide the necklace
into 6 parts to involve the color wheel into the project.
5. Using formative assessment technique, thumbs up, thumbs down method of
understand this project, I will be able to observe who is understanding and who needs
further guidance.
6. Show the students how to get the paper plate to look like a necklace in front of them,
and then let them let their creative individuality begin to show.
7. The students will finish their project on their own. And come up to the front and pick
out the yarn for the bottom of it.
8. Take a group picture with students wearing their finished necklaces.

Assessment (should relate to objectives):

Have a vocabulary quiz over the new words we have learned during this lesson.

Modifications / Special Notes / Drawings

Special attention will be given to special needs students.