How We Express Ourselves - Overview

26 September - 27 October 2011

HOW WE EXPRESS OURSELVES

An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

Grade 6 Unit of Inquiry Overview Central Idea: The application of elements and principles determines the success of an artistic composition.

Enduring Understandings What do we want students to remember for a lifetime?

We can all be artists

Lines of Inquiry What is the focus of our inquiry?

The application of the elements and principles The relationship between the creation of,

PYP Attitudes What attitudes do we want students to demonstrate?

Confidence - be confident in their ability to express themselves creatively and for a purpose Enthusiasm - show enthusiasm for the creative process and applying effort into their artistic composition Learner Profile Attributes What attributes do we want students to exemplify?

and response to, artistic composition What makes a successful artistic composition

Teacher Questions When is art 驶good始 artistic composition?

Can everyone be an artist?

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Risk-takers - be brave and articulate in defending and their artistic choices Knowledgeable - through exposure to a variety of art forms, e.g. dance, music, web design etc., increase their knowledge about the elements and principles of various art forms and then use that knowledge to create and showcase a successful artistic composition of their own creation.

Skills

Key Concepts

What transdisciplinary skills will students acquire and practise during this unit?

Function - Understanding how to apply the elements and principles of design

Communication Viewing - successfully Identify purpose, audience, elements and principles of design in various art forms

Connection - Understanding the relationship between the creation of, and response to artistic composition

Presenting - present artwork in informal settings to a variety of audiences for constructive feedback

Reflection - Knowing what makes a successful artistic composition

Research Formulating questions - maintain a Process Journal to record their learning journey through the arts

Related Concepts

Thinking Analysis - critically analyze various art forms in accordance to the elements and principles evident in each work Synthesis - create a work of art that encompasses the principles and elements of their chosen form of art Technology Investigating - inquire about the techniques and procedures involved in creating various forms of art Creating - use various computer applications to create a variety of art compositions (GarageBand, Photoshop, iMovie, Keynote etc.)

Appreciation - understanding and celebrating works of art Aesthetics - appreciating the joy and beauty of various forms of art

Success Criteria for this Unit of Inquiry Students will understand that: The application of elements and principles determine the success of an artistic composition The principles remain constant, regardless of the art form; elements are particular to each art form Students will know: Subject specific vocabulary The elements and principles of various forms of art

How can parents help at home?

To deepen your child始s understanding of the unit始s central idea, visit local (or global) art galleries with your child and discuss the exhibits (including how they are displayed) and why they are/aren始t successful pieces.

To help your child appreciate the arts, expose him/her to a variety of art forms from dance, music, interior design, fashion design, magazine layouts, photography etc.

Discuss the importance of the arts and why it should be valued.

Be creative! Involve the entire family in a creative and fun art project. Some ideas include making a family rap, a movie trailer from your last vacation, a family portrait, designing a family crest, learning a traditional song or dance....

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