Julia L. Hovanec

After sharing the picture book Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (Penguin Young Readers Group, 2019), I introduce students to the work of Daisy Dodd-Noble, a contemporary artist whose dreamlike landscapes evoke a sense of calm. Students then collage their own imaginary calming landscapes. The lesson concludes with students taking a mindful moment to appreciate everyone’s work and sharing how they were inspired by the book, the artist, and their own imagination.

Being Present
This lesson teaches students about mindfulness and achieving a sense of calm. In those early developmental years, there is a lot for children to traverse; learning mindfulness and providing them with tools to achieve a sense of calm, peace, and quiet, even in worrisome times, can help to regulate emotions. One strategy is using one’s imagination to travel to a dreamlike place. As Carleʼs book illustrates, everyone needs to clear the cobwebs from their heads occasionally, and taking a mindful moment can help achieve this goal.

Procedures
Ask students: “What does it mean to use your imagination? Do you know what being mindful is? What can we do to remain calm, even in difficult situations? Did you know that many artists today create imaginative and dreamlike art?” After some discussion, follow with: “Today, we will listen to a calming book and learn about an imaginative artist. After that, weʼll create calming landscapes inspired by the book, the artist, and our own imagination.”

Calm with the Very Hungry Caterpillar
Before sharing the book, ask students to find a comfortable position and take a deep breath. Share the book, then guide students in a discussion about the book, focusing on mindfulness and achieving a sense of calm.

In those early developmental years, there is a lot for children to traverse; learning mindfulness and providing them with tools can help to regulate emotions.

Next, introduce students to the work of contemporary artist Daisy Dodd-Noble and discuss her imaginative, dreamlike landscapes. Ask students what they notice about the images. “Do they make you feel calm? Why?” Then ask students to close their eyes and imagine a place in which they feel calm.

Collaging Imaginary Landscapes
Before collaging, show a brief video of Eric Carle creating the artwork for his books (see Resources). Then ask students to recall the place they imagined. Using the materials listed in the following paragraph, demonstrate techniques students could use to create a collage of their peaceful place. After the demonstration, invite students to apply what theyʼve learned to create their landscapes.

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