Elementary

How can students think like surrealist artists?

Students will create a drawing inspired by surrealism and the book Dalí and the Path of Dreams by Anna Obiols and Joan Subirana (Lincoln Childrenʼs Books, 2007).

paper, drawing materials (markers, colored pencils, crayons), examples of artworks from Salvador Dalí and other surrealists

1. Start the class with a warmup activity. Prompt students to spend five minutes creating a drawing that represents a dream they once had while sleeping. Ask students to share what they drew with a partner.
2. After the warmup activity, explain to students that surrealist artists, such as Salvador Dalí, were inspired by their dreams. Show examples of Dalíʼs art. 
3. After introducing surrealism, read to students Dalí and the Path of Dreams. This story imagines Dalí visiting a dreamworld as a child.
4. After reading the book, ask students to imagine that Dalí continued to explore his dreamworld. Ask students to think about where he would go next and what he would do. Students spend five minutes brainstorming and sketching ideas for their scenes.
5. After students have spent time brainstorming, they work independently to create their drawings.

Did students create a drawing that represents what happens next in Dalí and the Path of Dreams? Can students explain what surrealism is?

Shannon Thacker Cregg is an art educator from San Antonio, Texas.