Early Childhood

The Essential Question
What happens when we combine two different media on the same sheet of paper?

Objectives
Students will create a mixed-media bear drawing with crayons and watercolor paint. Students will discuss what we wear during the winter to keep ourselves warm.

Materials
pencils, mixed-media paper or watercolor paper, crayons, watercolor paint, water and water cups, paintbrushes

Procedures
1. Read a book about bears and discuss how bears hibernate during the winter. Then have students talk about what we wear during the winter to keep ourselves warm.
2. Move to a discussion about colors and patterns. Talk about colors of different types of bears and discuss patterns found in winter clothing (hats and scarves).
3. Have students follow along with drawing the shape of a bear using geometric shapes. Naming the shapes while drawing them can help to reinforce learning.
4. Students add a hat and scarf or other winter clothing with a pencil. Have students add a least one pattern to one of the clothing items. Using a simple ABAB pattern can be helpful for younger students.
5. Students use crayons to color their bear and their patterned winter attire.
6. Students add a background with watercolor paint. Demonstrate what happens to the paint when it touches the crayon marks.

Assessment
Did students follow along with the guided drawing portion of the lesson? Did students show individual decision-making for color choices of different areas in their work?

Colleen Lam is an art teacher at Edgewater Elementary in Edgewater, Colorado.