Birch Trees

Lesson Plan
Prepared by Ms. Lempola
Grade Level: 4th Grade

Duration of the lesson: 3- Half hour sessions

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

Through the materials presented in this lesson, students will explore the use of color
water paint and alternative means of creating texture by scraping paint and using salt. As
a nod to our current season, students will create a snowy landscape and with three birch
trees,

NORTH DAKOTA STATE STANDARDS

4.3.1 Understand how a variety of subjects, themes, symbols and ideas* are
incorporated in a selection of works of art.
4.1.2 Know the different techniques* used to create* visual art.

OBJECTIVES
1. Students will create a birch tree painting using tape, salt, and watercolor paints.
They will make 3 trees (2 small, 1 big) with three groups of branches while
considering foreground, middleground, and background.
2. Students will choose and demonstrate ability to blend colors using wet on wet
technique.
3. Students will demonstrate their understanding of using tape to defer watercolor
paints using tape and enhance texture by scraping paint and using salt on wet
watercolor.
4. Students will use creativity skills in deciding what colors will be in the background
and the placement of the 3 trees.
5. Students will consider the elements of shape, color, and line.
6. Students will consider the principles of repetition and movement.

Language Objectives:

Identify and properly implement the following terms:

Line
Placement
Color
Texture
Background
Behavioral Objectives:
1. Respect classroom materials used for this project
2. Respect all persons in the classroom
3. Follow the ART Expectations of this classroom

MATERIALS NEEDED
1. Drawing Paper
2. Watercolor Paint Sets
3. Paint Brushes
4. Tape
5. Salt

PRIOR KNOWLEDGE / PREREQUISITE LEARNING

1. Following Directions
2. What colors, shapes, and patterns are.

PROCEDURE
Introduction/ Motivation: New painting techniques!
Snow falling in the classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4Oosy-ZtGY&t=20s
Instructional Strategies:

Day 1:
2

-Students look at examples of Birch trees, and consider what a snow

landscape could look like
-Students tape their birch trees
Day 2:

Students paint the shadows from the trees

Students paint the background sunset behind their trees

Students add salt to enhance texture behind the trees

Day 3:
-

Students practice scraping techniques

Students add detail with black color pencil or cardboard scrap

ACCOMMODATIONS / MODIFICATIONS
Extension and Enrichment:

For gifted and talented students, I will encourage them to take their time in really
considering each step of the process and how they can master the skill by practicing and
working hard.
Additional supports:

For students on an IEP or 504 I will help them by checking in more often and
demonstrating for them 1:1 any ideas or concepts they are struggling with.

ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING
Formative or summative assessments after instruction:
Observation, participation, and upload to Artsonia