Lesson Idea | I Spy Irises

Description

This lesson introduces young students to the elements of art—color, shape, and line—through the painting Irises by Vincent van Gogh. Using an “I Spy” approach, students actively observe and describe what they see in the artwork, building language and observation skills. They then practice drawing flowers using different lines and shapes and create their own crayon-resist painting inspired by the original. The lesson combines art and literacy while supporting creativity, sensory exploration, and communication, especially for learners who benefit from structured, visual activities.

Standards Addressed

Common Core Standards for English Language Arts

Grades K–2

Reading
Literature
K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the of each in telling the story.

Speaking and Listening
K.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and text with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
K.4 Describe familiar people places, things, and events, with prompting and support, provide additional detail.
1.3 Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.
1.4 Describe familiar people places, things, and events, with relative details expressing ideas and feelings more clearly.
2.4 Tell a story or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking audible in coherent sentences.

Language
1.6 Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including frequently occurring conjunctions to signal simple relationships (e.g., because).
2.6 Use words and phrases acquired through conversations, reading and being read to, and responding to texts, including using adjectives and adverbs to describe (e.g., When other kids are happy that makes me happy).


Visual Arts Content Standards for California State Public Schools

Kindergarten
1.0 Artistic Expression
1.2 Name art materials (i.e., clay, paint, and crayons) introduced in lessons.
1.3 Identify the elements of art (line, color, shape/form, texture, value, space) in the environment and in works of art, emphasizing line, color, and shape/form.

2.0 Creative Expression
2.6 Use geometric shapes/forms (circle, triangle, square) in a work of art.

4.0 Aesthetic Valuing
4.1 Discuss their own works of art, using appropriate art vocabulary (i.e., color, shape/form, texture).
4.2 Describe what is seen (including both literal and expressive content) in selected works of art.

English–Language Arts Content Standards for California Public Schools

Kindergarten
1.0 Listening and Speaking
1.1 Understand and follow one and two-step oral directions.
1.2 Share information and ideas, speaking audibly in complete, coherent sentences.
2.0 Speaking Applications (Genres and Their Characteristics)
2.1 Describe people, places, things (i.e., size, color, shape), locations, and actions.