Haring figures in fourth (2012)

Observational drawing is always in the unit 1 curriculum for 4th graders, and we begin with a series of 30 second gesture drawings. The kids love striking action poses and drawing each other. Next, we look at the symbolic figural works of Keith Haring, the first in a unit full of American Pop artists. We add contour lines around these gesture figures and paint them with tints and shades of a single hue. Action lines can suggest sound, energy, or movement. Students finished up by titling their scenes with a description of the setting and characters, tying in to the ELA curriculum. Love this lesson every year.