### Lesson Plan: Art Appreciation (Looking at and Discussing Artworks)
**Grade Level:** Kindergarten
**Subject:** Art
**Duration:** 45 minutes
**Title:** Discovering Art Through Our Eyes
**Objective:**
- To introduce students to the concept of art appreciation.
- To develop observational skills by looking at and discussing various artworks.
- To encourage students to express thoughts and feelings about art.
**Materials:**
- Selected art prints (digital or physical) including a range of styles and subjects.
- Chart paper and markers.
- Drawing paper and crayons/markers.
- A comfortable seating area for group discussion.
**Standards:**
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1: Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
- National Core Arts Standards: Responding—Kindergartners will learn to interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. Welcome students and introduce today’s topic: “Art Appreciation”.
2. Briefly explain that art can be pictures, drawings, paintings, and sculptures created by artists.
3. Ask students if they have seen art before and where (e.g., at home, in a museum, in books).
4. Explain that they will look at some artworks together and talk about what they see and feel.
**Activity: Looking at Artworks (20 minutes):**
1. Show the first artwork to the students.
2. Ask open-ended questions to engage students:
- "What do you see in this picture?"
- "What colors can you find?"
- "How does this picture make you feel?"
- "What do you think the artist wanted to show us?"
3. Encourage all students to share their thoughts and listen to others.
4. Repeat with 2-3 different artworks, ensuring diversity in style (e.g., realism, abstract) and subject matter (e.g., people, landscapes, animals).
**Group Discussion (5 minutes):**
1. On chart paper, list some of the observations and feelings students shared during the artwork viewing.
2. Encourage students to see that their classmates might feel different things about the same piece of art, and that’s okay.
**Hands-On Activity (10 minutes):**
1. Give each student a piece of drawing paper and crayons/markers.
2. Ask them to create their own piece of art inspired by one of the artworks they’ve seen or their favorite part of today’s discussion.
3. Remind them to use colors and shapes that make them happy.
**Conclusion (5 minutes):**
1. Allow some students to volunteer to share their artwork with the class.
2. Thank students for their participation and for sharing their thoughts and feelings about art.
3. Explain that art is a great way to express how we feel and to see the world in different ways.
**Assessment:**
- Participation in discussions.
- Observation of student engagement and response to questions.
- Evaluation of students’ artworks for effort and creativity.
**Extension (optional):
- Plan a visit to a local museum or virtual museum tour.
- Create a “Class Art Gallery” by displaying students’ artworks and having a mini “art show” where they can present their pieces to other classes or parents.
---
**Note to Teachers:**
- Adjust the pace of the lesson according to the students' engagement and interest.
- Ensure to validate all student contributions, reinforcing that there is no right or wrong way to appreciate art.
By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, you encourage students to be comfortable in expressing their own ideas and developing a lifelong appreciation for art.