Collage Lesson Plan

Debra Reed
First grade

The use of Collage by an Illustrator
1. Lesson Essential Question(s): Can students create works of art based on observations of the
physical world? Will students be able to select and use tools that are appropriate to the production of a
work of art in collage form?

2. Standards:
Each of the visual art forms
uses various materials, tools,
and techniques that are
associated with unique verbal
and visual vocabularies.
1.3.2.D.3 Employ basic verbal and visual art vocabulary to
demonstrate knowledge of the materials, tools, and
methodologies used to create and tell visual stories.


Knowledge of visual art media
necessitates an understanding
of a variety of traditional and
nontraditional tools,
applications, possibilities, and
limitations.
1.3.2.D.4 Explore the use of a wide array of art mediums and
students will be able to understand that layers and textures
of paper can simulate the physical world. Students will be
able to use several tools and materials to create. Select
tools that are appropriate to the production of works of art
in a variety of art media.


Visual awareness stems from
acute observational skills and
interest in visual objects,
spaces, and the relationship of
objects to the world.
1.3.2.D.5 Create works of art that are based on observations of the
physical world and that illustrate how art is part of everyday
life, using a variety of art mediums and art media.


3. A. Learning Objectives and Assessments:
Learning objectives Assessment
Students will be able to understand that layers and
textures of paper can simulate the physical world.

The student will produce an artistic piece that is
visually identifiable as a scene found in nature.
Students will be able to use several tools and materials
to create a collage.
Observations made during the artistic process as to the
students ability to tear paper, use scissors and glue
successfully. The students work will be assessed for
the use of several different types of paper.
4. Materials:
Book Leo Lionnis Fredrick
Sample rocks
Sample of fur
Sample of wheat
12x9 assorted papers in blue
Scrap paper in natural colors assorted textures and patterns
Glue sticks and glue bottles
Assorted scissors

5. Pre-lesson assignments and/or prior knowledge: The students should already be able to use
scissors, glue and tear paper.

6. Hook: Introduce the mouse Fredrick, a stuffed replica.

7. Lesson Beginning: The teacher will Read the book Fredrick by Leo Lionni. During the course of the
book the teacher will ask questions like, What do you notice in this picture?; How did you recognize this
as being wheat? When the book states, close your eyes ask the students to close their eyes and make a
picture in their mind.

8. Instructional Plan:
At the completion of the book ask them how they think the illustrations were created. The teacher will
explain that it is a technique called collage and that collage means to glue. The teacher will demonstrate
how a collage composition in layers by making a habitat for Fredrick. The students can choose to make the
habitat in any season.
1. Plan what you want to create.
2. Use contrast of colors.
3. Repeat some colors and textures throughout the collage.
4. Use Multiple cutting techniques
5. Glue to drawing paper
Demonstration steps:
Layer 1: Select a sheet of sky colored paper
Layer 2: Create the ground of students choosing
Layer 3: Create the clouds and sun
Layer 4: Create the rocks
Layer 5: Create the mouse
Glue layers to background
The teacher will ask the student to think about what they pictured when Fredrick talked about the colors.
The teacher will ask the students to turn and tell their neighbor what they remember and what they might
include in their composition. The students will be asked to go to their tables in small groups once they have
picked a background piece of construction paper.
Variation for third grade: Demonstrate various painting techniques on the collage paper to be used
by students: wet-on-wet, dry brush, stamp printing, spatter painting, textured brayers


Differentiation: Students will be placed in groups with diverse abilities, Students who have difficulty sitting
for long periods will be asked to assist the teacher. Students will have access to glue sticks and white glue.
Templates will be available to create the mouse if needed. Assistive scissors will be available if needed.

9. Closure: Ask students to share their collages with the students at their table and reflect on what worked
well for them and what they had difficulty with.