Isabel Castaño

Art 133-07
Amber Ward
1 February 2018
Unit Paper 1

The big idea being explored is Identity and the 21st Century Approach is meaning making

and big ideas. Identity and big ideas are directly related because identity itself can be

categorized as a big idea that can be explored in the classroom. A big idea is a “broad, important

human issue”; presenting big ideas in the classroom is important because it allows for students to

create their own understanding about a certain issue (Walker 1). For example, when it comes to

identity students of all ages could struggle with the ways that they view themselves and what

they would say their identity is. When presented with an issue such as identity students will be

engaged with the work because it is something that they can relate to personally. When students

connect with the work they are doing it provides for a much better learning experience. Walker

says, “Students too need opportunities to learn about an idea, build an adequate knowledge base

for working with it… and find personal connection to the idea (2). Identity is a big idea that

most students would be passionate about working with.

A topic such as identity can be a tricky subject in a first grade classroom setting.

Although it can be tricky, it is important for students to be able to explore the things that make

them unique. Since students are still learning how to read and write in first grade it is important

that the students are given many ways to represent themselves. Students can use crayons,

markers, and stickers to draw and come up with things that they feel make them unique. When

students have finished their drawings they can go around and share the things that make them

unique or their drawings can be put on the wall and do something along the lines of a gallery

walk. The essential question being asked of the students is: what things make you different?
Walker, S. (2001). Teaching meaning in artmaking. Worchester, MA: Davis