Title: Mystery Man
Grade Level: 6
Subjects: Art, English Language Arts, Theater,
Health
Learner Outcomes:
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The students will gain information regarding the life of
Vincent van Gogh.
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The students will recognize that changes in Van Gogh's life
affected his style of painting.
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The students will identify an idea related to Van Gogh's
life. This idea will be portrayed non-verbally by classmates.
Duration of Lesson: 1 hour
Materials: Laminated Van Gogh self-portrait
poster, a blank piece of paper the same size as the poster, small slips
of paper, overhead pens, markers, a tacky adhesive
Technology Tools/Courseware: Overhead projector,
Internet, multi-media computer
Teacher Notes:
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The object of this activity is to have the students identify
the mystery subject (Vincent van Gogh) through the use of clues followed
by the unveiling of the self-portrait.
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Self-portraits of Van Gogh may be purchased at local art
stores or online through art.com.
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Be careful the students do not see the poster prior to the
lesson.
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Be careful not to use Van Gogh's name during the lesson.
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Prior to the lesson, mark and cut the large blank paper into
10 puzzle pieces. Randomly put the numbers 1-10 on these pieces.
Use a tacky adhesive to reassemble the puzzle on top of the Van Gogh poster.
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Information may be gained about Van Gogh at the following
sites:
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Non-verbal communication techniques may include drawings,
charades, facial expressions, motions, and the use of props. Chalkboards
or drawing paper could be used in place of the overhead.
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Write and number the following words on slips of paper:
1. ear 2. insanity 3. preacher 4. brother
5. Eiffel Tower 6. poverty 7. brush strokes 8. fail
9. windmill 10. emotions/feelings.
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Each clue is to be linked to a part of Van Gogh's life that
should be discussed.
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Ear - time, place, causes for cutting off ear
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Insanity - hospitalization, affect on art, lifestyle
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Preacher - training, job
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Brother - relationship, dependency, money, encouragement
to pursue art
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Eiffel Tower - life in Paris, influence of Impressionists,
use of bright colors
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Poverty - lifestyle, sold only one painting in lifetime,
value of his art today
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Brush Strokes - distinguishing feature of his painting, changes
in strokes throughout career
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Fail - view self as failure, unsuccessful career attempts
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Windmill - birthplace, early life
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Emotions/feelings - reflected in painting, instability of
his life
Procedures:
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Display the poster completely covered with puzzle pieces.
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Have individuals or pairs select one of the ten slips of
paper and through non-verbal means, communicate the clue to the group.
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Upon identification of each clue, the teacher will provide
information about how the clue relates to the mystery subject. Have
the students, who portrayed the clue, remove the matching numbered piece.
Link the clues together to develop a life history of the subject.
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When the portrait has been unveiled, guide the students to
recognize the subject of the poster as Vincent van Gogh and summarize his
life.
Modifications:
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When assigning partners, consider special needs of students.
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Clues may be read to the students as needed.
Enrichments Activities:
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Students may view bookmarked sites for more information about
Vincent van Gogh.
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Students may select books from the library to read about
Van Gogh's life and works.
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Students may determine other clue words which could have
been used on the puzzle and present the information related to that clue.
Evaluation/Assessment:
-
Observe the student participation during the lesson activity.
State and National Standards:
WV IGOs
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Art
6.21, 6.27
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English Language Arts
6.2, 6.4, 6.6, 6.8
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Theater
6.4, 6.16, 6.19, 6.22
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Health
6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.14
National Standards
Job/Career Clusters: N/A
References:
art.com
Biography
and Chronology
Links
to Van Gogh
Authors:
Deborrah
Dorcas
Judy Tuckwiller
Jennalee Wilson
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