Travel back through time to learn about how art influenced different periods of time in history while creating your own artist portfolio!
Week One
Activity 1. The Great Depression: Art as a Source of Hope (Part 1)
During the Great Depression, many artists used their work to depict the struggles of everyday life. Kindergarteners can study the paintings of Grant Wood and Dorothea Lange and discuss how art can be a source of hope during difficult times.
Grant Wood's iconic painting American Gothic
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Activity 2. The Great Depression: Art as a Source of Hope (Part 2)
Hey there, young historians! Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Dorothea Lange and her incredible work during the Great Depression. Get ready to be amazed!
Artwork by Dorothea Lange
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Week Two
Activity 1. John Trumbull & The American Revolution
John Trumbull was not just any ordinary guy - he was a talented artist who lived during the American Revolutionary War. He was known for his amazing paintings that captured the spirit of the times and the important events that shaped America's history.
John Trumbull's Art
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Activity 2. Norman Rockwell Art About Everyday Life
Norman Rockwell was an artist who loved to paint scenes of everyday life—like people enjoying a family dinner, helping out a neighbor, or even standing up to speak their minds. Imagine flipping through a picture book where every page shows a slice of life that feels cozy, happy, and sometimes even a little bit silly. That’s what his art is like!
Norman Rockwell's Art
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Week Three
Activity 1. Emanuel Leutze Painting Big
Emanuel Leutze was a famous artist who loved to paint big, exciting scenes from history. Leutze wanted to inspire people to be courageous and work together, just like the soldiers in his painting did. His artwork helps us remember important events from the past and teaches us about the heroes who shaped America!
Washington Crossing the Delaware
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Activity 2. Making a Mini Quilt
A quilt is a special kind of blanket made by sewing together small pieces of fabric in fun patterns. They are made up of three layers: a top layer of fabric pieces stitched together, a middle layer of soft padding for warmth, and a bottom layer of fabric. Quilts are like big, cozy puzzles made of cloth!
Download our packet below for fun worksheets to do with your kids!
Week Four
Activity 1. A Brief History of Native American Symbols
Native American tribes have always used symbols to tell stories, share important information, and express their connection to the world around them. These symbols often represent animals, the weather, or elements of nature like rivers, mountains, and trees. For Native American people, every symbol had meaning—whether it was a way to record history, pass down traditions, or teach lessons about respect, bravery, and life.
Native American Symbols
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Activity 2. Assemble Your Artist Portfolio
Directions:
1. Gather all your artwork pages over the last month.
2. Use a three-ring hole punch to punch holes on the left side of the paper. (You can use a regular hole punch and punch three spaced-out holes.)
3. Take three small pieces of string or ribbon and tie one through each hole.
4. Congrats, your first artist portfolio is complete!
Helpful Tips
• Laminate the art pages first for a longer lasting and more durable portfolio
• If you don’t have a hole punch or string, you can staple the left side with three staples instead.