1

7th Grade Gregory Middle School Ally Schlumpf Lesson Plan: Paper-Cut Molas

Aim/Goal: The Molas lesson is considered an introductory lesson to utilizing paper as an art medium. Following their lesson on layering, background, middle ground, and foreground with cartoon cells students will continue to refine their use of overlap within works of art as an effective tool. Students will learn to consult their usage of color throughout this project and begin to utilize color as a way to create form and pattern. Students will, throughout this project, be introduced to new as well as continued terminology to help them throughout this semester. Students will be exposed to works of art from both previous students as well as native artists. Standards:

§ 26.B.2d: Demonstrate knowledge and skills to create works of visual art using problem solving, observing, designing, sketching and constructing.

§ 26.A.3e: Describe how the choices of tools/technologies and processes are used to create specific effects in the arts.

§ 27.B.2: Identify and describe how the arts communicate the similarities and differences among various people, places and times.

§ 27.B.3: Know and describe how artists and their works shape culture and increase understanding of societies, past and present.

Objectives:

§ Students will create a work of art that utilizes patterns and styles learned from investigating the work of the Kuna Indians.

§ Students will be expected to utilize problem-solving skills to create a unique and individual piece of at least 5 layers.

§ Students will identify with specific terminology and processes by constructing an interesting Molas design utilizing all learned techniques and processes.

§ Students will explore and learn the use of layering different colors to create form, dimension, and pattern in their work.

§ Students will discuss and reflect on the related works of art from the Kuna Indians. Students will combine what they have learned from the presentation along with their own creativity to create their own unique piece.

§ Students will be expected to use their knowledge of the color wheel to assist them when choosing their color scheme for their artwork.

2

7th Grade Gregory Middle School Ally Schlumpf Lesson Plan: Paper-Cut Molas

Materials:

§ Molas PowerPoint § Teacher-Created exemplar demonstrating process and stages § Construction Paper § Scissors § Pencils § Erasers § Exacto knives (if required) § Glue sticks § Elmer’s glue §

Vocabulary:

o Molas: brightly colored pieces of intricately appliqued cloth made by the Kuna Indians off the east coast of Panama.

o Composition: The placement of images in an artwork. o Layering: one of several items placed one on top of the other. o Complimentary Colors: colors found across from each other on the color wheel. o Analogous Colors: colors found next to each other on the color wheel. o Pattern: The repetition of things and parts. o Hybrid Animals: Animals that are a mix of species.

Related Artists & Artworks:

o Kuna Indians (off the east coast of Panama) o Kuna Women’s work o Student Examples (from previous years)

(Student Work)

3

7th Grade Gregory Middle School Ally Schlumpf Lesson Plan: Paper-Cut Molas

Procedure

1. Students will first find their seat in the classroom and sit down for a PowerPoint presentation.

2. During presentation teacher will display images for students to talk about/give examples of what we will be creating with construction paper.

3. After presentation, students will gather around the demonstration table to go over the process at which we will be creating our Molas.

a. Teacher will first show students finished examples of students past. b. Teacher will then show the first step of finding an animal shape to start off with. c. Teacher will instruct how the first layer will be cut out and how new layer will be

shown through the cut-out window created by the student (Teacher will also review scissor safety briefly).

d. Teacher will demonstrate how paper can be cut out to reveal other layers beneath and let students know that they need at least 5 layers minimum (5 color changes).

i. Remember: 1. They do not need to utilize a whole sheet of paper for an opening;

how small pieces can show through 2. How to choose an appropriate color for their work (complimentary

vs. analogous colors and what do they create?) 3. Do not glue unless you are certain that you want the window to

appear that way. 4. How to create patterns that compliment their animal in order to fill

the whole canvas. e. Teacher will then demonstrate how to attach the layers together with glue for the

finishing piece. 4. Students will then be able to return to their seat and choose their beginning 2 colors.

Closing

o Teacher will announce that their work must have their name attached to their paper o Students will place their work on their class’ drying rack to continue to work on them

tomorrow. o Students will be expected to perform their assigned cleanup duties.

Assessment Strategies For this lesson, students were instructed to create a Mola that contained at least 5 layers with little to no negative space. The assignment as a whole was worth 50 points with 10 points off for each layer missing. Excessive negative space absent of some pattern was worth a deduction of 15 points.