Using Children’s Literature Across the Curriculum
Stories help us remember information. When we learn about famous artists in picture books and stories, it helps us get to know them and form a deeper understanding and appreciation of their work.
If DaVinci Painted a Dinosaur, by Amy Newbold, introduces children to great artists like Grandma Moses, Mary Cassat, DaVinci, Qi Baishi, Alma Thomas and so many more in a playful, relatable and instructive fashion. This book’s engaging illustrations show the style of each famous artist. You’ll see Degas’ dinosaurs turning pirouettes, Matisse’s colorful paper dinosaurs, Warhol’s dinosaur soup and even the Dino Lisa.
1. Research one of the artists and present a mini biography including where they were born, their family, people that were important, etc.
2. Use a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast Degas and Warhol’s style of art. Some possible sources of information are what you know, illustrations and information from the story. Google images, art books, people who know about art and museums showing the artwork.
3. Work in pairs. Write five questions some art critics might ask of the two artists. Have one person be in a role as one of the artists and the other as an interviewer. Present to another group.
4. Compare these two statements below: In what ways are they similar; why are they different; what questions would you ask the artist to help you understand their meaning?
Choose a piece of music or a song that you think reflects one of these two artists. Why did you choose this music? In what ways does it reflect the artist? Share your music and your reasons for the link to that artist with a buddy. Which style of artwork do you prefer? Identify what it is that you like about that style. Write a What Am I? description based on the art style. Can your classmates guess the art style?
1. As you listen to the story, make a list of all the puns and plays on words. Compare your list to a buddy’s. Ask each other to explain any that you don’t understand.
2. Explain to a friend why Mootisse and Pigasso became friends.
3. Using a thesaurus, the Internet, classmates, parents and teachers, create a list of synonyms for pig-headed and bull-headed. Display them in your room.
a. Use a PMI to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of this characteristic.
2. Create a “fence/wall” out of ice cream sticks. On each stick, write a feeling or characteristic that stopped Pigasso and Mootisse from being friends. Use a thesaurus to help extend your vocabulary.
3. Is there anyone that you find difficult to be friends with because they are good at the same thing that you are? Brainstorm how you could be a better friend to them. Also, think of some helpful messages that you can tell yourself when you’re finding it hard.
4. In a small group, brainstorm what Habits of Mind Pigasso or Mootisse needed to develop.
5. Debate: Friendships don’t survive competition.
6. Create your own Pigasso or Mootise style painting showing the theme of friendship.
Here are some other great picture books that I love and believe will inspire children as they explore and enjoy the world of artists and their art:
