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Summer Lesson Plans

Salt Fireworks

Lesson Plan:

​Activity:

Salt Fireworks

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

School-Age

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with preschoolers.

Objectives:  

Children will:

• express themselves by creating a piece of artwork.
• tell about their work including techniques used.

Washington Common Core Standard

EALR 1

The Washington State K–12 Arts Learning Standard:

EALR 1: The student understands and applies arts knowledge and skills in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts

• Component 1.2: Develops arts skills and techniques.
• o   Applies, experiences, and practices basic arts skills and techniques in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.
  

Salt Fireworks

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Materials: 

• paper
• table salt
• glue
• watercolor paints
• water
• paintbrushes

Procedure: 

• Begin by showing the children the new art technique.
  
• Put glue on the paper in desired design.
  
• Cover glue with generous amount of salt to ensure it get completely covered.
  
• Tilt paper to remove excess salt.
  
• Use paintbrushes and watercolor to “paint” the remaining glue/salt on the paper.
  
• Encourage the children to create their own firework design using this technique. 
• As they are working ask them questions like:
  • Why did you decide to use those colors? 
  • Explain how you made your firework? How do you feel about this technique? 
  • Has there ever been a time where you have seen fireworks like those? Tell me about it.
  • What are your favorite types of fireworks? Why?
• Asking the children questions like these makes the activity more meaningful and may give the children inspiration as they work.

Assessment: 

• Observe and record the children as they work. What did they have to say about their artwork? 

Online Early Childhood Education

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The Importance of The Creative Arts for Children

School-age children are usually more confident about themselves and around others than they were a year or so earlier – this is a good thing when it comes to creative pursuits. Creating art is a fine way for children to make choices and solve problems. Every step involves making a decision: what color to use, how to make a line, what size to make something. With every choice the object becomes more and more their own.

Everyone has an imagination. Art takes it a step further. Through art, children create something that, until that point, was only imagined. Thus, they create visual manifestations of abstract ideas. Children who may be having difficulties in other parts of the school curriculum may find an expressive outlet through art. It’s a way to uncover talent that may not be seen otherwise. Art is a means of communicating ideas, feelings, and solutions in a way other than verbally or written. Notice the difference between a self-portrait as drawn by a kindergartner compared to the same child’s work as a third-grader.