Circle Time – Ms. CeCe’s “Artists Just Like You” Song
Begin by singing Ms. CeCe’s “Artists Just Like You” (tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” – to the children). Fun to sing, fun to dance, fun to draw and paint. Let’s look at artists just like you, as they all create!
Story Time – Introducing Amazing Artists
Next, book selections for story time? My Name is Georgia: A Portrait, written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter. “I painted my sky BIG, so people would see the sky the way I did.” Frida Kahlo (Little People, BIG DREAMS), written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Eng Gee Fang. “Through her wonderful pictures, Frida spoke about how she was feeling. In some she looked sad but in others, she smiled.” In Henri’s Scissors, written and illustrated by Jeannette Winter. “A pair of scissors is a wonderful instrument!” Rudolf Nureyev (Little People BIG DREAMS), written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Eleonora Arosio. “Little Rudolf showed the world that there are not things ‘for girls’ nor things ‘for boys.’ Only things that you love doing with all your heart.” Other ideas for children’s books include Sunday with Seurat (Mini Masters Series), by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober, and the interactive I Can Dance by Betsy Snyder – showcasing many styles of dance – from ballet to disco, tap and more.
Dramatic Play – Artists at Work
(After that, set the stage for dramatic play!) If you choose to paint? Maybe you will paint a self-portrait —a picture of you—like the artist Frida Kahlo! Or, you may decide to paint the big sky and beautiful flowers, like Georgia O’Keefe. Maybe you would like to paint dots like George Seurat! There are easels, watercolors and colored pencils in the art studio. If you would like to create with scissors like Matisse? We have scissors and construction paper. The dancers may create and dance to music on our pretend stage (different selections of music to inspire).
Gathering Time – Art Show
Finally, gather together and share designs from the art studio. Close the lesson with I am a Dancer and I am an Artist (Reading Rainbow). Both books are written and illustrated by Patricia Collins and Robin Brickman.
Book Corner
Luna Loves Dance by Joseph Coelho and Fiona Lumbers, Ella Bella Ballerina (Series), written and illustrated by James Mayhew. The Mini Masters Boxed Set created by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober (Dancing with Degas, A Picnic with Monet, A Magical Day with Matisse, and In the Garden with Van Gogh). Women Artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge and illustrated by Caroline Corrigan. Katie Meets The Impressionists, Katie and the Mona Lisa, Katie and the Sunflowers, and Katie and the Waterlily Pond: A Magical Journey Through Five Monet Masterpieces, written and illustrated by James Mayhew.