For homework they had to go home and ask their parents about their most vivid memories of friendship from their growing up years. We discussed how Faith's search for her own style of art was really a search for how she could visually say who she was.

They are called third culture kids because they often don't feel like they belong in either the culture of their heritage or the culture(s) they are experiencing and growing up in. This is a wonderful topic for all students but of particular relevance to international students as many have lived and traveled in various parts of the world. We talked about Faith being a mixture of her African heritage and her European/American experience. Before and after the video we had a discussion about identity. I introduced Faith Ringgold to my grade 6 students and they loved her. Each student presents the project to the class. They choose a border from fabric scraps.Ĩ. They trace the picture (or parts of it) on 6' squares of white muslin (99c a yd Fabricland ģ. They draw a picture that tells a story on white paper.Ģ.

My 4th and 5th graders are each making a quilt block inspired by Tar Beach:ġ. Students will successfully work both independently and cooperatively on a large mural. Students will create their own individual piece of art that exhibits their sense of inspiration. Students will understand that artwork does not have to be created on paper to be considered 'art.' Students will understand that artist Faith Ringgold was inspired by her family heritage to create her artwork. See the quilt version of this lesson here. Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles by Faith Ringgold To foster cooperation within the class dynamic by creating both individual and small group work.Ĭrayola Overwriters Markers (Discontinued - Crayola says on their website that the replacement for these is Color Switchers) To explore pattern by overlapping color and design. To focus on a work of art created out of paint and Fabric rather than paint and paper. To discuss the closeness of family and wishes for the future. To introduce the artist Faith Ringgold and her story Tar Beach. Everyone can stand up and fly around the room and back to their seats, to get the artistic juices flowing. Before splitting into groups of 3-4, have them close their eyes and imagine flying. Buildings will be placed over the bridge flying bodies will be glued in the air.ħ. One or two in the group will draw and glitter the bridge for the group's background. Everyone in the small group will create one side of the fabric border around the edging of the image, using pattern.Ħ. Everyone will be creating their own building and a picture of themselves flying. Explain that we are going to create a piece of art both on our own and as a group.ĥ. Brainstorm a list together of the answers and add new alternatives.Ĥ. Ask children what building they would like to own if they could fly over it.

Tar beach 2