Children’s Illustrators: Unit Overview
Many teachers and curriculum coordinators build a Unit of Inquiry on the general concept of the arts. The units typically focus on topics such as painting, dance, drama, or photography. As a teaching librarian, I chose to narrow my teaching focus to children’s illustrators. There is a wealth of resources to help teach about children’s illustrators and in my experience teachers are often unfamiliar with this body of work.
I have prepared four lessons here, but there are many, many other illustrators you could choose from. Perhaps you could add a lesson on Kadir Nelson, Donald Crews, Chris Van Allsburg, Eloise Wilkin, or Jan Brett. I hope that this body of lessons will grow, but these four will get you off to a great start!
Children love the lessons and activities that go with them. By the end of the unit, your students will confidently be able to recognize and describe the works of these amazing illustrators.
Children’s Illustrators #1: Dr. Seuss
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children are introduced to the basic elements of Dr. Seuss’s artistic style. They will make a simple “Cat in the Hat” style hat and decorate it to make a class display. Lesson Plan: Objective: Identify and describe the artistic style of Dr. Seuss. Suggested Time:… Read more
Children’s Illustrators #2: Eric Carle
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children are introduced to the basic elements of Eric Carle’s artistic style. They will make a Carle-inspired “collage” using a blended color technique. Lesson Plan: Objective: Identify and describe the artistic style of illustrator Eric Carle. Suggested Time: 45 minutes – 1 hour Success Criteria:… Read more
Children’s Illustrators #3: Mo Willems
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children are introduced to the basic elements of Mo Willems’ artistic style. They will complete a simple drawing of a Mo Willems character in Mo Willems’ style. Lesson Plan: Objective: Identify and describe the artistic style of illustrator Mo Willems. Suggested Time: 45-60 minutes Success… Read more
Children’s Illustrators #4: David Shannon
Lesson Overview: In this lesson, children are introduced to the basic elements of David Shannon’s artistic style. They will complete a “No David” mask to show their understanding and to make a classroom display. The “No David” mask can also be used as a writing prompt. Lesson Plan: Objective: Identify… Read more