Universal Lesson (k-4): Heart Smudge


Minnesota 4-5 Visual Art Standards used in this Lesson:

  • 1. Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations of the arts area.
  • 1A. Describe the characteristics of the elements of visual art including color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space.

  • 1b. Describe how the principles of visual art such as repetition, pattern, emphasis, contrast and balance are used in the creation, presentation or response to visual artworks.

  • 1c. Identify characteristics of Western and non- Western styles, movements and genres in art.

  • 2. Demonstrate knowledge and use of the technical skills of the art form, integrating technology when applicable.
  • 2a. Describe the tools, materials and techniques used in a variety of two- and three-dimensional media such as drawing, printmaking, ceramics or sculpture.

  • 3. Demonstrate understanding of the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts that influence the arts areas.
  • 3a. Describe the personal, social, cultural, or historical contexts that influence the creation of visual artworks including the contributions of Minnesota American Indian tribes and communities.

  • 3b. Describe how visual art communicates meaning.
  • 4. Create or make in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 4a. Create original two- and-three-dimensional artworks to express specific artistic ideas.
  • 4b. Revise artworks based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 5. Perform or present in a variety of contexts in the arts area using the artistic foundations.
  • 5a. Select and assemble artworks for a personal portfolio.
  • 5b. Revise a presentation based on the feedback of others and self-reflection.
  • 6. Respond to or critique a variety of creations and performances using the artistic foundations.
  • 6a. Justify personal interpretations and reactions to works of visual art.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Chalk Pastel smudging
  • Cleanup process

    • The teacher demonstrates how to cut out a heart from a folded sheet of paper by drawing half of the heart on the folded side. ("Start on the fold. End on the fold".) For the younger kids, a piece of paper is folded and the heart shape is pre-drawn.

    Next, the teacher explains how to make a thick line with chalk around the outside of the heart and use TWO fingers to smudge it onto the background paper. Only two fingers are used so we have clean fingers.

    After they finish smudging all around the heart, they fold it in half and cut off the line of chalk they drew to make the heart smaller. Then they repeat drawing with chalk, smudging an cutting it smaller. When they have a nice small heart they can glue it to the center of the page.



    When they are finished with the smudging heart paper. The students can use the heart shapes (that they cut off with each section) to make a new composition.



    A variation of this may be done to make Valentine's day cards as well. (see below) Heart cutout template can be found here.



    Instructional video can be found here.

    Local Vid.