Big Thankful Turkey


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.

    • Additional Tie-ins

  • Native American contributions to our country
  • American history
  • Realizing how much Americans have to be Thankful for
  • Turkey anatomy

    • All students in our school will contribute to this project.

    Students are given a small paper with a feather on it. They can write what they are thankful for on the feather and cut it out.

    Next, students are given a rectangle of wallpaper scrap or colored paper. They are shown how to draw a curved line from one corner to the opposite corner to make an oval/feather shape. They cut out the feather shape and glue their "thankful feather" on to it.

    All feathers are glued to the turkey body creating larger and larger layers of feathers. The finished project is posted in the hall as a reminder of all that we have to be thankful for.