Description

Aboriginal Art History Game

Are you looking for a fun way to supplement your art history lessons? Going to be absent and need last minute art sub plans? Fill up your sub tub with low-prep art lessons like this Aboriginal art history project that excites students. Teach your students about the Aborigines of Australia and their dreamtime creations.

Are you trying to foster more independence in your art room? This Aboriginal art history art game makes for the best and most productive early finisher activity for your students. You can set up a choice-based art center where students select an activity amongst different ones. Print out the game board and directions back to back, put them in a labeled folders, and let them pick what they’d like to create. This is similar to a directed drawing activity in which students are guided through the art process.

If you’re a teacher looking for a differentiated art lesson that boosts independent thinking, problem-solving, and skill-acquisition, this will do the trick. 

Student Directions

You will create an Aboriginal art history dreamtime painting by rolling the die and collecting the different parts required to create it.

1. After each roll, draw the corresponding symbol on scrap construction paper and cut it out.
2. Consider using more than one color of construction paper for each symbol.
3. Glue all five symbols onto a large sheet of paper.
4. Mix neutral and rainbow colors together. For example, red and a little brown. Or blue and a little black. To paint, dip a cotton swab into your chosen color and make dots.
5. Begin with the background by creating curved bands of color that sweep across the page.
6. Then, paint the symbols. Create color patterns within some of the shapes to add emphasis to certain areas of each.

Teacher Directions

I’ve included three ways students can generate their design. The first is the game board where students roll the die to select their parts. The second is a “you pick” board. Both of these are printables. And lastly, for teachers needing engaging lessons during distance learning, I’ve added digital spinner wheels!

First, print out the Aboriginal art history game and picture directions back-to-back. Then give your students dice and watch them have fun creating their own art project independently. If you have access to a smartboard or projector, use the accompanying PowerPoint presentation. It will guide the students during each part of the art project.

Once completed, have students use the self-assessment rubrics to evaluate their artwork based on craftsmanship, creativity, following directions, work habits, project goals, and clean up. And then have them complete the “Big Ideas” sheet so they can connect the creation process to their learning. 

If you are substituting or need a fast finisher activity, use the included coloring page.

Grade Levels

• 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Grade

Main Learning Objective

• Students will be able to compose an Aboriginal dreaming painting using symbolic imagery painted with dots

Materials

• Construction Paper
• Washable Tempera Paints
• Cotton Swabs

You Will Receive