📖

Folk Art Patterns

American Art History: Colonial to Early America

Day 28of 180
Week 6of 36
45Minutes
← Day 27Day 28 of 180Day 29 →
🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the significance of geometric patterns in early American folk art

2

Create an original folk art-inspired design using symbolic imagery

3

Appreciate the creativity of early American artisans as an expression of God-given creativity

📖 Scripture Connection

Exodus 35:31-32

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs.”

— Exodus 35:31-32 (WEB)

Demonstrates God's gift of creativity and artistic skill to His people

📦 Materials Needed

  • White drawing paper
  • Colored pencils or markers
  • Ruler
  • Compass (optional)
  • Pencil
  • Eraser
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Explore the beauty of folk art patterns in early American design

💭 Review Question: What did we learn about early American art in our previous BibleMouse lesson?
2Teaching (15 min)

Introduction to folk art patterns and symbolic design

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Folk art as a form of cultural expression
  • Geometric patterns in early American crafts
  • Symbolic meaning in traditional designs
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might early American artists use art to tell stories?
  • What symbols might be important in early American culture?
3Activity: Create Your Folk Art Pattern Design (18 min)
hands-on

Design a folk art-inspired pattern using geometric shapes and symbolic imagery

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide your paper into sections using straight lines and geometric shapes
  2. Choose 2-3 symbolic images (e.g., stars, flowers, animals)
  3. Fill each section with repeating patterns and your chosen symbols
  4. Use at least 3 different colors in your design
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use larger sections and simpler shapes

Challenge: Create a symmetrical design with intricate patterns

4Closing (7 min)

Share and discuss created artwork

📝 Review Questions:
  • What inspired your design?
  • How did early Americans use art to express their creativity?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll design a weathervane in our BibleMouse art exploration

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Folk art often reflected community values and personal creativity in early American culture

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creativity and personal expression
  • Don't focus on perfection, but on enjoyment of the creative process
  • Use the BibleMouse Resource Guide for additional visual references
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children may feel uncertain about creating original designs

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Enthusiasm, creativity, and willingness to try new artistic approaches

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research a specific type of early American folk art
  • Create a folk art-inspired story about the symbols in your design
  • Compare your design with traditional folk art patterns in the BibleMouse Printables Library

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 29 →Back to Art