Around the World in 80

Days

Overview This unit is meant for students of ages between 3rd and 4th grade. This would be

used in conjunction mainly with Social Studies. These units would allow students to explore other countries and their culture. Students should feel like they are travelling the world through these lessons to learn more about others. To be most effective, I envision teachers spending more than one day on each country. Each country has many things that make them unique which includes all four types of art. Ideally you could spend three days on each country. This unit focuses shortly on four countries but to be really effective, it would include more. To pretend to use an accent or dress in their clothes would be a great way to create interest with students. I could also see myself trying to decorate the classroom to look like that country so students feel completely immersed in their culture.

Art: China (Literature)

Objectives Students will be able to…

● Describe the story behind the willow pattern ● Recreate a similar pattern on their own plate ● Appreciate the beauty that is in the willow pattern

Materials

● Willow Pattern Story ● Willow Pattern Story 2 ● The Willow Pattern Story by Allan Drummond

Anticipatory Set Begin Class with having students watch the video that describes the willow pattern story. Explain that it will help them understand the history about their art project for the day. Or read with the class the book, The Willow Pattern Story Input Outline

● Show students some examples of willow pattern plates (maybe even bring in a real one)

● Discuss what colors are used and why, according to the story ● Discuss why detail is important and what type of details students may want to

include on their plate ● Provide students will paper/cardboard plates and blue paint

Independent Practice Students will create their own willow pattern china on paper plates. Students who finish early or would like to try another could make a vase using the same patterns. Enrichment Ideas:

● Play traditional Chinese music while students work ● Create paper lanterns to further the study of Chinese art/culture. Touch on

Chinese New Years lanterns

Dance: Ireland Focus (Physical Education & Literature)

Objectives: Students Will Be Able To…

● Recreate simple steps to an Irish step dance ● Compare Irish dances/music to what they hear in America ● Appreciate the beauty in other culture’s dances

Materials:

● Irish Jig Tutorial (for teacher or to use in class) ● Book: Flying Feet: A Story of Irish Dance by Anna Marlis Burgard, Dees McCloskey,

Leighanne Dees ● Music for Practice ● Celtic Dancers ● Celtic Knot Cookies

Anticipatory Set: Show students the following video of other children performing an irish tap dance to gain interest Input outline:

● Read the book Flying Feet: A Story of Irish Dance to students

● Have students create tap shoes by putting a washer or bottle cap on the bottom

of their shoe.

● Students will learn a simple Irish jig by either watching a tutorial like listed above or the teacher will teach it to them.

● Students will practice multiple times. ● Discuss with students how the Irish dancing is similar to other forms of dancing

we often see in America (tap dancing) ● Show students a video of professional Irish step dancers ● Allow students to snack on celtic knot cookies while resting and watching a clip of

professionals

Enrichment Ideas:

● Circle group dance ● Irish bodhran (drum) have students make these and then practice playing them.

Students could play along while other students dance, etc. ● Find/buy tin whistles. Students can use simple sheet music and play along with

the drums and dancers as well

Music: Germany (History and Math)

Objectives Students will be able to...

● Describe the life of Beethoven ● Relate mathematical topics to musical notation ● Appreciate Beethoven’s contributions to the musical world

Materials Why Beethoven Threw the Stew: And Lots More Stories About the Lives of Great Composers by Steven Isserlis Smart Board Lesson Beethoven's Best Hour of Music Anticipatory Set Read with students Why Beethoven Threw the Stew: And Lots More Stories About the Lives of Great Composers by Steven Isserlis to introduce them to German composers such as Beethoven and Bach. Input outline

● Give a short biography of Beethoven ● Play examples of Beethoven’s work ● Ask students which ones they recognize ● Discuss dynamics, tempo, and other musical vocabulary ● Use the SMART board lesson or just the sheet music provided to talk about the

note values. Make connections between fractions and whole numbers. Have students practice writing the value of the notes in each measure. Then have students add up each measure to check that it equals 4 (for Ode to Joy)

● Have students then keep the beat using their hands on the table, clapping, drumming, etc to the song Ode to Joy.

Independent practice Students will use their knowledge of fractions to assess each measure of Ode to Joy Enrichment Ideas:

● Download the app: Meet Beethoven on ipads and have students explore his life, keywords, and sheet music

● Students could use recorders/piano to play the melody for Ode to Joy and practice/perform the piece

Drama: Greece

(3d art and literature) Objectives Students will be able to...

● Reproduce a Greek play ● Describe the different Greek plays/mythological figures ● Appreciate the contributions of Greek plays toward theatre today

Materials Greek Theater and Masks materials Tragedy Masks Free Greek Plays manuscripts This is Greece by Miroslav Sasek Anticipatory Set Begin with a quote from a Greek play or a famous play Input Outline

● Read with students the book, This is Greece by Miroslav Sasek

● Talk with students about the importance of Greek myths ● Discuss with the students the use of Greek masks in theatre. ● Create with students a Greek mask

● Have students split into groups to choose a Greek play. ● Give students practice time to read and re-read scripts. Allow students to

find/create props that may be needed. ● Have students perform their skit for the class (or have them further the project by

creating a movie of their Greek play) Independent Practice Students will practice and perform their chosen Greek play Enrichment Ideas:

● Take a few days to read through Greek plays ● Take a few days to learn about Greek mythological figures ● Students could take this activity a step further and write their own Greek play ● Guide students in a discussion/discovery of Greek theatre architecture

Literary Resources: Around the world with 30 books Books about Ireland Books about China Books about Greece

Teacher Costumes Ideas