Ashley Croft

Introduction to the Unit

Components of Home
Unit Rationale:
This unit will teach the students about the importance of home, what makes a home, and how
memory can be attached to a particular object. The students in this unit will create art that is
reminiscent of their ideas of home. It is important for students to learn about home and how it
can vary from person to person, and how memories are able to be evoked through objects.
Students at this age level are able to make meaningful connections and create art based off of the
memories of home.
Lesson Rationale:
Lesson 1: This beginning lesson will introduce the students to the most concrete
example of home, specifically looking at physical habitats and ecosystems in the natural
world. The day will focus on learning about homes in nature while exemplifying
understanding through the students descriptions of specific habitats through group
discussion, writing and sketching. This lesson will include videos and a contemporary
artwork example to help reinforce learning and understanding of habitats in relation to
the Enduring Idea of Home.
Lesson 2: This lesson will address the concept of Home as being made up of
components (pieces) that serve purposes. There should be a connection to the previous
lesson about how animal habitats are homes too. The students will draw from their own
real-life knowledge of home in creating a visual artwork reflecting a home composed of
at least three components (pieces). The students will also learn the importance of
backing up their artistic choices through writing. The possibilities of expression through
using mixed-media will also be mentioned.
Lesson 3: It is important for students to discover and discuss their memories. Memories
allow for students to explore their past, while seeing how memories exist and influence
their everyday lives.
Lesson 4: It is important for students to discover and discuss their memories. Memories
allow for students to explore their past, while seeing how memories exist and influence
their everyday lives
Lesson 5: The idea of home is not relegated only to the place or structure where a person
lives. People can fell at home in many different places for many different reasons. It is
important for students to identify what can make a place other than where he/she resides
feel like home in order to see how home can be a state of mind.
Lesson 6: Our idea of a home can be represented by simple objects that we see or think
of on a daily basis. By investigating out inner psyche, we can reflect on why it is these
items inspire the idea of what we consider to be our home; which is not only defined
by a shelter but can also include our senses and the people we are close to.
Statement Pre-Unit:
The preceding unit will discuss the presence of conflict in our everyday lives. The
students will learn about the various forms of conflict along with different methods of
resolution.

Ashley Croft

Statement Post-Unit:
The following unit will discuss the importance of family. The students will learn about
what makes up a family and the different roles and relationships that family members
share.