lenny

Creative Corners

user image

Lesson Plan

Creative Corners Lesson Plan

Given an excerpt of The Dot and art supplies (condition), students will identify and record three illustration details that describe character, setting, or mood, and create an original artwork using at least two observed visual techniques (behavior), with at least 80% accuracy as measured by the response sheet (criterion).

Integrating literacy and art deepens reading comprehension by focusing on visual narratives, while fostering creativity, fine motor development, and confidence in art-making—all key skills for 2nd graders.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Self-directed analysis and creation using guided prompts and art materials.

Materials

Prep

Center Setup

10 minutes

  • Print copies of The Dot Excerpt for each student
  • Print or display Sample Illustration Page
  • Gather art supplies: Drawing Paper Sheets, Pencils and Erasers, Colored Pencils and Crayons
  • Arrange materials in the fine arts learning center for easy student access

Step 1

Explore a Picture Book

10 minutes

  • Provide each student with The Dot Excerpt
  • Ask students to examine illustrations and note colors, shapes, lines, and expressions
  • Guide comprehension with questions: What is the character feeling? Where does the story take place? How do the illustrations support the text?
  • Students record one or two observations in a notebook or on a response sheet

Step 2

Create Artwork

15 minutes

  • Distribute Drawing Paper Sheets, Pencils and Erasers, and Colored Pencils and Crayons
  • Instruct students to create an illustration inspired by the excerpt, using techniques observed in the book (simple shapes, line variation, color to convey mood)
  • Encourage experimentation with color and composition
  • Circulate to offer positive feedback and prompt deeper connections to the story

Step 3

Reflect and Share

5 minutes

  • Have students place their
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Creative Corners: Art & Reading Exploration

Today we will:

  1. Explore illustration details in a picture book excerpt
  2. Create our own artwork inspired by the story
  3. Reflect and share how art helps us understand the text

Welcome students to the Creative Corners center. Explain that today they will explore illustrations from a picture book and then create artwork inspired by what they observe. Emphasize the focus on reading comprehension and art skills.

Materials

You will need:

Show the materials on the table or screen. Remind students to handle art supplies responsibly.

Explore the Picture Book (10 min)

  1. Read and look closely at the illustrations in The Dot Excerpt.
  2. Notice colors, shapes, lines, and expressions.
  3. Answer these questions in your notebook:
    • What is the character feeling?
    • Where does the story happen?
    • How do the pictures support the words?

Guide students through observation prompts. Circulate to help students record their notes clearly.

Create Your Artwork (15 min)

  1. Take a sheet of drawing paper and sketch with pencil.
  2. Use simple shapes, line variation, and color to show mood—just like in the book.
  3. Add details that connect to the story setting or character.
  4. Color your artwork using pencils or crayons.

Encourage creativity but remind students to use elements they observed in the book. Provide positive feedback and prompt deeper thinking.

Reflect & Share (5 min)

  1. Place your artwork on the display.
  2. Share one detail: “I used ______ to show ______.”
  3. Listen as classmates describe how illustrations help you understand the story.
  4. Give one compliment about art skill or story connection.

Set up a display area. Prompt each student to make one clear connection between their art and the book. Reinforce positive peer feedback.

Standards Connection

• Reading Comprehension: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.7
Identify how illustrations contribute to understanding characters and setting.
• Visual Arts: VA:Cr2.1.2
Create art that expresses story ideas and mood through line, shape, and color.

Highlight how the activity meets the standards. Encourage students to look for these connections in future reading and art.

Next Steps & Cleanup

• Return art supplies to their stations.
• Keep your artwork displayed for class discussion.
• Think about how art and reading work together in other books!

Wrap up and remind students to help clean up supplies and put away materials neatly.

lenny

Worksheet

Creative Corners Response Sheet

Use this sheet to record your observations about the illustrations in The Dot Excerpt and plan your own artwork.

Illustration Observations

  1. Detail #1 I notice:
    ______________________________________


  2. Detail #2 I notice:
    ______________________________________


  3. Detail #3 I notice:
    ______________________________________


Comprehension Questions

  1. What is the character feeling?
    ______________________________________


  2. Where does the story take place?
    ______________________________________


  3. How do the illustrations support or add to the text?
    ______________________________________





Artwork Planning

  1. Which scene or detail from the story will you illustrate?
    ______________________________________


  2. Sketch your idea below:











  1. Which colors will you use and why?
    ______________________________________





  2. What shapes or lines will you include to show mood or setting?
    ______________________________________





lenny
lenny