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Street Art and Graffiti

Lesson Plan

Street Art and Graffiti

Learn history/techniques of street art

Dive into the history and techniques of street art and graffiti. Students will learn about the significance of street art in culture, and create their own graffiti tags and murals using safe, classroom-friendly materials. This lesson emphasizes creativity, self-expression, and cultural appreciation.

Audience

Ages 11-18

Time

1.5 hours

Approach

Learn history/techniques of street art

Materials

PowerPoint slides on street art history, Markers, Paper, Spray bottles with diluted paint, Protective coverings for classroom surfaces, Worksheets on graffiti styles, Printable Graffiti Tags Templates, Colored Pencils, Crayons, Chalk, Stickers, Stencils, and Collage Materials (e.g., magazines, colored paper)

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

  • Greet the students and introduce the topic of street art and graffiti.
  • Briefly explain that street art is a form of artwork that is displayed in public spaces, often without permission.
  • Explain that the lesson will cover the history and techniques of graffiti, and include a hands-on activity.

Step 2

History of Street Art

20 mins

  • Use PowerPoint slides to present the history of street art, from ancient times to modern days.
  • Highlight significant artists and movements, such as Keith Haring, Banksy, and the rise of hip-hop culture.
  • Discuss the socio-political messages often conveyed through street art.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Step 3

Techniques of Graffiti

15 mins

  • Explain various graffiti techniques, including tagging, throw-ups, and pieces (murals).
  • Show visual examples of each technique.
  • Distribute a worksheet with different graffiti styles for students to explore.
  • Encourage students to practice sketching different styles on the worksheet.

Step 4

Exploring Cultural Graffiti

20 mins

  • Present examples of graffiti from different cultures around the world, including indigenous art.
  • Highlight unique styles, techniques, and cultural influences.
  • Discuss the cultural significance of graffiti in various regions and communities.
  • Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts on the differences and similarities they observe.

Step 5

Creating Graffiti Tags

25 mins

  • Hand out the Printable Graffiti Tags Templates and markers to each student.
  • Ask students to create their own graffiti tags, focusing on design and style.
  • Walk around to provide guidance and feedback.
  • Allow students to share their work with classmates.

Step 6

Mural Creation

15 mins

  • Set up a large sheet of paper or canvas as the mural surface.
  • Distribute spray bottles with diluted paint, colored pencils, crayons, chalk, stickers, stencils, and collage materials. Provide protective covering...

Step 7

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Discussion

Graffiti Discussion

Discussion on the impact and ethics of graffiti in public spaces.

What is your initial impression of graffiti? Is it art or vandalism?

Encourage students to express their views openly and discuss the reasons behind their opinions.







How do you think graffiti can be used to convey messages or emotions?

Guide the discussion towards the role of graffiti in social and political commentary.







What are some positive and negative consequences of graffiti in a community?

Discuss both the artistic value and potential legal or ethical issues surrounding graffiti.







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lenny

Worksheet

Graffiti Styles Worksheet

Worksheet to explore various graffiti styles through sketching and practice.

Try sketching a 'tag' style graffiti.

Focus on simple, stylized letters that form your name or a word.







Create a 'throw-up' graffiti design.

Use bubble letters and experiment with color and shading.







Draw a concept for a 'piece' or mural.

Think about a theme or message you want to convey, and plan out a larger, more detailed design.







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lenny

Worksheet

Graffiti Art Coloring Sheet

Printable coloring sheet featuring graffiti art styles for students to color.





Printable graffiti tags and designs for students to explore and color in.




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lenny