Students will gain an understanding of Medieval art through the creation of an 'illuminated letter'

paper, pencil, examples of 'illuminated letters'. Other art supplies that you have at hand

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Talk to students about how books were created by hand before the invention of the printing press and show examples of 'illustrations' from these books in the forms of 'illuminated letters' the fancier and more elaborate the example, the better. Show examples from the Book of Kells as well as the Bible.

Have students brainstorm a list of things that 'identify' themselves.

Students create a large letter from either their first or last name (examples of gothic and medieval alphabets are helpful). Students then decorate their letter with things from their list of identifiers.

Did students create a large 'illuminated' letter? Did students add detailed items from their list of identifiers?

Craftsmanship counts! - use of materials and neatness.

Book of Kells, hand copied Bibles

[9-12 Proficient] Students conceive and create works of visual art that demonstrate an understanding of how the communication of their ideas relates to the media, techniques, and processes they use

[9-12 Proficient] Students apply media, techniques, and processes with sufficient skill, confidence, and sensitivity that their intentions are carried out in their artworks

[9-12 Advanced] Students communicate ideas regularly at a high level of effectiveness in at least one visual arts medium

[9-12 Proficient] Students create artworks that use organizational principles and functions to solve specific visual arts problems

[9-12 Proficient] Students apply subjects, symbols, and ideas in their artworks and use the skills gained to solve problems in daily life

[9-12 Proficient] Students differentiate among a variety of historical and cultural contexts in terms of characteristics and purposes of works of art

[9-12 Proficient] Students describe the function and explore the meaning of specific art objects within varied cultures, times, and places

[9-12 Proficient] Students analyze relationships of works of art to one another in terms of history, aesthetics, and culture, justifying conclusions made in the analysis and using such conclusions to inform their own art making

[9-12 Proficient] Students reflect analytically on various interpretations as a means for understanding and evaluating works of visual art

[9-12 Proficient] Students identify intentions of those creating artworks, explore the implications of various purposes, and justify their analyses of purposes in particular works

[9-12 Proficient] Students compare the materials, technologies, media, and processes of the visual arts with those of other arts disciplines as they are used in creation and types of analysis

[9-12 Proficient] Students compare characteristics of visual arts within a particular historical period or style with ideas, issues, or themes in the humanities or sciences

Medieval Art

Balance, Color/Value, Emphasis

Colored Pencil, Mixed Media, Watercolor

English/Language Arts, History/Social Studies