4 sessions; 45 minutes per session

1. Students will become familiar with the Work of John James Audubon.
2. Students will be able to create a collograph plate and prints using birds as subject matter.
3. Students will be able to use the elements of shape and texture to create a series of successful prints.

1. "The Boy Who Drew Birds, A story of John James Audubon" by Jacqueline Davis (This is a lengthy book but even my 2nd graders listen to the whole story with interest).
2. Sketch paper
3. Pencils
4. 4"by 6" oak tag (two sheets per student)
5. Scissors
6. Glue
7. Water based Printmaking ink
8. Brayers
9. Barens
10. 60 lb. white drawing paper cut to 6"by 8" and pre-moistened (I do this with a spray bottle and then stack them, blotting as I go so that they will just be damp when used) .
11. Small colored feathers
12. Visual references of birds (photocopies, books, etc.)
13. Old phone books or cafeteria trays to roll ink out.

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Week One:
1. Read "The Boy Who Drew Birds"
2. Discuss the work of John James Audubon
3. Explain to the students that they will be using a process called collograph printing. Show examples if available.
4.Have students sketch a simple drawing of a bird on the sketch paper. Encourage the use of simple shapes such as ovals, circles, etc.
Week 2
1. Give each child two sheets of the 4x6 oaktag. One sheet will serve as the background and the other will be cut up to create the bird.
2. Demonstrate how to cut the oaktag into simple shapes to create a bird. Scissors can be used to create feather textures, etc.
3. Have students begin to cut their bird shapes and glue them to the background piece of oaktag.
Week 3:
1. Demonstrate the printing process.
2. Have students use the brayers to roll a thin layer of printing ink onto their bird plates. Place a sheet of the damp drawing paper over the plate and rub with fingers or barens.
3. Repeat this process to create a series of prints in different colors.
Week 4:
1. Have students chose their favorite prints. Add a feather to the bird for added texture and interest. If desired, place the print with the original plate to create a Diptych.

Content: Does the student's work demonstrate an understanding of the collograph process?
Creativity: Did the student use shape and texture to create a unique and affective bird shape?
Craftsmanship: Are the prints clear and readable?

"The Boy Who Drew Birds, A story of John James Audubon" by Jacqueline Davis

Texture, Shape

Printmaking

Science