Artful Reading 6-8 is a unique approach to engaging middle school students. It is built on the same premise as the elementary modules, integrating literacy with visual and performing arts, but it is targeted to support a Project-based Learning approach. These modules’ books and themes create an enticing hook to engage middle school students in investigating STEAM topics.
Whether used in a single classroom or as a collaborative project, these modules provide the necessary lessons to get projects started and provide students with needed investigations to begin building their culminating projects.
AR: 6-8 Modules
Is pink your color? Pink is for Blobfish invites students to put on their rose-colored glasses to research the color pink and its effect on mood and tone.
Students will be challenged to think PINK as they investigate everything from obscure pink animals to making their own pretty-in-pink masterpieces inspired by pop artist Andy Warhol. They will mix a multitude of pink hues, analyze a variety of text features, curate a cabinet of pink curiosities, and broaden their understanding of pink’s popularity.
This module contains the following lessons:
- Think Pink!
- Pink is for Everyone
- Tints and Shades
- Pink is for Blobfish
- Made Ya Look!
- Color Theory
- Tickled Pink
- The Pink Umbrella
- Pretty in Pink
The summative writing tasks will invite students into a PBL experience. While
conducting self- and group-initiated research, the compelling question
students will explore is: How can we add a hint of pink to our community? Optional Extension Tasks are also available to stretch the module further.
Pink is for Blobfish
Change Sings
Change Sings teaches students about the inaugural poet Amanda Gorman. Students will deepen their understanding of poetry and how words can serve as an anthem to stir change- big or small-in their hearts, schools, local, and global communities. As a result of this module, students will be able to answer How can we promote change in our community? This module serves as a catalyst to unpack how people can use words and storytelling to promote change through love, hope, and strength.
Before you begin…
Each Artful Reading Module is flexibly designed for a 2-3 week duration. Lessons are marked for Before-, During-, or After-Reading to guide your planning. We have added a sample of a Before Reading lesson entitled Inaugural Poets for you to preview. Each lesson is designed in an easy to read format, with standards, materials needed, and step-by-step directions to ensure you are fully prepared when it’s time to deliver.
This module contains the following lessons:
- Inaugural Poets
- Who is Amanda Gorman?
- Extended Metaphor
- Change Sings
- The Hill We Climb
- Hope. Love. Strength.
The summative writing tasks will invite students into a PBL experience. While conducting self and group initiated research, the compelling question students will explore is How might we promote change in our communities? Optional Extension Tasks are also available to stretch the module further.