wipAdirondack Curriculum Project - www.adkcurriculum.org tested
NYS Content Area Standard
Arts
1.Creating/Performing Art
2. Knowing/Using Arts Materials & Resources
3. Responding to and analyzing Works of Art  (analysis
of illustrations and how illustrators use the elements
of art along with composition and design)
 Title: When I Was Young in the Mountains

Grade Level: Art & English, 6th Grade

Author: Cheryl McFadden, Keene Central School

Email: cmacfadd@kcs.neric.org
 Adirondack Curriculum Content Area
___ Natural History
___ Human History
___ Culture & the Arts
___ Government & Civics
___ Economy
___ Health, Recreation & Life Skills

Investigative Question or Issue: What's it like to grow up in the Adirondack Mountains?

Challenge:  
Create a book based on a series of autobiographical episodes that tell about growing up in the Adirondack Mountains.

Quality Standards:  

Students will work with their Art and English teachers, and artist Sheri Amsel, in order to learn the vocabulary and skills necessary to write, edit, design, and illustrate a book. They will read "When I Was Young in the Mountains" by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Diane Goode and examine several illustrated books to identify a variety of layout possibilities for text and pictures.
The Product Quality Checklist reflects the Arts skills necessary to successfully complete the project.
Examples of Student Work
Adapted for the Adirondack Curriculum Project from the work of Education By Design TM and Leading EDGE, LLC ©ACP 2002

   Product Quality
Checklist
Date: ________                                                                     Class Period: ________
Product Author(s):

 
 Product Title/Name:
When I Was Young in the Mountains
Evaluator Name(s)
 
 Observed Standard/Criteria
Possible
Points
Rating
   - use and understand the vocabulary associated with writing, editing, designing and illustrating a book (dummy book, publisher, editor, illustrator, illustration, laout, open composition, closed composition, focal point, emphasis)
    
   - explain and demonstrate basic compositional techniques for arranging text and pictures
    
   - choose arrangements of elements that best serve the needs to their book
    
   - plan and execute illustrations with minimal assistance
    
   - use a layering technique with colored pencils
    
   - create appropriate cover & title page for book
    
  - assemble and complete book by the assigned deadline
    
   - book is based on personal experiences
    
       
       
       
 
TOTALS
    

Comments:nyscaTwenty four English periods in classroom for the purpose of writing and editing the story.  Eight 40 minute periods in Art researching, sketching and illustrating the book including the cover art.  During the first stages of developing the book, the class will be visited by Sheri Amsel, a published Adirondack author and illustrator, to gain insight and inspiration.  Sheri will discuss aspects of design and give suggestions for improvement of the students' work. She will show examples of layout, and explain the process of working with an editor and having a book published.  She will also give instruction on drawing Adirondack plants and wildlife.