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Lesson Plans

Spark creativity with Crayola lesson plans. With hundreds of activities, the learning possibilities are endless. 

Favorite Places & Spaces

What place has a special personal significance? Students will think about a meaningful place in their home or community and then create a painting of it in the style of Vincent van Gogh.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Heavy Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Vincent van Gogh painted three versions of his "Bedroom in Arles." Have students find out why this room held special meaning for him and why he painted it three times. Have them look at the three versions as well as the original sketches of the room. Ask them to note the brush strokes, the bold use of color, and the shading techniques. Have them also notice some of the differences in each version, such as the pictures on the wall, the colors of the objects, etc.

  • Step 2

    Ask students to think about a place that makes them feel safe and comfortable. Perhaps it's in a certain room in their home, a shaded bench in a community park, or a comfy chair in the library. Have them first sketch this place (as van Gogh did) and then paint it on heavy paper using brush strokes and shading in the style of van Gogh.

  • Step 3

    When their work is dry have students present their paintings and describe how they feel when they are in this special place.

Standards

ARTS: Speculate about processes an artist uses to create a work of art.

ARTS: Explore and invent art-making techniques and approaches.

Adaptations

The "Bedroom in Arles" that Vincent van Gogh was located in "The Yellow House," another of van Gogh's noted works. He dreamed it would one day be the site of an artists' commune. Have students look at images of this painting. Encourage them to reflect on van Gogh's belief in the power of collaboration and the importance of supporting fellow artists.

Vincent van Gogh had a special relationship with his brother Theo. Ask students to learn about their correspondence and Theo's support for his brother's career.