Art Classes: Level I

Level I-Art Lesson 4: The Haitian Gecko

Learn to draw a gecko inspired by Haitian artists working on recycled metal

The lesson is suitable for students in kindergarten through adult.

Art Lesson Description:

People in Haiti recycle the metal from oil drums into brightly colored refrigerator magnets, wall decorations, and garden art. The geckos found in this lesson are refrigerator magnets.

In order to capture the bright color of the originals we will use washable markers on glossy finished paper. A final option is to add details with paint pens.

The lesson begins with a warm-up, followed with a guided drawing of the gecko. Then, with the brightly colored originals as inspiration, you will use markers and paint pens to create your own vibrantly colored gecko.

This lesson includes both POWERPOINT and VIDEO versions of the lesson plus 2 downloadable printouts: a warmup and a drawing of the gecko.

List of Supplies for Each Student:

1 warm-up for the gecko (it comes with the lesson)
1 sheet of glossy printer paper (#ad)
Fine tipped permanent black marker (#ad)
Washable colored markers (#ad)
1 or more colors of acrylic paint pens (#ad) (Optional)

Suggestions for Cross-Curricular Connections:

Social Studies: Use this lesson as an introduction to the geography and history of Haiti.
Science:
- Read Geckos (#ad) by Katie Marsico to learn how geckos live in the wild.
- Learn about geckos at the San Diego Zoo.
- Design a habitat for geckos .
- Learn about geckos and their potential as pets with a video.
- Find more gecko facts here.
- Many geckos are endangered. Do some research to learn what is causing the reduction in numbers and to propose ways to improve their plight.
- The smallest lizard in world lives in Haiti.
- Find a variety of information about geckos and their sticky feet.

Literature:
- Read Go To Sleep, Gecko!: A Balinese Folktale (#ad) by Margaret Read MacDonald.
- Find riddles and proverbs from Haiti.
Other art lessons: another art lesson featuring art from Haiti can be found at Four Suns with Four Faces.