Level II-Art Lesson 3: The Japanese Goldfish
Learn to draw a fish based on a Japanese yard lantern
The lesson is suitable for students in grade 3 through adult.
Art Lesson Description:
We found this cast iron fish on a number of places in the western United States—on the front steps of a Washington home and decorating the awning of a cafe in Oahu, to name a few.
The simple design of the fish with its repeated pattern of scales makes it easy to introduce the idea of a motif in art, and the uniform rusty brown finish almost begs for color. Put motif and color together, and you have a wonderful art lesson!
After the warm-up, the guided drawing lesson invites a number of opportunities for individual interpretation and for experimentation with motifs. At the end of the lesson, you will color the fish with magic markers as you invent more motifs—this time in color.
Click here for a Lesson Preview
This lesson includes both POWERPOINT and VIDEO versions of the lesson plus 2 downloadable printouts: a warmup and a drawing of the fish.
List of Supplies for Each Student:
- 1 goldfish warm-up (this comes with the lesson)
- 1 sheet of glossy printer paper
- Fine tipped permanent black marker
- Washable colored markers
Suggestions for Cross-Curricular Connections:
Social Studies:
- Use this lesson as an introduction to the geography and history of Japan. For an interesting story about the history of Japanese Americans during World War II, watch the documentary, Japanese American History Unknown.
- Get some quick facts about Japan.
- 10 facts about Japan.
- Find lots of books for children about Japan.
Science:
- Learn more about aquatic life in The Complete Aquarium Adventure, (#ad) or set up an aquarium with a BioBubble Premium Plus Habitat (#ad)
- Learn about iron and steel, and the properties of iron.
- Learn about the advantages of using cast iron pans.
Writing: Study haiku poetry and write a haiku poem.
Literature/Geography:
- Read the story of “Urashima Taro.”
- Read The Funny Little Woman (#ad) by Arlene Mosel.
- Read Hachiko (#ad) by Pamela Turner.
- Read A Pair of Red Clogs (#ad) by Masako Matsuno.
- Read Taro and the Tofu (#ad) by Masako Matsuno.
- Read Tree of Cranes (#ad) by Allen Say.
- Read Wabi Sabi (#ad) by Mark Reibstein.
- Read The Tale of the Mandarin Ducks (#ad) by Katherine Paterson.
Art: Look at Escher's painting, Fish and Boat to enjoy a different view of a fish like the one you painted.
Approximate Time to Complete the Art Class:
- Introduction through guided drawing: 25 minutes
- Finishing the drawing: 35 minutes
- Total time: 60 minutes