2nd Graders create Japanese Obon lanterns in honor of a loved one :)

This lesson began by watching an episode of The Wonder Pets, entitled "Save the Crane." (Some students thought they were too old for this at first...but they loved it :-P) In this episode, the Wonder Pets fly into a Japanese Sumi-e painting, a perfect kick off to this lesson! Students were asked to watch for the colors and styles used in the painting in the show. Afterward, they got to see some other Sumi-e style paintings. We talked about bamboo, landscapes, and even the way many Sumi-e artists stamp their work in red. 

We then talked about the Japanese Obon festival, and how families create these lanterns and hang them to guide their ancestors home during Obon. I then told them to think of someone they'd like to make their lantern in honor of (alive or passed, or even a pet!). To incorporate writing into this lesson, I asked students to write 2-3 sentences telling me who they are making their lantern in honor of and why. (So sweet and thoughtful!) We then went on to the directions of planning their lanterns. 


I translated each students' name into Japanese using Google Translate and gave it to them along with a packet containing various Sumi-e paintings and Japanese characters (along with their English translations). This packet also had a worksheet with four 6" boxes (representing the 4 sides of their lantern) in which they drew their designs. One side was to be bamboo, so they could practice traditional Sumi-e painting later. Another was their name in Japanese, the 3rd a Japanese character describing their 'ancestor,' and the 4th was up to them. 


After students planned their lantern on their worksheet, they were given their "final" paper (6x24" vellum or tracing paper). I showed the students an authentic Sumi-e painting kit (thanks to my cooperating teacher!). They were so excited to see how it is used! We talked about how the ink is made and why the artists respect this process and take their time. 


I demonstrated how to use the brush to create thick and thin lines while they create their bamboo and other pictures/words. We used mainly black (traditional Sumi-e ink), but students used red for their names (like the stamps traditionally used) and a few other watercolors often seen such as yellows and purples. 


(Note: While students worked, I found various videos of the Obon ceremony playing very soothing music...this worked wonders, and the kids loved it!)


We constructed the final products with 7.5" thin popsicle sticks and a 7" square of black construction paper. I brought in battery powered t-lite candles so we could turn off the lights and safely see all of the lanterns lit up! These were then displayed in the school's library for everyone to see :)

IL.26.A.1e - Visual Arts: Identify media and tools and how to use them in a safe and responsible manner when painting, drawing and constructing.

IL.26.B.1d - Visual Arts: Demonstrate knowledge and skills to create visual works of art using manipulation, eye-hand coordination, building and imagination.

IL.26.B.2d - Visual Arts: Demonstrate knowledge and skills to create works of visual art using problem solving, observing, designing, sketching and constructing.

IL.27.A.1b - Identify how the arts contribute to communication, celebrations, occupations and recreation.