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This Modern Western Art History Workbook takes students through the major art movements of the 20th century, from Post-Impressionism to Minimalism (1900 to 1990). Each movement has reading passages, comprehension questions, reflection prompts and art activities, so students analyze art and then make their own using techniques from each period.

It is for art teachers, classroom teachers bringing art into their program, and homeschool families. The workbook is scaffolded for Grades 5 to 8, upper elementary and middle school, and encourages independent learning and hands-on work with modern styles.

WHAT'S INCLUDED (NON-EDITABLE PDF BOOKLET, AMERICAN ENGLISH)

• Title Page for booklet assembly
• KWL Chart for modern art history
• Why Do We Study Art? mini lesson
• The Value of Art reading
• Workbook Reflection Page for the end of the unit
• Grading Rubric
• 10 Modern Art Movements, each with 7 or more pages: Post-Impressionism, Expressionism and Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Modern Sculpture, Op Art and Minimalism
• For each movement: informational reading page(s), "Do You Know the Period?" comprehension questions, "Let's Dig Deeper" critical thinking prompts, an exploration activity, a "Postcard from the Period" writing and drawing activity, a reflective art-making prompt and a blank art creation page

HOW TO USE IT

Preview the booklet and decide whether to run it as a full unit or as separate mini-lessons. Bind it into workbooks, print single handouts for interactive notebooks or warm-ups, glue pages into sketchbooks, or keep everything in a duotang. Work through one movement at a time, guiding students through the reading, exploration and art-making.

Use whatever supplies you have, from wax crayons and watercolor to oil pastels and markers, or let students choose. The comprehension pages work as literacy extensions or bell ringers, and finished work and postcards make a good Art History Gallery Walk or bulletin board.

FAQ

What grades is it for?

Grades 5 to 8, with enough depth to challenge older learners while staying accessible for younger ones.

Are artwork images included?

Many artworks are still under copyright and cannot be included. You can view them with your class on museum websites such as the MET or on Wikimedia, or pre-select images to show.

Is it linked to standards?

The comprehension and critical thinking activities are aligned with national art education standards.

Is it editable?

No. It is a non-editable PDF booklet.

ALL TEACHER REVIEWS (2)

“I felt the resource was very elementary. I was hoping when it showed 5th-12th, there would be a way to edit/modify or maybe a different lesson, but no. I liked all the genres of Art, but do not think it would have been engaging for High School students, maybe Jr High. I had to use the information and recreate a Google lesson. So, a little disappointed that I paid $26 and still did most of the work.” Betty G.

Get free, classroom-ready art lessons and printables in my Free Art Lesson Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathleen McGiveron (Ms Artastic) is an artist who has been featured on NBC LX News and designs art lessons for kids and educational resources for teachers. She is the founder of Ms Artastic and hosts the Ms Artastic YouTube Channel and Podcast.

TERMS OF USE

Images and lessons are copyright products.

YOU MAY: use this in your own classroom or homeschool, add it to sketchbooks, duotangs or binders for portfolio building, and let students explore with a variety of materials.

YOU MAY NOT: share it with other teachers or schools without a license, post it online in public forums or shared drives, or sell or distribute it in any format.

Sincerely,

Ms Artastic