Lesson Plan.......Alebrije animals

ALEBRIJE ANIMALS

Teacher: Brenda Gladwell
Grade Level: 7th
Title: Alebrije animals

History and Background:
Alebrije is a Mexican slang word meaning fantastic figures. These fantastical figures are made In a small town in southern Mexico called Oaxacan. The people of this village have been making these animals for generation. The men typically carve the animals from branches of a Copel tree. The women are normally the painters of these wonderful creators. The skill and craftsmanship of making these animals has been handed down from generation to generation in these area of Mexico.

Standards:
• 1.a - apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
• 3.b- locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
• 4.c- collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/ or make informed decisions.


Goals: To create a Alebrije animal using reference, color scheme, and design patterns from Oaxacan Mexico.

Resources Materials/ Visual Aides:
Images of Alebije animals
Map of Mexico
Example of Alebrije amimal
Examples of pattern and colors that the Oaxacan people use to embellish Animals

Supplies/Materials:
• Masking tape
• Paper plates and cups
• Tempera paint
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes and sticks
• Scissors

Teacher Preparation:
Teacher will get all supplies ready. Teacher will fine web site of Alebrije animals.

Teaching:
Begin by defining Alebrije animals and were they are made in Mexico. Describe how these fantastic animals are made in Mexico. Tell students that they will make there own whimsical animals from paper cups and plate and create a solid from by taping them together. The creatures will then be painted in the same style as the Oaxacan people of Mexico.

Directions:
1. Have students look at different Alebrije animals on computer
2. Make sketch of Alebrije animal they would like to create
3. Assemble animal out of paper cups and plates using tape.
4. Use masking tape to cover entire surface of animal so it can be painted.
5. Paint base colors of animal with Tempera paint.
6. Paint designs on animal with acrylic paint using sticks for dots and small brushes.


Time Budgeted:
Five 45 minute classes
1. Class-Discuss,get references and design sketches of Alebrije animals
2. Class- Constuct and create 3-D animals
3. Class-Paint/Decorate surface of structure( might require two class depending drying time)
4. Class- Finishing / Critique


Critique/ Evaluation/ Assessment:
When students are finished with there animal they will each present there piece to the class. The students will describe how the achieved the designs and shape of the animal. Each student will reflect on the original way that the Oaxacan people create their Alebrije animals.


Vocabulary:

Alebrije animals- Mystical/Fantastic animals carved out of the Copel tree.

Embellish- to add detail to or to decorate

Oaxacan- An area in southern Mexico where Alebrije animals are made with the same techniques handed down through generations.

Safety Concerns: None

Bibliography/References:

Sample of designs of Alebrije animals
http://www.oaxacafinecarvings.com/

Sample of designs of Alebrije animals
http://www.elbalero.gob.mx/kids/about/html/traditions/alebrije.html

Map of Oaxacan Mexico
http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/oaxaca/mapoaxaca.html

Oaxacan Mexico
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alebrije