This Procreate-based digital art lesson plan combines artistic exploration with digital skills and aligns with Texas TEKS standards (Fine Arts & English Language Arts), offering an engaging and educational experience for elementary students.

It’s crucial to integrate children’s book illustration into art lessons that combine visual arts, reading, and English language arts for several reasons. Firstly, children’s book illustration fosters creativity and imagination, allowing students to express themselves artistically while engaging with literature. By visually interpreting stories, students develop a deeper understanding of narrative structure, character development, and themes, enriching their reading comprehension skills.

Additionally, combining visual arts with reading and language arts creates a holistic learning experience that appeals to diverse learning styles, accommodating both visual and verbal learners. This interdisciplinary approach not only enhances students’ artistic abilities but also strengthens their critical thinking, communication, and storytelling skills, preparing them to become proficient readers, writers, and creators in an increasingly visual world.

Book Illustration

Creative Explorations in Procreate®: English Language Arts & Visual Arts

Level: 4th-5th Grade, Duration: 5 Class Periods (60 minutes each)

Art Supplies

• iPads with Procreate® installed
• Apple Pencil
• Visual examples of Children’s Book Illustration

Fine Arts TEKS

• 4.1A – Observe and describe the subject matter in artworks.
• 4.2A – Identify and describe how the subject matter is organized in an artwork using the principles of design.
• 5.1A – Compare the subject matter in artworks and identify the differences and similarities.
• 5.2A – Analyze how the use of color and symbols can convey the cultural perspective of the artist.

English Language Arts and Reading TEKS

• 4.8A – Discuss the purposes for listening and adjust communication accordingly.
• 4.8B – Speak using skills appropriate to formal speech situations.
• 4.16A – Make predictions about content, purpose, and organization of increasingly complex texts.
• 4.16B – Ask relevant questions, seek clarification, and locate facts that resolve the uncertainty when reading.
• 5.2A – Explain how various authors’ writing about the same topic can reflect different viewpoints.

Learning Objectives:

Students will be able to:

• Understand the concept of illustration in children’s book illustration and explain the role of illustrations in storytelling.
• Create a draft of a short story
• Create a digital artwork in Procreate® that illustrates the story.

Demonstration of Learning

By completing this lesson, students will be able to created a digital children’s illustration character or scenery that illustrates the short story they had already drafted.

Day 1: Introduction

Illustration & Storytelling

Icebreaker Activity (5 minutes):

• Have students introduce themselves and share their favorite children’s book.

Introduction to Children’s Book Illustration (10 minutes):

• Show examples of famous children’s book illustrations.
• Discuss the importance of illustrations in conveying emotions, setting, and characters.

Basic Sketching Techniques (20 minutes):

• Demonstrate basic sketching techniques such as lines, shapes, and shading.
• Encourage students to practice sketching simple objects.

Storyboarding Exercise (20 minutes):

• Divide students into small groups.
• Provide each group with a short story prompt.
• Have students create a basic storyboard outlining the main events of their story.

Day 2: Sketching

Research & Sketching

1. Provide samples of Audubon’s bird illustrations and Rousseau’s jungle scenes as reference material.
2. Ask students to select a specific bird and jungle plant from Audubon’s and Rousseau’s works as inspiration for their project.
3. Instruct students to create a rough digital sketch in Procreate that combines their chosen bird and plant, taking inspiration from both artists’ styles.

Day 3: Refining

Finalizing Sketch

1. Have students refine their sketches, adding more details and ensuring their composition blends the two styles effectively.
2. Guide students to create a digital background that complements their composition, considering the lush jungle settings from Rousseau’s work.
3. Encourage them to use Procreate’s layering features to separate the background and the main subject.

Day 4: Painting

Brushes & Settings

1. Provide time for students to carefully paint their blended composition using Procreate’s brushes and color palette.
2. Encourage them to experiment with various brush settings to achieve desired textures and effects.
3. While painting, discuss the cultural and artistic perspectives represented in their artwork and how they integrated elements from both artists.

Day 5: Reflection

Critique & Assessment

1. Have students share their digital artworks with peers.
2. Facilitate a discussion about the differences and similarities between their artworks and the styles of Rousseau and Audubon.
3. Ask students to reflect on their artistic choices and the message or story conveyed in their artwork.
4. Provide constructive feedback during the peer critique session.

Extensions

1. Organize a virtual art gallery where students can display their digital artworks online.
2. Invite a local artist or art historian to discuss the works of Rousseau and Audubon and provide feedback on students’ projects.
3. Explore additional digital art techniques, such as layer effects and blending modes, to further enhance their compositions.