Third graders in Virginia study 3 ancient civilizations: Greece, Rome and Mali. From my one experience of teaching these topics the students really love to learn about the Olympics, the gladiators and the gold. But one aspect that they sort of struggle with is the art. Mainly the different types of art and architecture that the different civilizations contributed. With that said, I have chosen a piece of art from Ancient Greece that I believe will help engage the students in the art lesson and leave them with a better understanding and respect for not only ancient art, but art in general.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/14.30.9
Prior to the lesson being taught the teacher should display a picture of the ancient Greece pitcher and allow students to have time to brainstorm what it is and what it may have been used for. After a lesson on ancient Greece and the students have a better understanding of the culture the teacher should display the picture again and have the students discuss what they think the pitcher was used for. The responses this time around should include more intelligent responses such as used for pouring wine, pouring olive oil, mixing spices, etc.
The 'big idea' behind this lesson is that through helping the students see how they are better able to analyze art after they have a better grasp on the history of the civilization they will be more interested in the art that will be presented later in lessons to follow. By inviting the students to make a connection to the art they will be apt to use critical thinking skills later when analyzing future pieces.
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