Let there be dragons: elementary.

The Art Problem

In Chinese lore, the dragon is a protector and a good omen--a symbol of luck. A Chinese dragon is made up of many animal attributes. Its body is like a serpent with scales like a fish, the mane of a lion, paws like a tiger, the horns of a deer, large fierce eyes and teeth, whiskers on its chin, and a long snout.

Objectives

Students will compare Western and Chinese dragons before making their own.

Materials

12 x 18" (30.5 x 46 cm) red paper, one per student; 12-14" length of wide foil-punched ribbon, one per student; stencil brushes; gold and other colors of tempera paint

Process

1. Show students pictures of Chinese dragons in paintings, on vases, on silk robes, and on fans and compare them to concepts of western dragons.

2. Have students zigzag and tape the foil-punched ribbon across a piece of 12 x 18" (30.5 x46 cm) red paper (red is a good luck color in China) and then paint through the holes by daubing the ribbon with gold paint. When the ribbon is removed, the serpentine shape of the dragon is clearly visible. Add details with paint.

Assessment

* Can students explain differences between Western and Chinese dragons?

* Did students create effective textures for the body of their dragons?

By Kathy Cunningham, a K-6 art teacher for the North Merrick Public Schools in New York.