A guide for using our resources

Children will analyze the paintings and achievements of Alma Thomas.

Vocabulary: artist, nature, outer space

Social Studies Focus: Black History Month

Simple, spectacular ideas to boost your lessons.

• These picture books are both about the life and art of Alma Thomas. They make a perfect addition to the magazine, allowing kids to really get to know this wonderful artist!

• The Eclipse is one of Alma Thomas’s most famous paintings. On the digital issue page, scroll down to "Skill Sheets and Lesson Plan." Click on the poster to project it on the board. Then ask the following questions.
• What shape do you see repeated in this painting?
• What colors do you see?
• Look at the painting from far away. What do you see? Now look at it up close. Does it look different? How?
• What feelings word goes best with this painting? It could be happy, sad, angry, excited, or a word of your own. Why did you choose the word you did?

• Use pages 2-3 of the issue to do this scavenger hunt as a group.

1. Find the heading at the top of page 2. Underline it.

2. Find the picture of Alma. Put a ✓ on it.

3. Find Alma’s painting of a sunset. Circle it.

4. Which artist tool is shown on pages 2-3? Label it.

Skill: art, fine motor

Materials: art paper, paint sticks (or construction paper and glue)

• Now that kids have learned the trademarks of Alma’s art, have them create their own Almainspired pieces! Project the issue for reference as children work.
• A great way for kids to recreate “Alma’s stripes” is with paint sticks. The sticks make it easier to imitate Alma’s short, fl at brush strokes. Encourage children to create repeating shapes and patterns in bright colors.
• If you don’t have paint sticks, you can have kids glue small pieces of colored construction paper on a background. Although Alma used paint to create her art, kids can still replicate the colors and shapes that were her signature.