LINE LANTERNS

Line Lanterns

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Line Lantern using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use line types (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), space (positive, negative), and form (cylinder, cube, cone) inspired by Traditional Art of Lantern Festivals
• Use sculpture techniques (carving, assembling, modeling) and design principles (proportion, balance, harmony) based on World Art
• Define Chinese New Year (the first day of the lunar year and biggest holiday celebration among Chinese People)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Xi'an City Wall Lantern Show
2. Read Floating Lanterns and Golden Shrines: Celebrating Japanese Festivals by Rena Kranso
3. Discussion Questions "Can you point to a positive shape? Can you point to a negative shape? Can you make your eyes switch between the positive and negative shapes? How are the positive and negative shapes the same? How is Chinese New Year similar or different than how we celebrate the New Year in America? How do you celebrate the new year? What kind of foods do you eat? Do you have any special family traditions? Do you stay up until midnight? Can you guess which creatures of the zodiac are the most important symbols of the Chinese New Year?"

Lesson Activities:

1. Cut long paper strips for handle of lantern to attach to top of rectangle paper
2. Cut crosswise strips on rectangle sheet of paper for middle of rectangle paper
3. Loop paper to form a tube by attaching short ends with glue of Line Lantern

Day Two, Art Start

1.  Retrieve Line Lantern for Assigned Table
2. Read Chinese New Year's Dragon Teacher Guide. In Multicultural Celebrations by Modern Curriculum Press
3. Discussion Questions "When is the Chinese New Year? What is the weather like during the festival? Where do people go? What do they do and what do they eat? Do you like festivals? Why is the Chinese New Year important? What does the Chinese New Year symbolize? What happens on the Chinese New Year? Why is the Chinese New Year celebrated for fifteen days? What is the story behind the Chinese New Year? What is good luck on Chinese New Year? Why do the Chinese wear red?" 

Lesson Activities:

1. Slip colored tube to top and bottom edges of crosswise strip tube of Line Lantern
2. Thread string through holes and tie knot at bottom of Line Lantern
3. Add crepe paper or paper streamers to bottom edge of Line Lantern 

Day Three, Art Start

1.Retrieve Line Lantern for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (glue sticks, construction paper, embellishments)

Lesson Activities:

1. Add designs (symbolic writing, Chinese Lunar Calendar, zen principles) to positive space (outside) of Line Lantern
2. Add designs (symbolic writing, Chinese Lunar Calendars, zen principles) to negative space (inside) of Line Lantern
3. Add embellishments (gold glitter, gold marker, sequins, rhinestones) to positive space (outside) of Line Lantern

Artist Examples

Student Examples