Step Into a Painting; 'The Starry Night' Using Works of Art to Inspire Writing.
They say that a picture paints a thousand words. We may not write THAT many but we’ll use a painting and some facts about it and the artist to create our own pieces of writing; whether creative or non-fiction.
Tracy Lambert
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(235)
Rising Star
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Informal assessment during classClass Experience
US Grade 4 - 6
For the first part of our class, we’ll look at our chosen painting (The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh) and discuss and write down our first responses to it and thoughts or ideas we may have. Next, we’ll take a brief look at the artist, and the time of the painting as well as any facts and details about the painting and subject, so that we have a more rounded background and understanding of the piece. We’ll explore whether the details that we’ve found out have changed our ideas at all. We’ll then brainstorm and note descriptive terms, adjectives, possible events that could happen next based on the painting, etc. We’ll also look at non-fiction writing based on the painting. Students will then choose what they would like to write. This could be: A short story A poem A description A critique A personal response piece. Time permitting, students will be encouraged to share their writing with the class. If they prefer not to read aloud, they can talk about their ideas, type into the chat feature, or upload their work afterwards to the classroom. Students may also send their pieces to me privately if they’d like. There is no pressure to share at all if learners prefer not to.
Learning Goals
Students will:
Explore their personal response to a painting
Learn basic facts about the artist, the era in which the painting was created and facts about the painting itself.
Explore descriptive vocabulary
Look at non-fiction techniques in writing
Make their own choices about what form their writing will take
Have the opportunity to take part in discussions about reactions to the painting and imaginative ideas
Be able to ask ‘what if?’ to help with creative thinking
Produce a piece of writing based on a visual stimulus.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Content will be age-appropriate. Van Gogh's struggle with mental health will be mentioned but not explored in depth. We will focus more on the fact that his work was very much underrated and misunderstood during his life.
The main focus in class will be on the painting itself as inspiration for writing.
If a student wishes to write a factual piece and asks how van Gogh died, they will be told simply that he died from a gunshot wound and that there is still some debate over whether he took his own life or was killed accidentally.
Supply List
A notebook or paper and something to write with, or device to use for writing.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
All content is created by me. Paintings used will be in the public domain or used with permission.
Over years of study, works referred to may include (but are not limited to):
Van Gogh: The Complete Paintings by Inigo Walther and Rainer Metzger
Van Gogh: The Life, by Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith.
Vincent van Gogh: Sunflowers and Swirly Stars by Brad Bucks
Katie and the Starry Night by James Mayhew
Joined September, 2020
4.9
235reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
Writing is my passion and as well as majoring in English at university, along with Theatre Arts, I've almost 20 years of experience in teaching English in primary schools. Over those years, I have worked regularly with groups of children specifically on English writing skills and teaching creative writing online.
I also studied Art at A-Level (practical and Art History) and am a keen artist myself and love to study art and artists as well as visit the galleries that I’m lucky enough to be able to access both in Kent and London, where I've been able to see some of van Gogh's works first hand.
Van Gogh's The Starry Night has always been my favourite of his paintings- and one of my favourite paintings overall. My ambition is to be able to finally see this painting in 'person'.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$13
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 9-12
1-6 learners per class
