Ms.

Bolintineanu
Hooray for Painted Fish Lesson Plan
Cielo Azul Elementary School
First Grade

Unit Overview of Hooray for Fish Inspired Fish Paintings
Students will learn how to draw and paint their own original fish design inspired by the
illustrations of Hooray for Fish by Lucy Cousins. Using bright tempera paints and dark black
outlines for contrast, each students fish will be unique, just like the many fish found in
Cousins fun book. Students will examine new vocabulary words like contrast and pattern
as they learn how to employ them in their artwork.

Objectives:
Students will:
1. Make artistic choices including the size, shape, and colors of their unique fish design.
2. Demonstrate proper brush holding technique.
3. Demonstrate how to use tempera paint.
4. Use art materials and supplies neatly and safely.

New Mexico Visual Arts Standards Addressed (K-1):

1.1A.2

Explore the use of lines, shapes and other art elements for image making.

1.1B.1

Use a variety of art materials and related skills.

1.1C.1

Take care of classroom art materials.

3.3B.2

Discuss connections between themes used in visual arts and other content areas (e.g., stories
in art and language arts or scientific concepts about the seasons, as shown in art).

4.4B.1

Describe the process of creating ones work of art.

5.5B.1-2

Discuss how the use of elements of art can express ideas and feelings in one's own art.
Describe what it was like to make ones work of art.

Preparation:
Samples, handouts, and other guides
Laminated handout with copies of fish from the book for inspiration
Directions on board: fish must contain a body, head, a tail, two or more fins, eyes, a
mouth, and a pattern

Art Supplies and Materials

Hooray for Fish
Tempera paint mixed in bright fun colors as well as black
Containers for paint
Paper for painted fish
Tempera brushes
Black oil pastels (or Sharpie)

Vocabulary:
Contrast: in art, two colors, one light and one dark, which appear juxtaposed (or
next to), creating a striking visual effect.
Line: a long narrow mark; can be straight, curvy, zigzagged, etc.
Shape: shapes like circles, triangles, squares, etc. are forms bound by a line to create
a singular visual object.
Pattern: repetition of line, shape, or a combination of both that creates a visual
rhythm, moving your eye around the artwork.

Lesson Overview
Day 1: Students will read the book Hooray for Fish aloud with Ms. B. Afterward, Ms. B and
students will discuss the possibilities for drawing all types of fish. She will ask students to
recall the types of fish Cousins featured in her book, and to think about their favorites as
they begin planning their own drawing. The students will be given one sheet of paper and a
black oil pastel (or Sharpie). Then, students will draw a fish that meets the following
requirements: one head, one body, one tail, two or more fins, eye(s), and mouth. Students
must all write their names on the bottom right side of their paper before turning in their
drawings for storage.

Day 2: After each students drawing is complete, the teacher will walk them step-by-step
through painting. First, the body, head, and tail must be painted. Color choice is up to the
students. Students should think about contrasting colors, or, light and dark colors that will
pop when placed next to each other. For instance, if the student picks yellow as the color
for the head and body of his or her fish, he or she might choose red or purple for pattern to
contrast with the yellow. Students can look at examples of fish from Hooray for Fish located
at each table, especially to get ideas for patterns and color combinations. Students should
use at least four colors in their fish painting. Next, time permitting, each student will choose
a color (or several) for his or her fishs background. At the end of class, each students name
should still be visible on his or her painting before it is placed on the drying rack and clean
up commences.