Lesson 1 - LearningThroughMuseums

Lesson 6
Inferring Values
Summary
In this lesson, students apply skills of language arts to infer values represented in art. They write and
draw to communicate about values. They examine works of art from different countries to infer values
that the art communicates. They find that while each culture is different there are common core values
that cross cultures and time periods. The lesson develops language arts skills and social studies content
and can be an opportunity to support social-emotional learning about the importance of values.
Featured Artworks
Diego Rivera (Mexican, 1886–1957)
The Weaver, 1936
Tempera and oil on canvas
26 x 42 in
Charles Wilbert White (American, 1918–1979)
Harvest Talk, 1953
Charcoal drawing
66.1 x 99.2 cm
Mary Cassatt (American, 1844–1926)
The Child’s Bath, 1893
Oil on canvas
39 ½ x 26 in
Illinois Benchmarks
Reading
1.B.2a:
1.C.2e:
1.C.2b:
Writing
3.B.2a:
3.C.2a:
Establish purposes for reading: survey materials; ask questions; make predictions;
connect, clarify, and extend ideas.
Explain how authors and illustrators use text and art to express their ideas.
Make and support inferences and form interpretations about main themes and topics.
Generate and organize ideas using a variety of planning strategies.
Write for a variety of purposes and for specified audiences in a variety of forms.
Social Studies
18.A.2:
Explain ways in which artworks communicate about a culture.
94 • Lesson 6: Inferring Values