Lesson 1 - LearningThroughMuseums

● Vocabulary
dignity
infer
loom
respect
subject
techniques
value
● Procedure
1. Discuss the concept of values with students, and make a list of values they believe are
important. (Note: “Value” may also refer to the degree of light or dark in a color. In this
lesson, the more general meaning of “values” as a set of principles or standard of behavior will
be used.)
2. Explain that in this lesson they will infer the values that an artist represents in a work of art.
3. Display the reproduction of The Weaver and distribute the Inferring Values organizer. Students
can complete it individually or with a partner. (You may want to use the first two sections of
the Art Reader organizer to get students familiar with the painting before they work on the
Inferring Values organizer).
4. Ask students what they have inferred—what values does the painting communicate?
5. If students do not identify the value of the dignity of work, suggest it. Explain that all work is
important, and therefore every worker should be respected and have dignity. Explain that the
weaver is working carefully, with dedication and skill. Ask them to find information in the
painting that supports the idea that the dignity of work is an important value of the weaver.
6. Explain that the artist shows the weaver performing one of the traditional crafts and practices
of Mexico, his home country. He is proud of her work and wants to communicate that to the
viewer of his paintings.
7. Discuss techniques used by the artist to show that work is important to the weaver.
For example, where does the artist position the weaver and her loom? What is she looking at?
Why?
8. Infer with the students what the weaver might be thinking as she weaves.
Day 2: Comparing Values Across Cultures
● Time Allotment
45 minutes
● Materials
• Reproduction of Harvest Talk, 1953
Materials for each student:
Copy of Inferring Values organizer
98 • Lesson 6: Inferring Values