Lesson Plans for Artist: Betty LaDuke

Biomes of the World (pdf download)

Students work in cooperative groups to identify the unique characteristics of plant and animal life in each biome region of the world. Each group creates an interactive lesson which teaches other students about their biome region. When students are introduced to the artist, they map her travels in relation to the biome regions studied, and then identify images in her paintings that reflect the biome region. Finally, students create artwork in the style of the artist which contain images of animals and plants found in the biome studied.

Making Healthy Choices for Life Changes (pdf download)

When introduced to the artist, students identify the conscious choices she made to affect positive changes in her life. Students then explore the decision making process, and utilize the process to practice making healthy choices that result in positive life changes.

Symbolism and Women's Roles in the Caste System of India (pdf download)

Initially, students view and discuss the artist's photographs and paintings, and the sketches that later were formed into paintings. The importance of the artist's use of a sketchbook is discussed, and students are assigned to create work in their own sketchbook through out this series of lessons. Utilizing quotes and paintings by the artist, along with other research, students learn about the caste system of India and women's roles in India in the past and present. Students should have an introductory background knowledge of India before beginning this lesson.

Diversity and Unity (pdf download)–Level: Grades 7–10

Betty LaDuke actively engages in education and travel, and has done so throughout her life. This lesson plan talks about the idea of ‘home’, with the hope of learning that it may mean something different for each of us. Ideas are explored through the creation of an accordion book. Secondly, this lesson plan explores the idea of communication, specifically the role of West African drumming as compared to the use of the telephone. Education, travel, and communication help us expand our horizons to better understand ideas of diversity and unity.

Women’s Art, Women’s Lives (pdf download)–Level: Grades 8–11

Women have held various roles throughout history, depending on time and place. This lesson plan considers women’s roles in various countries, their daily activities, the relationship between their activities and their art, and the stories that tell of their life and work.

Global Perspectives, Local Communities (pdf download)–Level: Grades 7–10

Indigenous communities have historically made art forms out of everyday objects. This lesson plan encourages students to look at specific cultures and the objects made within that culture, and to distill the most important images into their own sketchbooks. The second part of this lesson plan encourages looking at various organizations that help those indigenous cultures, and how we can interact with those organizations.