Lesson Plans

Wump House Project

Instructor: Jake Derocher

Grade levels: 2-4

Unit Concept: sculpting with natural and recycled materials

Lesson Title: Wump Houses

Lesson Narrative + Rationale:

In this lesson, based on the book Wump World by Bill Peet, students will use natural materials and found objects to make little houses for the wumps to live in. You can do it outside or inside, but the kids should have time to collect their own natural materials if possible, and either look through the recycle bin or bring a recycled object from home. The project should take at least two classes to complete. The big idea is climate pollution and the importance of recycling. The book also deals with sharing, and being kind as main themes. The rationale behind the art itself is that it’s going to build craft skills for young hands, and it’ll require some planning ahead, some sketches, and a lot of creativity to make a functional wump house. I got this idea from my Dad who read me this book as a kid. It’s important for kids to get outside and appreciate nature, it fuels creativity, and it’s healthy to move around outdoors. No matter your culture or background, every kid should experience playing and working with natural materials.

Understanding Goal #1

What does a Wump house consist of?

Students will begin to understand what a wump might need or want in a house. And appreciate the use of natural materials and recycling to make art.

Evaluation Criteria/Evidence of Success: Students will demonstrate their craft skills and problem solving skills by constructing a house with limited materials. They will brainstorm collaboratively before constructing their houses.

Statement: Students will begin to understand and appreciate eco friendly art, repurposing objects to make recycled art.

SHoM: Develop Craft, Envision, Express, Reflect, Stretch + Explore.

National Core Arts Standards:

1.) Brainstorm collaboratively multiple approaches to an art or design problem.

2.) Make art or design with various materials and tools to explore personal interests, questions, and curiosity.

3.) Discuss and reflect with peers about choices made in creating artwork.

Understanding Goal #2

How can we use recycled materials?

Evaluation Criteria/Evidence of Success: Students will demonstrate an effective use of recycled materials in their artwork.

SHoM: Develop Craft, Engage + Persist, Observe, Reflect, Stretch + Explore.

National Core Arts Standards:

1.) Repurpose objects to make something new.

2.) Create personally satisfying artwork using a variety of artistic processes and materials.

3.) Discuss and reflect with peers about choices made in creating artwork.

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES

Formative

One-on-one Critiques
Peer Critiques

Summative

Self-Reflection
Rubric

VOCABULARY

Wump
Fairy House
Found objects
Recycled materials
Sculpture
Installation

Instructional Support Materials:

We will read the book in class together for inspiration. Then I will show the class an example I have made, and other images online of possible ideas. Then they will collect their own materials and brainstorm throughout the process with their peers.

Materials/Supplies:

Sticks
Moss
Bark
Acorns
Other natural/found materials
At least One main recycled object
Glue
Pipe cleaners
Other materials as needed

Safety Procedures:

We will go over how to walk with scissors, but no other dangerous materials will be used.

Talk about not using

Classroom Arrangement:

Children will need a fair amount of elbow room for this project, no more than four kids to a table. Just don’t over crowd them. Kids may work on the floor if extra space is needed. Or you could do this work outdoors.

Day 1

0 - 10

Demonstration/Lecture/Launch