Persuasive Letter

Objective: Students will write a letter explaining an artwork to someone in their life. 

Materials:   

  • Paper 
  • Writing Utensil 
  • Image of an artwork 

Introduce: Project or provide an image of your selected artwork(s) to students. Students may also choose their own artwork. Conduct a Visual Thinking Strategy (VTS) to engage students in the artwork.  

Ask:  

  •  What do you see in this artwork?  
  • What do you like or dislike about this artwork? 
  • How would you describe this artwork to someone who cannot see it? 

Activity:  

  1. Have students write a letter to someone in their life and explain to them why they would like or dislike the selected artwork. 
  2. Discuss how the writing will change based on the age of the person they are writing to. 
  3. Extension: have students convert their letter to a text message. How can it be shortened to express the most essential point? 

National Standards:  

  • VA:Re8.1.5a Interpret art by analyzing characteristics of form and structure, contextual information, subject matter, visual elements, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed.  
  • VA:Re8.1.6a Interpret art by distinguishing between relevant and non-relevant contextual information and analyzing subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, and use of media to identify ideas and mood conveyed. 

Share your artwork with us on social media @milwaukeeart #MAMLearn or email pictures to teachers.mam.org. We’d love to see your creations!