Education Book Reviews

Avergon, Diana J. & Avergon, Eugene B. (2006). Naturally Occurring Art: Cross-Curricular Lesson Plans Grades 7-12. Fort Atkinson, WI: Nasco.

Pages: 31     Price: $15.75     ISBN: n/a

Naturally Occurring Art by Diane and Eugene Avergon is an excellent lesson plan resource focused on grades 7 through 12, although several of the lessons could easily be adapted for grades K through 6 for age appropriate results. This thematic compilation of 28 lesson plans is on durable card stock in a sturdy clear envelope making it convenient to use in the classroom setting. The lessons revolve around natural forms and explore mixed media, painting, and drawing in 2-D forms of art.

Each lesson is clearly outlined including Focus, Objectives, Resources, Materials, and Procedures, and could be used effectively to create cross-curricular connections between contents (such as art and science). No specific directions are given on how the art making lesson could be incorporated into mainstream content areas, but the lessons presented include ideas relating to the solar system, land forms and oceans, and things related to nature.

If you are a teacher in any content area and would like to incorporate art or are an art teacher looking for new art lesson ideas, this set would serve you well. The lesson plans are easy to read and give clear visual examples. No national art standards or content area related standards are stated as part of these lesson plans. I believe these authors have not included standards because they vary for each state, however they could have attempted to add national standards at least for art to give each lesson a measure of credibility. Teachers who use this resource would likely know their state and national standards which they can apply in the lesson.

This set is an easy, usable resource for those classroom teachers looking for quick access to art activities for their students.

Reviewed by Dr. Heidi C. Mullins, Assistant Professor of Art and Art Education, Eastern Washington University


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