Lesson: Complimentary Stained Glass Window

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

Art Elements: Color, Line, Shape

Art Skills: Cutting, Gluing

Making Connections: Art History, Cathedrals

This lesson is one of my all time favorites. I like to do it in December and tie the lesson in with Cathedrals.  Students must use complimentary colors in artwork.  I have them divide their window into 4 “quadrants”- In each section they must use a complimentary color combination.

This is made by black strips of paper, which I refer to as Lead Bars to the students, just like a real stained glass window.  First students cut out the frame.  Then they design their Lead Bars. Next they add the  tissue paper, which is glued to the back. I hang them in the windows of the school and they are a favorite by all!  There are so many great artistic challenges with this lesson and the kids love it, too!