How Artists Drew Santa
Explore how the beloved figure of Santa Claus has been imagined and drawn by artists through history. From a jolly elf to the familiar red-suited gift-giver, discover how his look changed over time and then design your very own Santa for today. Requires printing a worksheet before starting.
The lesson goal is learners will understand that popular characters like Santa Claus evolve over time, shaped by different artists and cultural ideas. They will observe and compare various historical depictions, recognizing how these influences change a character's imagery. Finally, they will apply this knowledge to create their own unique Santa, making intentional design choices.
What You Need
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Learning Guide
Step-by-step guidance. No preparation required.
- 1
Introduction5 Min
- Ask the hook question about Santa's changing look.
- Move on when Children have shared their initial thoughts on Santa's appearance and how it might have changed.
Photo by Sergej ***** on Pexels - 2
Explore & Plan8 Min
- Provide the worksheet and scissors; have children cut out the Santa pictures.
- Ask children to arrange the pictures from oldest to newest.
- Have them explain their reasoning for the chosen order.
- Move on when Children have cut out and arranged the four Santa pictures in their estimated historical order and explained their initial reasoning.
Photo by https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels - 3
Discussion6 Min
- Reveal the correct historical order and share the facts.
- Explain the concept of iconography and ask guiding questions.
- Pose the socratic spark question about a blue Santa.
- Move on when Children understand that Santa's visual identity (iconography) evolved over time and can discuss factors that influenced these changes.
Photo by Daciana Cristina Visan on Pexels - 4
Activity9 Min
- Provide drawing supplies and the worksheet frame or blank paper.
- Ask children to begin drawing their own Santa for today.
- Encourage thinking aloud about design choices while they draw.
- Move on when Each child has completed a drawing of 'their' Santa for today, and has thought about their design choices.
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels - 5
Summary2 Min
- Have children share their drawings and explain their design choices.
- Discuss what they learned about character evolution through art.
- Move on when Children share their drawings and can articulate one key takeaway about how characters like Santa evolve through art.
Photo by Nguyen Ngoc Tien on Pexels
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