As one of the most famous artists in the world, Pablo Picasso’s artwork and life are taught in almost all Spanish or art classes. It can be hard to narrow down exactly what to teach in your Pablo Picasso Spanish lesson plans. From the Spanish Civil War Painting, Guernica, to Pablo Picasso’s cubism, to his somber Blue Period, how do you teach Pablo Picasso to kids? I came up with 7 ways to teach Picasso to Spanish students while keeping them engaged and in the target language!
1. Pablo Picasso Biography
Before analyzing Picasso’s artwork, we must first understand his background and inspirations. He was greatly inspired by many artists, friends, and family. You can find 3 differentiated versions of a Pablo Picasso biography HERE. Your students will gain an understanding of Picasso’s inspiration for his artwork once they better understand his background.
2. Picasso’s Time Periods
Picasso had nine different artistic periods. Each period encompasses a different style, theme, and/or color. Rather than having a presentation where I teach my students about these different themes, I assign a small group of students to each theme. They research the background and history of the period, the emotions that the period evokes, and a few paintings from that period. Students present their findings to the class. After the presentations, you can show other paintings and students must identify which period it is from. Then, have them explain why based on reasons that their classmates gave. This holds students accountable for truly being able to interpret Picasso’s works and identify the motivation behind them.
3. Guernica Analysis
I suggest starting with this video to help your students analyze Guernica, one of Picasso’s most famous works. Since Guernica is such an abstract artwork, it can be difficult to identify the different people, animals, and emotions that are conveyed. It helps to see the different “layers” of the painting. Plus this video gives a quick history behind the Guerra Civil Española in relation to his artwork.
4. Guernica Project
Guernica is one of Picasso’s most famous works. It is known for its powerful message and representation of the tragedies of the Spanish Civil War. This war is a well-known historic event in Spanish history, and I think it is important for students to recognize the importance of historic events in our world. For the Guernica project, I have students create an artwork inspired by Picasso’s cubist style that represents another historic event. Some students have created artworks showing The Titanic or the Salem Witch Trials, among many others. Their creativity and historic research combine to create final products that blow me away year after year! You can purchase this project, along with 2 other Picasso projects here!
5. Flip Book
This flip book for kids is a great way to summarize Pablo Picasso’s life and artwork with one lesson. Students can work independently, at their own pace as they complete each page. Sometimes students just need to doodle and color, and this combines that creative outlet while still learning about Picasso in the target language.
6. Roll & Draw
Especially for younger kids, the Roll & Draw activity from ArteKSF is a fun art-based activity. I absolutely love seeing the Picasso-esque creations that my students come up with from this game. I also give them time to add color and then we display them around the room! To add an element of language to it, have them describe their drawings to the class or groups: “Tiene una cara de diamante con orejas grandes y verdes.” I like to use this activity after a quiz or test so as students finish, they have something relaxing to work on.
7. Read a novel
Agentes secretos is an easy Spanish reader with a lot of cognates. It is a short novel about Pablo Picasso’s mural Guernica on display at the 1937 International Exposition. But there’s more to this mural than what meets the eye! There are secrets hidden in it leading to the whereabouts of the supernatural Spear of Destiny! Combine comprehensible input, reading comprehension, and Pablo Picasso for kids all into one!
If you are interested in teaching Picasso lesson plans with little to no-prep, I have compiled all of my Picasso resources into a bundle! There are multiple days worth of lessons, and your students will have a better understanding of Picasso’s life, artworks, and artistic periods.
And, if you’re interested in teaching about other Hispanic artists, you’ll love these blog posts with lesson plan ideas for Frida Kahlo and Salvador Dalí.
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