The Lorax Complementary Colors
Autry
Lesson Description
(Describe in a brief paragraph what the lesson
entails.)
In this lesson, students will learn about the
relationship between two characters in a story.
Throughout the story, students will learn about an
illustrator and elements of visual arts such as color
and spacing.
ESSENTIAL QUESTION(S) (These are the open-ended deepening questions that guide instruction in this
particular lesson. Consider 21st Century Skills and higher order thinking skills in Bloom’s Taxonomy.)
● How are characters connected in books?
STANDARDS
Curriculum Standards (Spell out the complete
standard, not just the code. Include math
standards here.)
● ELAGSE1RI3: Describe the connection
between two individuals, events, ideas,
KEY VOCABULARY
Content Vocabulary (bulleted list of math content
specific vocabulary words)
● Characters
TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION (Include technology that is integrated Ex: apps, websites, virtual field
trips)
● Zoom
ASSESSMENTS
Formative (bulleted list of strategies for
formatively assessing students throughout lesson)
1st Grade
Garrison
Learning Targets
(Consider Bloom’s Taxonomy higher order thinking
skills when creating these “I Can” statements.)
I CAN describe the connection between two
characters.
Arts Standards (Spell out the complete standard,
not just the code. Refer to GA DOE Fine Arts
Standards.)
● VA1.RE.1 Discuss personal works of art
and the artwork of others to enhance
visual literacy.
Arts Vocabulary (bulleted list of words, refer to
ArtsNow Vocab sheets)
● Primary Color
● Secondary Color
● Space
Summative (finished product from the project,
rubric or specific writing task/assignment)
The Lorax Complementary Colors 1st Grade
Autry Garrison

● Student responses through questioning ● Recreated cover

MATERIALS (include bulleted list of all materials needed, including websites, vendors, quantities)

● Book - The Lorax

● Paper
● Color utensils

Activating Strategy (5- 10 min)

The teacher will introduce the book for the day by showing the front cover. Have the students see, think,
and wonder.

Main Activity (bulleted list of one step directions for lesson)

I DO:
● The teacher will read the story The Lorax to the class. Prior to reading,
review the cover and discuss complementary color (makes other color
“pop”) and space. Show complementary color wheel (orange and
blue) Space example- the smaller tree on right side to show the tree is in
the distance. Throughout the book discuss the use of complementary
color and space. Use the word illustrator when discussing these terms.

WE DO:
● With students discuss the connection seen between The Lorax and The
Once-ler. Come up with adjectives to describe the two characters and
then discuss how the illustrations support the text show this connection
and character traits.

THEY DO:
● Have students recreate the cover of the book to include The Lorax and
The Once-ler. Tell students that they are now the illustrator for the book
and that Dr. Suess has now decided he needs both characters on the
cover. Have students think about the spacing needed for the book and
what colors to use to demonstrate complementary colors. Students must
keep in mind they are to use the drawings to show the relationship
between the characters.
The Lorax Complementary Colors 1st Grade
Autry Garrison

REFLECTION

Reflection Questions (Include a bulleted list of open-ended reflection questions that you will ask
students to respond to, either through class discussion or written activity. This reflection should help
students synthesize their understanding of how the arts helped them understand the concept being
taught.)
● What are complementary colors?
● How was spacing used in the book?

DIFFERENTIATION (Describe how the main activity could be differentiated for the different sub-groups,
include bulleted lists of modified steps.)
BELOW GRADE LEVEL:
● Prior to the lesson, introduce the words: color and space to students.

ABOVE GRADE LEVEL:

● Allow students to add summary on back to go with cover.