They also grow in their drawing skills, shaping both their artistry and their confidence.

In this unit, students are introduced to the rich local history and culture of the Arawak and Taíno people—the first inhabitants of the Caribbean. Through visual arts, they explore how these communities used symbols to represent nature, spirituality, and everyday life.

Students begin by observing and discussing examples of authentic Arawak and Taíno symbols, identifying patterns, shapes, and meanings. They then draw and paint their own interpretations of these symbols, experimenting with lines, colors, and textures. The unit culminates in a clay modeling activity, where students create 3D versions of the symbols, developing fine motor skills and creative expression.

This interdisciplinary unit fosters cultural awareness, visual literacy, and artistic exploration, encouraging young learners to connect with local heritage while expressing their understanding through art.

Learning Objectives

• Recognize Arawak and Taíno symbols as part of Caribbean heritage.

• Explore shape, pattern, and meaning through visual representation.

• Experiment with different art media (drawing, painting, clay).

• Develop fine motor skills and creativity.

• Appreciate cultural diversity and local identity.

• Inquirers: Asking questions about local history and culture.

• Communicators: Sharing interpretations of symbols through art.

• Open-minded: Valuing the traditions and art forms of the first Caribbean peoples.

• Reflective: Thinking about what symbols mean and how they express identity.

The symbol represents the concept of motherhood, the bond between mother and child

Modeling the Sun God !

look how he masters it !!!

Key Concepts

• Form: What does this animal look like?

• Function: How does it move or live?

• Connection: How are these animals part of our environment?

• Responsibility: How do we take care of them?

Approaches to Learning (ATL)

• Observation skills: Noticing features of animals

• Fine motor skills: Drawing, colouring, modelling, painting

• Social skills: Sharing tools, respecting classmates’ work

• Self-management: Focusing during longer activities

Learner Profile Attributes

• Caring: Thinking about animal needs

• Inquirers: Asking questions about local animals

• Communicators: Talking about their artwork

• Open-minded: Exploring different ways to represent animals

Bravo !!!