Art Work: Silver of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries
Theme: Creativity and Ingenuity
Level: High Intermediate/ Low Advanced Secondary Students
Lesson Plan Title: Description of silver artworks of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries
Skills Covered: These classroom activities are focused on practicing speaking, reading and writing while the students learn about the ancient the American silver teapots of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries.
General Goals: Students will become familiar with language related to silver teapots making and they will be able to describe one of the artworks introduced in this unit, using appropriate language and grammar structure (word formation, infinitives with modal verbs).
Specific Objectives: Students will develop arts-related vocabulary, learn structures used with arts vocabulary, use language to describe the process of silver craft, and the drinking tea habits.
Materials/Visual Aids: The text, posters or copies from the book “Picturing America” in Power Point version, a set of tea pieces for tea ceremony.
Language focus:
Vocabulary: adjectives to describe the artworks (e.g., inlaid, riveted, precious etc)
Grammar: word formation, infinitives with modal verbs

Instructional Procedures:

This exercise will encourage students to use their previous vocabulary and get them ready to learn the new one. Have the students bring in tea bags and allow them to drink and discuss tea as they completing the activity.
Exercise 1.1. Appendix 1.
a) Do you like tea? Who usually prepares tea in your family?

Put the sentences in the correct order. What is necessary to brew good tea?
1. Fill in the kittle with fresh water and boil it.
2. As soon as the water is hot put a little of it into the tea pot to warm it.
3. Then dry the pot and put in one spoonful of tea for each person and one extra for the pot.
4. Pour the freshly boiled water into the pot.
5. Let the tea infuse for five minutes, then stir and serve.
b) What do you know about silver? Name the objects made from silver as much as you can.

I. Study a new vocabulary
Ex.1.2. (5 minutes total)
a) Find synonyms to the following words. Appendix 2.

b) Find opposite pairs. One word is an extra one.

c) Make up your own sentences with these words.

II. Reading
Ex.2.1. (5 minutes)
Read the text and find which parts of it are about these things. Appendix 3.
This exercise helps students draw their attention on the certain parts of the texts. The sentences emphasize one of the main ideas of each part and help students divide the text logically. Students do the exercise on their own. They do not need to read the whole text translating all the unknown words. The task is to extract the ideas from the given text and it will be easier for the students to discuss a certain object further. Early finishers can check answers in pairs. Check answers with the class.

1) Most homes of the elite desired to have fine, numerous and specialized silver utensils and containers.
2) This artwork looks like an ocean liner steaming across the table or a miniature version of
the skyline glimpsed from an apartment window.
3) Drinking tea was often considered to be a social event.
4) This tea set includes 3 pieces - a sugar bowl, a pitcher for cream and a waste bowl.
5) The process of silver pot making in detail.
6) This silver pot derived the Federalist style
7) This city was very famous for its silversmiths and tea drinking ceremonies

(From “Picturing America” teachers resource book, National Endowment for the Humanities, 2b Silver of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries pages 12-14)
Part A
“During the seventeenth century, tea imported from….. and used as currency”.
Part B
“Boston was one of the main centers…… developed in New England”.
Part C
“Seen from the side, Revere’s teapot….. copper bolts and spikes for the USS Constitution”.
Part D
“Silver continued to be……filled with sand (see the leather pad in Copley’s portrait of Paul Revere, 2-A)”.
Part E
“In contrast to…… and are inlaid with precious ivory”.
Part F
“The opening of silver mines…… the sleek efficiency of the modern machine age. (See 15-B for another example of Art Deco style.)”
Part G
“Designer Gene Theobald…… to capture in a static photograph”.

III. Grammar
Ex.3.1. (10 minutes total for Ex.3.1. and Ex.3.2.)
a) Find and state the form and the voice of the infinitives used with modal verbs in theses sentences. Appendix 4.
1. Revere’s 1796 teapot has a soldered and riveted seam along the side with the
handle, but a bowl shape could be hammered from a single sheet of silver without the need of soldering.
2. Its owner was involved in several businesses and served on the board of directors of banks, community services, and charitable organizations, and he may have entertained with some frequency.
3. Lids are attached, so there is no need to set them down where they might leave a ring, and the rim of the waste bowl is broad enough to catch a splash before it reaches the table.
4. Because heat from the pot might be transferred to the handle, teapots sometimes were given wood handles, as, for example, with Revere’s teapot.
5. The set could be moved easily as a unit and took up less space in the chic apartments of the urban sophisticates for whom they were designed.
b) Make up questions to the sentences (all types of questions). To make the activity more interesting divide students into 2 teams and give them time to list the questions. Take the teams turns to ask and answer questions. Keep score of how many questions and answers each group gets right.
Ex. 3.2.
a) Make new words with the following prefixes or suffixes and state what part of speech they belong to. Appendix 5.
Prefixes:  im, pre, in, un
Suffixes: ic, ly, en, able (ible),  tion (ion), ist, ness
Words: laid, possible, respect, economy, delicate, used, charity, wood, energy, light, vision, revolutionary, sophisticate, consume, colony
b) Make up your own sentences with these words.

IV Speaking
Ex.4.1. (10 minutes)
Fill in the table with the following contents:
The author of an artwork, the name of an artwork, the place where it was found, how it was used, the museum where it is exhibited, adjectives can be used to describe.
Ex.4.2. (15 minutes: 10 minutes- for a guide, 5 minutes- for spectators)
Play a guide.
The posters are hung on the wall around the classroom, with artists’ names written below each one; appropriate U.S. background music is played. Divide students into 3 groups (3 artworks). Each group chooses a student to be a guide. A student describes a curtain artwork according to the main points given in the previous exercise. Spectators (the other students from each group) can ask questions and replace the guide if he has any inaccuracy with the description of those artworks. All the groups work simultaneously. The teacher watches, monitors and helps with grammar.

Extra-Class Work/ (Homework)
V. Writing
Ex.1.Write an art review or a review of Silver exhibition. Appendix 6.
You are a journalist and you have just visited this exhibition. You think this collection is worthwhile advertising. (120-180 words)

Read a sample of the exhibition review from the world known museums which can help you perform the task.
Plan:

Sample

"Silver of the Stars" in St Petersburg. The Jeweller's Art of Scotland in the 18th - 21st Centuries
5 July 2007 - 5 August 2007

The exhibition which is going on in the Blue Bedroom of the Winter Palace has been organized by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh to mark the forthcoming 550th anniversary of the Incorporation in the year 2008. This is one of the oldest guilds of jewelry makers in the world.
The exhibition puts on display three collections of Scottish silver. Several splendid examples of old silver have been sent on loan by the Trustees of the National Museum of Scotland. These works provide a unique historical background for the two other collections, which are made up of modern works. One of them, which lends its name to the entire exhibition - is the Silver of Stars. This unusual collection includes objects made of silver produced by the common creative efforts of ten Scotsmen famous in the world of art and ten of the best Scottish master silversmiths. Split into pairs, they strived to create silver objects which would be a pleasant reminder for celebrities of how they drank their favorite beverages in the company of close friends. The exhibition allows one to have a look inside the world of famous people, to learn about the most noteworthy moments of their private lives, as well as to see unusual photos made by Alistair Devine.
For the violinist Mme Nicola Benedetti, the jeweler Roger Millar designed and crafted a chocolate dish resembling a violin. For the actor Robbie Coltrane OBE, Grant McCraig designed a set for whisky with a hint at the Cadillac automobile. For Sir Sean Connery, Michael Lloyd created a two-handled cup for whisky which uses an apple motif for decoration.
At the basis of Coilin O Dubhghaill's project for showman Billy Connolly CBE lay Billy's own drawing of a teapot in the form of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, to which the master added a similar sugar bowl and a spoon in the form of a banjo. For the female singer Lulu OBE, Linda Robertson created an unusual teapot without a handle but with perfect thermal insulation.
For stage director Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Sarah Cave designed a pitcher with a cup shaped lid and forged the pitcher from whole sheet metal. An original coffee pot was made for the actor Ewan McGregor by Marion Kane: she created a down to earth and "male" coffee pot with motorcycle handles on the cup and the coffee pot. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen CBE) himself designed a vessel for absinthe which is reminiscent of a medieval feasting cup. Graham Stewart then cast it from silver. The silversmith John Creed made Ian Rankin OBE) a jug for the nonalcoholic beverage Irn-Bru drawing inspiration from the design of the Fort Bridge. Jeweler Sarah Hutchison made an original teapot decorated with a gilded "fringe" and diamonds for the well known soloist Sharleen Spiteri of the group Texas.
The third part of the exhibition - The Millennium Collection for Bute House includes 15 works of leading Scottish masters made in the year 2000 to mark the new millennium and the reestablishment of the Scottish Parliament after a 300 year break. The collection was created especially for Bute House, which, in 1999, became the official residence of the Prime Minister of the country, and for this reason these works are state property.
The exhibition displays many different objects of artistic jewelry: a table decoration by Malcolm Appleby, a clock by Gordon Bernet, one of a kind floor length candlesticks by John Creed, vases by Marion Caine, jugs by Michael Lloyd, carafes for claret by Graham Stewart, spice boats by Linda Robertson, an ice bucket by Roger Millar, a fruit bowl by Grand MacCage, as well as bowls and candlesticks by Nicola Williams.
As is well known, the art of creating table silver was highly developed in Russia in the 18th and 19th centuries, however after the Revolution this tradition, unfortunately, was lost. The present exhibition offers a unique chance to acquaint oneself with the art of jewelry and silver making in Scotland and to see what level has been achieved in our days. (The State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia)

Learning objectives
At the end of the lesson students will be able to:
1.          Explain how the silver teapots are designed and the process of their making.
2.           Describe some artworks of prominent craftsmen, using new language vocabulary and structure.
3.           Tell a few words about the authors of the artworks
4.           State and use grammar structures (word formation, infinitives with modal verbs) with arts vocabulary.

Extensions/ additional exercises
Ex.1. Match these words with their definitions. Appendix 7.

Ex.2.
Ask the students to choose one of the artworks and tell a few words how this thing is designed (they can use the text at this stage).
For example – Paul Revere’s teapot looks like a section of a fluted classical column etc
Ex.3.
Warm-up. Write a short (5-6 sentences) and funny story on the topic “My last visit to the museum” using at least 10 new words listed above.
Ex.4.
Host a tea party or go to Chinese restaurant to have a cup of tea. Have students notice carefully the process of tea ceremony and describe the design of teapot pieces. Encourage students to speak English.
Ex.5.
Short information about silver
Ex.6.
What museums are all of these artworks exhibited? Use web-sites to find information about the museums and in what hall or room you can find them visiting the museums. (Use the links in the reference list)
Ex.7.
Write an essay on the topic “Modern art exhibitions are nowadays more popular than exhibitions showing ancient heritage”. Do you agree or disagree with the statement? Why? (150-180 words).
Tips on writing.
Write a short introduction to the essay.
Use words like firstly, secondly, finally, also, furthermore, etc. to list your points.
Support your arguments with reasons (argument – reason 1, reason 2 – argument 2 – reason 1, reason 2)
Make sure you have expressed your opinion clearly.
Ex.8.
Write a letter to your friend. You have just visited American Museum of Natural History, New York. And you want to share all your impressions to your close friend. (120-150 words).
Tips:
Write a natural introduction and conclusion. Do not forget about special framing (Dear…, Sincerely/Love/Best wishes…)
Use linking words and phrases – however, as a result, one reason is…
Ex.9.
Write a short article on the topic “New York and Washington – world museum capitals” (150-180 words)
Tips:
Vary your vocabulary. Try to use synonyms instead of using the same word again.
Good to have a small joke at the end!

Glossary

KEYS
Ex. 1. Match these words with their definitions.

 Ex.1.2.
a) Find synonyms to the following words:
1g, 2e, 3f, 4a, 5b, 6c, 7d.

b) Find opposite pairs. One word is an extra one:
1g,  2d,  3c,  4a,  5b,  6f,  7c.

Ex.2.1.
F-1, G-2, A-3, E-4, D-5, C-6, B-7.

 Nesterets Natalya
List of References:
“Picturing America” teachers resource book, National Endowment for the Humanities,
http://picturingamerica.neh.gov
www.cambridge.org/elt/face2face/
http://www.metmuseum.org/

Additional resources:
www.answers.com/topic/paul-revere
www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/33.120.543
www.silvercollection.it/wastebowl.html
www.framemuseums.org/.../fiche_oeuvre.jsp?...
www.hermitagemuseum.org

Appendix 1.
Exercise 1.1.
a) Do you like tea? Who usually prepares tea in your family?

Put the sentences in the correct order. What is necessary to brew good tea?
1. Fill in the kittle with fresh water and boil it.
2. As soon as the water is hot put a little of it into the tea pot to warm it.
3. Then dry the pot and put in one spoonful of tea for each person and one extra for the pot.
4. Pour the freshly boiled water into the pot.
5. Let the tea infuse for five minutes, then stir and serve.
b) What do you know about silver? Name the objects made from silver as much as you can.

Appendix 2.
I. Study a new vocabulary
Ex. 1.2.
a) Find synonyms to the following words.

b) Find opposite pairs. One word is an extra one.

Appendix 3.
II. Reading
Ex.2.1. Read the text and find which parts of it are about these things.
This exercise helps students draw their attention on the certain parts of the texts. Students do the exercise on their own. Early finishers can check answers in pairs. Check answers with the class.

1) Most homes of the elite desired to have fine, numerous and specialized silver utensils and containers.
2) This artwork looks like an ocean liner steaming across the table or a miniature version of
the skyline glimpsed from an apartment window.
3) Drinking tea was often considered to be a social event.
4) This tea set includes 3 pieces - a sugar bowl, a pitcher for cream and a waste bowl.
5) The process of silver pot making in detail.
6) This silver pot derived the Federalist style
7) This city was very famous for its silversmiths and tea drinking ceremonies

Appendix 4.
III. Grammar
Ex.3.1.
a) Find and state the form and the voice of the infinitives used with modal verbs in theses sentences.
1. Revere’s 1796 teapot has a soldered and riveted seam along the side with the
handle, but a bowl shape could be hammered from a single sheet of silver without the need of soldering.
2. Its owner was involved in several businesses and served on the board of directors of banks, community services, and charitable organizations, and he may have entertained with some frequency.
3. Lids are attached, so there is no need to set them down where they might leave a ring, and the rim of the waste bowl is broad enough to catch a splash before it reaches the table.
4. Because heat from the pot might be transferred to the handle, teapots sometimes were given wood handles, as, for example, with Revere’s teapot.
5. The set could be moved easily as a unit and took up less space in the chic apartments of the urban sophisticates for whom they were designed.

Appendix 5.
Ex. 3.2.
a)Make new words with the following prefixes or suffixes and state what part of speech they belong to.
Prefixes:  im, pre, in, un
Suffixes: ic, ly, en, able (ible),  tion (ion), ist, ness
Words: laid, possible, respect, economy, delicate, used, charity, wood, energy, light, vision, revolutionary, sophisticate, consume, colony
b) Make up your own sentences with these words.
Appendix 6.
Extra-Class Work/ (Homework)
V. Writing
Ex.1.Write an art review or a review of Silver exhibition. You are a journalist and you have just visited this exhibition. You think this collection is worthwhile advertising. (120-180 words)
Read a sample of the exhibition review from the world known museums which can help you perform the task.
Plan:

Sample
"Silver of the Stars" in St Petersburg. The Jeweller's Art of Scotland in the 18th - 21st Centuries
5 July 2007 - 5 August 2007
The exhibition which is going on in the Blue Bedroom of the Winter Palace has been organized by the Incorporation of Goldsmiths of the City of Edinburgh to mark the forthcoming 550th anniversary of the Incorporation in the year 2008. This is one of the oldest guilds of jewelry makers in the world.
The exhibition puts on display three collections of Scottish silver. Several splendid examples of old silver have been sent on loan by the Trustees of the National Museum of Scotland. These works provide a unique historical background for the two other collections, which are made up of modern works. One of them, which lends its name to the entire exhibition - is the Silver of Stars. This unusual collection includes objects made of silver produced by the common creative efforts of ten Scotsmen famous in the world of art and ten of the best Scottish master silversmiths. Split into pairs, they strived to create silver objects which would be a pleasant reminder for celebrities of how they drank their favorite beverages in the company of close friends. The exhibition allows one to have a look inside the world of famous people, to learn about the most noteworthy moments of their private lives, as well as to see unusual photos made by Alistair Devine.
For the violinist Mme Nicola Benedetti, the jeweler Roger Millar designed and crafted a chocolate dish resembling a violin. For the actor Robbie Coltrane OBE, Grant McCraig designed a set for whisky with a hint at the Cadillac automobile. For Sir Sean Connery, Michael Lloyd created a two-handled cup for whisky which uses an apple motif for decoration.
At the basis of Coilin O Dubhghaill's project for showman Billy Connolly CBE lay Billy's own drawing of a teapot in the form of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, to which the master added a similar sugar bowl and a spoon in the form of a banjo. For the female singer Lulu OBE, Linda Robertson created an unusual teapot without a handle but with perfect thermal insulation.
For stage director Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Sarah Cave designed a pitcher with a cup shaped lid and forged the pitcher from whole sheet metal. An original coffee pot was made for the actor Ewan McGregor by Marion Kane: she created a down to earth and "male" coffee pot with motorcycle handles on the cup and the coffee pot. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen CBE) himself designed a vessel for absinthe which is reminiscent of a medieval feasting cup. Graham Stewart then cast it from silver. The silversmith John Creed made Ian Rankin OBE) a jug for the nonalcoholic beverage Irn-Bru drawing inspiration from the design of the Fort Bridge. Jeweler Sarah Hutchison made an original teapot decorated with a gilded "fringe" and diamonds for the well known soloist Sharleen Spiteri of the group Texas.
The third part of the exhibition - The Millennium Collection for Bute House includes 15 works of leading Scottish masters made in the year 2000 to mark the new millennium and the reestablishment of the Scottish Parliament after a 300 year break. The collection was created especially for Bute House, which, in 1999, became the official residence of the Prime Minister of the country, and for this reason these works are state property.
The exhibition displays many different objects of artistic jewelry: a table decoration by Malcolm Appleby, a clock by Gordon Bernet, one of a kind floor length candlesticks by John Creed, vases by Marion Caine, jugs by Michael Lloyd, carafes for claret by Graham Stewart, spice boats by Linda Robertson, an ice bucket by Roger Millar, a fruit bowl by Grand MacCage, as well as bowls and candlesticks by Nicola Williams.

Appendix 7.
Ex. 1. Match these words with their definitions.