Collage / Assemblage: Discovering Shapes, Colors & Patterns with Matisse
Grade Level: 3–5 Subjects: Art, Math, Geography, Art History
Objectives
Knowledge
Students will:
Learn about colors, shapes, and patterns
Acquire background knowledge about Henri Matisse, his artwork, and his collage techniques
Locate France on a world map
Recognize and name mathematical shapes
Skills
Students will:
Distinguish between different geometric shapes
Describe and interpret one of Matisse’s cut-paper works
Fold & cut shapes from construction paper to create repeating patterns
Arrange and glue shapes onto a black background to create a collage composition
Values
Students will:
Gain appreciation for French artist Henri Matisse
Understand the connection between art, culture, and personal expression
Materials
Black poster board, 12×18″ (1 per student)
Bright 9×12″ construction paper in assorted colors (4–5 sheets per student)
Scissors (1 per student)
Clear glue (1 bottle per 4 students)
Pencils
Artist images of Matisse’s collage works (printed posters or slides)
Short video about collage
3–4 slides of additional Matisse artwork
Artist information handouts (1 per student)
Self-assessment worksheet (1 per student)
World map or globe
✏️ CONTENT FOCUS
Art Production: Cutting shapes, arranging layouts, creating a collage
Art History: Learning about Henri Matisse, especially his cut-paper period
Math: Identifying and using geometric shapes
Geography: Locating France on a map
Lesson Procedure
✨ DAY 1
1. Introduce Matisse (15 minutes)
Show slides/images of Matisse’s cut-paper works
Share key biographical notes
Pass around color prints so students can view details up close
Locate France on a classroom world map
2. Watch a short video on collage (25 minutes)
Students learn about:
What a collage is
How artists layer paper
How Matisse used shapes to create form
How color relationships create mood
3. Demonstration: Cutting Shapes (10 minutes)
Teacher demonstrates:
Folding paper to create symmetrical shapes
Cutting geometric and organic shapes
Layering pieces
How Matisse arranged paper “drawing with scissors”
Reassure students that rugged, bold shapes are encouraged—Matisse wasn’t aiming for perfection.
✨ DAY 2
1. Create the Collage (35 minutes)
Display examples of Matisse’s work on the board
Students cut multiple shapes (geometric and organic)
Students arrange and glue shapes on their black poster background
Teacher circulates to offer guidance on:
Balance
Overlapping
Repetition
Pattern
2. Clean-Up & Drying (5 minutes)
Place finished projects on shelves to dry
Collect materials and clean up scraps
CLOSURE (Day 2)
(10 minutes)
Display artwork along a wall or bulletin board
Students stand next to their design
Teacher calls on several volunteers to answer:
Why did you choose the shapes and colors you used?
Did Matisse inspire your choices? How?
What part was your favorite?
Evaluation
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
Identify pattern, shape, and color in artwork
Recognize features of Matisse’s collage style
Complete a self-assessment worksheet (assigned as homework)
Create a second collage at home that demonstrates shape and color concepts
Teacher will briefly review the worksheet to ensure understanding.
Artist Background: Henri Matisse
Henri Matisse (1869–1954) is one of the most influential French artists of the 20th century. Early in his career, he led the Fauvist movement, known for bold, expressive use of color. Later in life, after developing cancer and being confined to a wheelchair, Matisse began creating cut-paper collages, which he called “drawing with scissors.”
These bright, organic compositions—such as The Snail, Beasts of the Sea, and Ivy in Flower—are now some of his most beloved works. Matisse was a perfectionist about the relationship between shape and color, earning him the nickname “Master of Color.”
