This year, Canopy Life students have been exploring what it means to be a part of God’s family. In this Deep Roots lesson, students learned about God’s heart for them through balloons, Pop Art, and some TOTALLY AWESOME self-portraits.
Deep Roots is a discipleship curriculum developed by and implemented at Canopy Life Academy. It’s purpose is to guide students on an intentional path to a clear understanding of: Mighty God, Godly Me (character), Family Love, and Strong Community. One of the unique aspects of our Deep Roots class is that it doubles as our Arts program where spiritual truths are taught creatively through music, art, dance and drama.
Lichtenstein, Warhol, and Psalm 139
In this lesson, we looked at Pop Art from famous artists such as Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol and we asked the question, “What story does this portrait tell?” To take this question further, students asked themselves, “What story does my portrait tell to others?”
They found the answer in a giant balloon-popping party. You might be thinking, “What does a balloon have to do with Pop Art and portraits?” Well, inside each balloon was a verse from Psalm 139. When each verse of scripture came together, our kids learned these BIG truths:
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
I am fully known.
I am fully loved.
With these truths comes a freedom that releases us to love ourselves and others the way God loves us!
Jesus is the artist, I am the artwork
The artist Brent M. Jones said, “All portraits reveal both the the painter and the person painted. In many ways all paintings are self-portraits. All part of why art informs.”
I like to think about Jesus as an artist and myself as his artwork. As a follower of Christ, it is my hope that when others look at my life -my portrait- it will reveal the artist. It’s not always the prettiest picture. It has imperfections. Even so, the Father who fully loves and knows me makes my portrait spotless. In that truth I find peace. The artist who created the entire universe made each one of us to be a part of His magnificent story of love and redemption.
What story does YOUR portrait tell to others?
Lesson Plan Resources
We hope you’ll join us in learning more about God’s heart for His children. To use this lesson plan in your own classroom or to teach it at home, download the free resources below. We’ve provided our lesson plans, as well as media slides in both PowerPoint and PDF formats.
God’s Family Discipleship Lesson Plan (PDF)
God’s Family Discipleship Teaching Slides (Powerpoint)
God’s Family Art Lesson Plan (PDF)
Art Lesson Teaching Slides (Powerpoint)