Claude Monet’s Birthday: Lesson Ideas

Claude Monet, a famous painter, was born on the 14th of November. Art-lovers all over the world appreciate Monet and get inspiration from his works. We’ve created a special lesson around the topic. It’s suitable for Pre-Intermediate+ students. It will take about 50 minutes to complete the tasks.

Task 1 – warm-up

Look at the paintings below. What can you see there?

What unites them?

What style are they?

Task 2 – a special style

Discuss the questions: 

1. What does the word “impression” mean?
2. Why is the style called impressionism?

We’re going to get to know the history of the term later during the lesson! And now let’s look at some words connected with the style. Match a word and a picture:

Describe the painting using new words:

Task 3 – a founder

Now we’re going to read a biography of one of the best impressionists of the ages. Guess his name.

He ______ ______ on 14 November 1840 in Paris.

He ______ the second son of Claude Adolphe Monet and Louise Justine Aubrée Monet, both of them second-generation Parisians. 

His parents ______ him simply Oscar.

In 1845, his family  ______ to Le Havre in Normandy.

His father ______ him to go into the family’s business, but he ______ to become an artist. His mother ______ a singer, and supported son’s desire for a career in art.

On 1 April 1851, a future artist entered Le Havre secondary school of the arts. On the beaches of Normandy around 1856 he ______ fellow artist Eugène Boudin, who ______ his mentor and ______ him to use oil paints.

This famous painter’s name is ______ ______.

Fill in the gaps using Past tenses. 

Task 4 – more facts

Let’s watch a video called «10 amazing facts about Claude Monet».

Make notes about each fact. 

Fact 1 

Fact 2 

Fact 3 

Fact 4 

Fact 5 

Fact 6 

Fact 7 

Fact 8 

Fact 9 

Fact 10 

Which of them were new for you? 

Which surprised you?

Task 5 – Monet’s paintings

Which paintings were mentioned in the video? Complete the gaps. 

1)

This is a portrait of ______ who used to be Claude Monet’s ______.

2)

These are pictures by ______ and ______.

Monet saw them when he was in ______.

3)

This painting was presented during an exhibition in ______. “These paintings are nothing but just ______”, — one reporter said.

4)

This picture shows his ______ who died at the age of ______.

Watch the video again to check. 

Task 6 – visiting the museum

There is a museum in Paris where it’s possible to enjoy Monet’s masterpiece. It’s closed now due to the lockdown in France. 

But still, let’s take an online tour! Click the link, look at the painting and discuss the questions.

Painting 1 

1. What does it show?
2. What makes this painting special?

Painting 2

1. What country is shown?
2. What shades can you see?

Painting 3

1. What can we see?
2. What does it identify with?

Task 7 – discussion

Discuss the questions:

1. What biographical facts about Claude Monet do you remember?
2. What did you learn about impressionism?
3. Which of Claude Monet’s works do you like the most? Why?

Homework 

Visit Monet’s fondation and write and essay (150-200 words) answering the questions:

1. What museum is it? Where is it? 
2. What were you impressed with? 
3. What new did you learn about Claude Monet? 
4. Would you like to visit it in real life?

Keys:

Task 1

This style is called impressionism.

It’s characterized by relatively small, thin, yet visible brush strokes, open composition.

Task 2

1c 2a 3e 4f 5d 6b

Task 3

He was born on 14 November 1840 in Paris.

He was the second son of Claude Adolphe Monet and Louise Justine Aubrée Monet, both of them second-generation Parisians. 

His parents called him simply Oscar.

In 1845, his family moved to Le Havre in Normandy.

His father wanted him to go into the family’s business, but he wanted to become an artist. His mother was a singer, and supported son’s desire for a career in art.

On 1 April 1851, a future artist entered Le Havre secondary school of the arts. On the beaches of Normandy around 1856 he met fellow artist Eugène Boudin, who became his mentor and taught him to use oil paints.

This famous painter’s name is Claude Monet

Task 5

1. This is a portrait of Camille who used to be Claude Monet’s girlfriend.
2. These are pictures by Turner and Constable. Monet saw them when he was in London.
3. This painting was presented during an exhibition in Paris. “These paintings are nothing but just impressions”, — one reporter said.
4. This picture shows his wife who died at the age of 32.

Task 6

Picture 1 

1. “Water lilies” 
2. This painting is special due to its size

Picture 2

1. France 
2. shades of green, blue and orange

Picture 3 

1. a mirror of water
2. It symbolizes the Universe