Chasing Vermeer

Chasing Vermeer

By Blue Balliett

I implemented the novel, Chasing Vermeer, into my fifth grade class as a multi-disciplinary unit addressing New York State Learning Standards in English Language Arts, Social Studies and The Arts. Students were enthusiastic about all aspects of the unit and enjoyed the authentic experiences provided as comprehension strategies:

• Students observed and analyzed works of art by Johannes Vermeer
• Students understood the period considered to be the Golden Age of Art
• Students engaged in discussions and debates with peers
• Students wrote about personal objects that they considered art
• Students applied contextual information to art from different time periods and created works of art that represent modern society.

Wonderful link to Blue Balliett's books:

http://www.scholastic.com/blueballiett/