Student: “Miss Capuzzi, can we watch the Wizard of Oz?”
Me: “No.”*
<pause>
“Wait… why?”
Student: “Because I want to watch it. We can watch it while we work.”
Me: “Hmm… I’ll think about it.”
When I came to IU1 for our CIG meeting Monday, December 19, 2011, I had this conversation in the back of my head. Because I am still a relatively new teacher, I rarely stray from my collection of lesson plans. They are like a security blanket for me. But, I realize that some of my lessons are too cut-and-dry. So, allowing for student suggestions became one of the personal goals I had set for myself this year.
We were about to start our unit on monochromatic painting in 7th grade and usually I set up a holiday-themed still life for students to study value from. I had taught the “Monochromatic Still Life” lesson in the previous semester with average results.
Since a student had showed interest in the movie, The Wizard of Oz, I was trying to make a connection between the black and white world of Dorothy’s bedroom and a monochromatic painting of the student’s bedroom.
David Berlin sat down with our collaborative inquiry group (CIG) and I brought up the idea of incorporating the movie into my class. David proposed a multi-part project where students used their creativity to develop a fantasy world of their own. We talked about only showing the clip where Dorothy leaves her bedroom and enters Munchkinland. Students would create a monochromatic replica of their bedroom (meeting the value objectives I was aiming for) and place a door (separate sheet of paper) that opened to a full color world of wonder.
I loved that idea! For this project, the concept had to be original and we discussed symbolism in class. The students titled the project “My Oz.” And, they really got into it! There was an Oz made entirely of chocolate, one where Christmas lasted all year long, and others filled with student’s favorite things.
[student art coming soon]
I feel that changing this project to suit student interest made a huge difference in the students’ desire to learn something new. They took pride in their work, made important connections with what they were learning, and wanted to share their ideas with the class. They almost didn’t complain about having to paint the “black and white part” because it was so personal for them. I will definitely keep teaching the monochromatic painting lesson this way in the future. Providing more opportunities for choice-based learning is part of the balance I am seeking with this year’s research.
*Note that my immediate response was to say “No.” (I’m trying to change that about myself!) And, in this instance, I’m really glad I didn’t stick with my first answer!!!
8 comments
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March 5, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Brian Nicholson
I believe you have touched on an idea that people forget when it comes to art. Many want us to just teach “skills” and leave out the creative side to our work. It is encouraging to see students dive into being creative and if that means showing a movie to get inspiration, then so be it. The students will remember that project for many years to come if not the rest of their lives, yet forget the ones that you just teach skills. It is a great thing to see you coming out of your shell and being yourself. Keep up the great work.
March 6, 2012 at 12:59 am
dcader
Wow! That is an exciting find and a great connection for students. I would love to see some of the work that comes out of the unit.
March 7, 2012 at 2:51 pm
3droth
I believe for any learning to take place with children it must be engaging and there must be some aspect of “fun”. Keeping young minds engaged and looking for their own solutions to problems is one key to success in the arts. It is a good thing to be open to new ideas and ways of teaching. Way to go!!!
March 11, 2012 at 2:30 am
artbenimble
Angie,
I love how the symbolism became so personalized. It sounds like you and your students really got it. It was great to hear some of thier responses. Hmm what would my Oz look like?
I have trouble with wanting to say no also. Sometimes it is hard to let go of the control, however I have been finding that more often than not something great blooms. Keep it up!
March 14, 2012 at 7:05 pm
chelsief
Love this lesson. I really enjoyed how you were able to maintain the concept of value with a twist. I often ask my students if they find any projects or ideas on the internet or that they have made somewhere else, to bring them in or print them out. This I’m sure is one of their most memorable lessons because they helped create it. It’s amazing how one comment can spark such a creative lesson and teachable moments for both your student and yourself.
How do you assemble your still lifes? on trays or on tables? I want to try it out but space is limited sometimes.
March 27, 2012 at 6:01 pm
jakasper
Angela, I wanted to let you know that I shared your story (without your name, of course) with a group of music teachers. They needed an example of a teacher taking student feedback and using it to change instruction. I appreciate your posting and thank you for sharing!