This week, I planned a different type of lesson. I wanted to take a new
approach with these kids, so I planned a lesson around spoken word performance
poetry, tolerance and Martin Luther King's speech, "I have a Dream." Yesterday I
had the kids do the activity from Teaching Tolerance where they say mean
things to a new "construction paper" student, tear off parts of him and then have
to put him back together again.
Today I started class by asking them to reflect on yesterday's lesson. They
had to answer four questions: What does tolerance mean to you? Have you ever
misjudged someone or been intolerant toward a person you did not know? Have
you ever been misjudged by others? How do you feel about the need to find
acceptance in middle school? Is it hard to be accepted or to fit in? Some of
the students actually bared their souls...telling me that kids have made fun of
them for smelling or for being tiny or for being flat-chested. Others didn't
even get the idea of the lesson at all because they simply don't pay attention
in class. After that, I played a spoken word piece performed by a high
school student about teachers being judgmental and giving up on kids. I asked if
any of my students had every felt that way. Almost all of them raised their
hands.
Then I had students come up and try their best to deliver the words of MLK's
speech...some wanted to try to say it powerfully like the spoken word artist.
Some kids were really enjoying the class, but the same few were totally tuned
out and could care less. I made some stand against the wall and explained
that I was tired of letting them ruin it for everyone.
I then told them that tomorrow they will be writing their own speech. I have
a handout to guide them. They are to write a speech, spoken word poem or rap
about their hopes and dreams for the future and for the future world in which
they will live. After completing their speech and getting approval by me,
they will need to begin thinking about creating a work of art to go along with
the speech. I explained that when they are done, they will be performing their
piece in front of the class. They will put their art up on an easel and
perform their speech.
Anyone have any ideas on how to make this project even more engaging or easy
for the students. Should I go over how to symbolize things visually? Should
I show pictures from any specific artists? I want them to understand that
they have a voice and can use words AND art to make their voice heard. I want
them to see the connection between art and pretty much everything, to understand
how a work of art can actually be very personal and representative of their
very thoughts. I was thinking about allowing them to work in crayon, marker,
pencil, colored pencil or maybe even paint...allowing them to pick the right
medium. Do you think that's a good idea...to give them the freedom to decide on
the best way to express their speeches or do you think that this group might
feel overwhelmed by such freedom?
The past projects have flopped. They were totally not into the still life
even when I allowed them to create a surreal imaginary addition. I'm trying to
change things up, take a fresh approach, vary the activities, get the kids
discussing and thinking. I want them to really get into this project, to feel
excited about creating something. Any thoughts?
