Weaving Inspiration Into the Curriculum

One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching is the creativity and inspiration we can weave into the curriculum to bring deep and meaningful learning experiences for our students (and ourselves!).  This past week my class enjoyed an art lesson integrated with media, oral communication, and writing expectations.  It served as a perfect example of how students become more engaged when our lessons are filled with what inspires us.

A friend of mine emailed me a phenomenal video depicting the sheer beauty, simplicity, and breath-taking scenery found in nature around the world.  It moved me deeply and I knew I had to somehow share it with my students in a meaningful way.  I decided to use it as the foundation for an art lesson.  We have been exploring cool and warm colours, texture, and patterns.  We watched the video and had a class discussion using sensory prompts (I see…, I hear…, I feel…, I smell…).  The descriptions were profound and all the students were eager to share their thoughts and feelings!

Next, students chose an aspect of nature (ocean, rainforest, sunset, etc.) to create a frame for a sensory poem using warm/cool colours and different textured paper.

Lastly, using a template as a guide, students created their sensory poem.  Students were encouraged to experiment with word choice and powerful images to portray their scene.  I cannot begin to describe how excited and proud they were to share their art and poetry with me and each other!  At the end of the experience, they asked to watch the video again.  I gladly shared it once more and silently thanked my friend for the inspiration that created a beautiful teaching opportunity.

Rainforest

plants, rivers, animals

I see butterflies and nature everywhere

beautiful, colourful, fresh

I smell the fresh scent after rainfall

creeping, crawling, flying

I hear peace and quiet

silence, beauty, nature

I feel at home in the rainforest

Rainforest