There was a quiet buzz of excitement last Friday as my 5th graders worked in groups to write their Civil Rights biography stories. I began the previous class by showing them Faith Ringgold's story quilts, and how she incorporates text (stories) into her artwork and then they made quilt square borders. This week, their finished writing would be on a series of index cards to go across the top and bottom of the artwork. Each person had to do their own description of that person's life and significant events during the Civil Rights era, but they were discussing the facts, dates, and events as a group. Suddenly, I hear some beating (on the table), some mouth noises and realize I am listening to a rap about Mohammed Ali!! It was GREAT! They were stating the story in a rap format, and making the artwork personal to them!
I'm feeling really good about this project and the contemporary elements in it. It's multi-media, multi-leveled, incorporates images and text, symbolic color, and personal expression. The painted cereal box now has an image of the person on the front, and has been cut to open like a door. Next week will be the most fun: students will make 3D "artifacts" from Model Magic to go inside the doors of the boxes. Best of all, they are really learning about social studies and art, and utilizing informational reading and writing. They're loving it!!