During my practicum experiences I feel that 2 of my units in particular can be used to reflect on this standard in education. I feel that both were successful, implemented effective practices and demonstrate the kind of teaching that is important to me.

During my practicum, I planned a Grade 7 unit on ancient China that included a shadow puppet project. This was a cooperative learning project that integrated Social Studies, Language Arts, Visual Arts and Drama. The students, working in groups of 3 or 4, first studied a number of Chinese legends. They then created a legend of their own, that was written as a play and was to be performed as a shadow puppet performance. The students were engaged and excited about every aspect of this project – the morals and historical aspects of the legends; the interpretation of legends and writing of a play; shadow puppetry as an ancient Chinese art form; the actual design and construction of shadow puppets; and the planning, practice and final performance (utilizing a specially constructed shadow puppet screen and lighting that I provided). For me this was a wonderful example of hands-on learning, where students were self-directed, worked cooperatively and produced a product that they were incredibly proud of. Their interest and motivation was shown in the extra time and effort spent – coming in before class and staying after school – to work on this project. This is a unit that someday I hope to be able to repeat.

Ancient Chinese Shadow Puppet Performance.

I feel that another unit, a Grade 4/5 Autumn Art Unit, was also consistently effective. This unit involved 3 projects: a Self-Portrait Silhouette (used for school start-up introductions); Autumn Leaf Batik (creation of seasonal images); and Picasso Monster Collages (Halloween theme decorations). The 3 projects allowed the students to: use a variety of materials and processes; learn about art forms and history; and demonstrate their creativity while still achieving the prescribed learning outcomes. The students were engaged and excited about all of these projects. Despite their varying skills, every student felt successful and proud of their completed art pieces.

Picasso Monster Heads.

Picasso Monster Hall Display.

Autumn Leaf Batik displayed in the schools library.