Most Mind Move Make classes seem to be packed with activity each week, but this session was especially full! To start, each child had the opportunity to present his or her artwork inspired by the book You Are Stardust. The students explained the ideas contained within their pieces and how the artwork connected to nature and memory. I recorded what each child had to say about his or her work. Below I've included part of one child's discussion of her work. If you'd like to see all of the students' creations from this unit, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page!
After each child had the opportunity to communicate thoughts and ideas about the artwork and give one another feedback, I introduced them to the next project. We started a discussion about Native American animal guides, or spirit animals. Many Native Americans believe that we can learn a lot from animals. By paying attention to nature, reflecting on experiences we have with animals, and remembering dreams we have about animals, everyone has the potential to discover his or her spirit animal. I learned about many of these ideas through finding the Manataka American Indian Council website. The students had the chance to write in their sketchbooks about an animal that has been important to them in some way. Here are a few pieces of artwork that we looked at for inspiration:
 |
| Artwork by Charlotte Caron |
 |
| Artwork by Charlotte Caron |
 |
| Artwork by Charlotte Caron |
After looking at the artwork and reflecting in their sketchbooks, the students started creating self-portraits. Later in another class, the students will combine their self-portrait with the animal image. Here are some action shots of the students working:
