Objectives:
To introduce students to the concepts of peace, conciliation and
constructive communication through the use of pictures and writings
that express both tangible and intangible concepts. In designing
and executing a pictorial image that embodies the concept of "peace,"
the students will develop and exercise specific art skills, including:
•
Visual Composition
•
Pictograms and visual metaphors
•
Contour lines and shading
•
Color harmony
•
Tonal values
In
writing a short explanation of what peace means and how peace
can be created, the students will develop and exercise specific
writing skills including:
•
Complete sentence structures
• Correct spelling and grammar
•
Paraphrasing an idea
•
Literary metaphors
•
Analytical and intuitive modes of expression
•
Critical and persuasive writing techniques
Participating
students have benefited in many ways including:
•
Enhanced self-esteem
•
The experience of being a positive
role model for others
•
Growth in academic achievement
•
An increase in creative and critical
thinking skills
•
Pride and empowerment at contributing
to positive change in the world
Learning
Assessment Tool: A heart-shaped rendering
illustrating the concept of "peace" with an accompanying
written statement on the back of the picture describing one or
more ways that peace can be facilitated by the student (interpersonally
and/or globally).
Materials:
One heart template for each student, printed on 8.5x11"
paper and any of the following: crayons, tempera paints, pastels,
colored pencils or collage materials. Printing the template on
card stock tends to work best. Younger students may require lined
paper on which to write about the concept of peace; the lined
paper can then be affixed to the back of the artwork. The finished
piece can be laminated for greater durability.
Presentation:
The artwork can be displayed and presented in any
number of ways, including:
•
An exhibition in the classroom or on
the walls of the hallway outside the classroom.
•
A group presentation during which the
students take turns reading the writing on the back of his or
her own artwork while holding the artwork up for the audience
to see.
•
The creation of a skit or play in which
the theme of peacemaking is highlighted and the students drawings
and words are incorporated.
•
An exhibition of the students messages
in their community such as at cultural centers, churches and
spiritual centers, banks, government offices, businesses, and
malls.
•
Participation in the annual "Hearts
Across the World" exhibition (Please send artwork to the
"Only Hearts" Project Coordinator at: (address) and
include return postage.)
