Over the Christmas break, each fifth grader has a poem to memorize and an art project to complete. Each fifth grader has a different poem to memorize. On January 14th, fifth graders will recite their poem for our school community to honor Dr. Martin Luther King's dream for equal rights. Fifth grader's art project will be displayed next to them as they recite their poem. So on January 14, we will have a worship time where fifth graders share strong words and original artwork.
Poem:
Fifth graders will be given a poem test on Tuesday, January 4. They will need to write out the words to their poem and turn in their completed art work. I will post titles of poems and student initials before Christmas break, just in case anyone's poem gets lost.
Art:
Over the break Ms. Buckley and myself are asking you to create a piece of artwork that reflects the main idea of your poem. It will be exhibited when you present your poem.
Follow the steps to create meaningful artwork:
1. Read the poem
2. Look up in a dictionary or ask an adult for the definition of any words you don't know or understand. Remember that we are thinking about a time when not everyone in the United States had equal rights.
3. Take time to think about what deeper meanings the poet may have been using. What is the theme/main idea of this poem?
4. Think about how the theme of this poem could be represented in a visual way on your background paper- through drawing, painting, or collage.
5. Draw a plan of your idea. This plan will be graded as part of the project.
6. Show your plan to an adult or friend, explain it and ask for feedback. Adjust your plan as necessary.
7. Gather materials.
8. Then, carefully carry out your plan and make your piece of art on the black and white background you have already made.
9. Bring your completed project and plan to school on January 4.
If you think you'll need special supplies for your artwork you can ask Ms Buckley to help with this before the Christmas vacation. She'll do her best.
Mrs. Buckley and I decided to give you this assignment early so that you have a couple of days to ask us questions. You also have the opportunity to get a head start. If you memorize your poem and finish your artwork this weekend, you will have less work to do over the break. You will need to continue to practice your poem over the break, even if you memorize the entire thing this weekend.
