Memory Maps

Memory Maps

Suitable for Grades 4-12 (adaptable for all grades)

Curriculum connections

// Expression of self through creative processes

// Explore identity, place, culture and belonging through the arts

// Create meaning through symbolism

Bookings available May 1 through June 29, 2018 

End their tour with Jason McLean’s The Sky is Falling. Explore the work in some detail. Ask them to consider which neighbourhood, area, place they might explore in the way Jason has. What area is meaningful to them? Why? Get a discussion going.
Get them to make a quick sketch/rough map of this area. When you go back to the studio, the students will elaborate on this idea with paints, markers, collage and more to create a visual representation of the memories they have of this place. 

MATERIALS

• Watercolour or other heavyweight paper – 12x18

• Tempera paint
  Oil pastels
  Markers
  Pencils
  Water-soluble graphite, pencil crayons and crayons
  Student brushes
  Water buckets/cups

• Magazines to collage with  

• Scissors

• Glue sticks and/or white glue

• White plastic trays for carrying supplies/palettes
  

SET UP
All materials will be on the tables up front. Standard “U” shape table set up. Place a piece of paper & a pencil at each place for the students.

PROCESS
Have everyone find a seat and write their names on the back of their papers.

Using the sketches they made in the Gallery as a guide, ask the students to transfer their map to the nice paper. They will next fill in the map with images, words and symbols that create a visual representation of the memories they have in that area.

Ask the students to brainstorm what kinds of things they might include and write them on the board. If they’re having a hard time, here are some suggestions:

• sounds

• smells

• foods

• animals – pets, strays, wild critters

• people – friends, family, neighbours, strangers

Introduce students to the variety of materials available to them at the front of the studio.
Let them know they will get to come up to the front in groups of five to select their materials. 

Those not selecting materials can begin transferring their sketch to the nice paper. 

Go around the room and assist with materials, ideas, etc. as necessary. 

15 minutes before the end:
Clean up – everyone is responsible for putting scraps of paper in the recycling bin and all materials back in their respective boxes, bins, etc.
If time remains, compare maps – what do we think about this process? What do you see in each other’s maps? Does anyone want to talk about their map?

Take pictures! They’re adorable!