Day 3
Sample from WPA mural, Oak Park, IL post office
After the students share their thoughts on the WPA murals, the teacher will introduce the class mural project:
- Divide the class into groups (anywhere from 3-6 depending on class size and the discretion of the teacher).
- Explain that the students will be creating a modern day "mural" on good (and bad) government or society to hang in the classroom. First they will brainstorm themes they think are relevant, then they will sketch out their ideas on paper, and then use magazines, scissors, glue and colored pencils to create a collage. To help with ideas the teacher may point students toward portions of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution or other relevant documents (e.g., "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," "...all men are created equal," "...provide for the common defense," etc.) that may provide organizing themes. This also reinforces the connection between political documents and philosophies and their public expression as symbols.
- Explain that the work will be started in class and finished during study time and after school, and that other groups will interpret the finished product for the class.
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