Images, Perspective and Responsibility

I saw an exhibition of artist Chris Jordan in Austin this summer.  His work is interesting to say the least.  He takes very small images and turns them into very LARGE canvases.  You find yourself reading about the work, standing back from a distance and then zooming yourself in close to the canvas. The cool thing here is that by clicking on the images selected, the page does the zooming.

The main reason I thought of this for this post is because I am trying to introduce a new way for the students to approach writing - Image Grammar.  You try to develop an artist's palette and then apply the "colors" of the palette with a number of "Brush Strokes". The idea is that by approaching a written composition like a work of art, made up of different elements and with varying techniques, it becomes a thing of great beauty and enjoyment.

Another reason is that these images challenge our perspectives.  Tomorrow we will learn about "Zooming In" on our writing to alter the perspective of our readers. Lastly the artists descriptions provide food for thought.  Go here to access the site.  Enjoy them, pick one to write about and tell us what it makes you think about, in detail!!

Lamb to Slaughter?

The short story Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl tells the tale of love and betrayal and vengeance and retribution with an interesting evidentairy twist or wrinkle. Why do you think the author chose this title? Have you ever heard someone say something is like a "lamb to the slaughter"? Ask your family or friends for their explanation of what it means to them. Then Google it - I did - lamb to slaughter saying - and got this.

Read the explanations you find and look at the history of the saying. Now think again, using evidence from the short story, what are the enduring messages, the controlling ideas, the themes? Then try to come up with an answer to the original question: Why do you think the author chose this title?

Welcome!

Please post a comment to the class blog! The Question of the Hour?

If you could change one thing about Spring Forest Middle School, what would it be and why? Please explain your answer in detail.