3.+Seminar+Questions

=** Big Idea(s)/Concept(s): Art/Memory and Imagination **= = = Content Seminar Course/Grade Art grades 9-12 Title: Aboriginal Dream Painting
 * Seminar Lesson**
 * Theme(s): Aboriginal Dream Painting Date Aug 2009 **

PRE-SEMINAR ACTIVITIES: Literacy/Reading Strategies: Students read pre-activity readings to themselves and students will listen as the teacher reads aloud the quote for the seminar.

Content: Opening Activity for background information To prepare for the seminar students will read two short articles from Art Scholastic -Australian Aboriginal Artists Living with Ancient Forces and Patterns of Life

Visual Seminar artwork to be discussed: Paddy J. Nelson, b.1919. Burrowing Skink Dreaming 1987, Acrylic on canvas 60x48

Quote to be used along with the visual- “My father said to me, ‘Look my boy, it is your dreaming; it is a big thing. All dreamings come from there…something is there; we do not know what; but something.”- Aboriginal saying

Process: Personal and group goal setting. How will students self-assess? Group goal is that all students will participate and stay on topic Each individual will choose a personal goal from a list generated by the group.

SEMINAR QUESTIONS: Opening Question: What has more meaning to you the artwork or the quote? Why?

Core Question: 1. Based on the text what does the father mean, the boys dreaming “ it is a big thing”?

2. Based on the text what does the father mean,” all dreamings come from there”?

3. Based on the text what does the father mean,” something is there; we do not know what?

4. What do you see in the artwork that could signify dreaming?

Closing Question: Comparing the quote and the artwork what does this tell you about the Aborigine people and their beliefs?

POST-SEMINAR ACTIVITIES:

Seminar follow-up activity: Students will read from Art Scholastic -Australian Aboriginal Artists Charting Sacred Journeys As a class we will Read and discuss About the Masterpiece. This will explain the true meaning of the painting Burrowing Skink Dreaming

A class discussion will follow and students will discuss how their insights were correct or not.

Facilitator Reflection: