Painting the Picture: Illustrating a Memory
Illustration as an Introduction
Topic: Using illustration as an introduction
Objective: Following the lesson and activity, the students will be able to effectively create and deliver a unique and compelling introduction utilizing the method of illustration.
Materials: Each student must provide a photograph of their own. The photograph should spark a fond childhood memory within the student. Students may choose to utilize paper and pencil as well.
Steps:
1. To begin the activity, each student will be asked to take out his/her “childhood memory” photograph, for which the teacher should have asked the previous day.
2. Each student will be asked to reflect for a couple of minutes on the memory that is sparked by the photograph- in as vivid detail as possible.
3. The teacher should explain that the speech, should it be given, would be about that childhood memory. However, the focus of the activity is to create an introduction to the speech, utilizing illustration- which the teacher will have previously discussed.
4. The students should each, while focusing on their photo, remember as many vivid and precise details that describe that photograph as possible, with which they can share with the class.
5. Once the students have been given adequate time to study their photograph and brainstorm as many dynamic and “picturesque” descriptions as possible, they will verbally illustrate their pictures- as if the description of the picture serves as the introduction to their “childhood memory” speech- to the class.
6. Students should strive to describe their pictures as vividly and concisely as they can, and fluidly transition from this description, into a brief thesis statement of the main points of their “childhood memory” speech.
Result: Students will understand the importance of utilizing rich, vivid and descriptive illustration to create a compelling introduction. Also, through this quick and painless activity, the students will continue to become increasingly comfortable speaking in front of the class
Elizabeth Thomas
September 9th, 2009