Forget finger-painting – these Grade 4 students created artistic canvas paintings based on social issues, while raising money for Ducks Unlimited Canada.
Elizabeth Barrett Elementary School Grade 4 teachers Margo Wheller and Jessica Powers read an article last year about the trumpeter swan issue at Kangienos Lake, located in Ghost Valley, which then fuelled a creative plan to get the students involved in these ongoing issues with animals, while creating art to reflect their learning.
“It’s good for the students to take an interest in what is around them and get involved,” said Powers.
The trumpeter swan is considered a species of special concern in Alberta.
Beginning with sketching, and moving on to block printing and canvas painting, the students learned a lot about the issues, while exposing their creative side. Two of the canvases were sold at the Ducks Unlimited fundraiser March 21 at the Cochrane RancheHouse for $325 to help the causes they are concerned about.
The two teachers looked into the matter in depth by bringing in multiple speakers to talk to the class about the issue.
Sharon MacDonald from ‘Stop Ghost Clearcut’ was one of the speakers, as well as Brett Boukall, a biologist from Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). The two shared different perspectives on the issue.
“By looking at different people’s perspectives we understood more about the issues,” said Wheller.
All of the students involved were motivated to learn about these social issues and voice their opinions. “We wanted to make a difference” was the common comment from multiple students.
A five-card pack was also promoted at the Ducks Unlimited event, which features three block prints and two canvas prints, designed by current students of the Grade 4 class. The art cards are available at the school office or by emailing Jessica Powers or Margo Wheller at [email protected] or [email protected], for a price of $10, and supports Ducks Unlimited Canada directly.
“It’s great how it really relates to the outside world; the response has been respected,” said Wheller.
“They’re kids but they can be part of change, and that’s what matters,” said Powers.
