Sample Theme: Where Do We Go
From Here?

Introductory Lesson
Inform the students that the theme of this 50-hour module is "Where Do We Go From Here?" Before students explore this theme, which includes activities related to their lives in the future, begin by reflecting on what has shaped or influenced their lives in the past.

Developing Self-knowledge

The students will:

• provide reasons for their answers, ideas, responses or choices (CEL: CCT)

Remind students that most artists convey a sense of personal vision through their arts expressions. Many artists develop self-knowledge as they explore and refine their work. Discuss as a whole group why it is important for artists to reflect on their lives and how their life experiences relate to their arts expressions.

• relate, compare and evaluate what is being heard (CEL: CCT)

Ask students as a whole group to list some ways of developing self-knowledge, for example:

• considering past experiences and how they have shaped our lives
• thinking about people who have had an influence on our lives, as well as those who continue to influence us
• reflecting on our actions and the consequences of our actions
• critically examining past and present role models
• identifying our personality traits or characteristics
• determining strengths and interests we would like to pursue or change
• considering personal, family and/or cultural values and spiritual aspects of one's life
• considering how other people's perceptions of us have affected and influenced our lives and views (for example, societal expectations, or personal experiences with racism or gender stereotyping)
• exploring options, setting personal goals and designing action plans to achieve them.

• relate, compare and evaluate what is being read, heard or viewed (CEL: CCT)

Ask students to write down in one of their arts journals some thoughts about how their experiences in personal development could enhance their own arts expressions. They might include comments about the following:

• Who are some of the people that have had an influence on who I have become today? How have they influenced my life?
• What important events have had an effect on my life? In what ways have these events affected who I am?
• In what ways has my cultural background influenced my identity?
• Who are the people who are having an influence on my life today? In what ways do they affect my life, my actions and views about the world?
• What societal expectations have shaped my thoughts about who I am? For example, how has the mass media shaped my view of my role as a contemporary male or female?
• Am I aware that I am developing a personal vision of the world? If so, how might I express this personal vision through my arts expressions?

• continue to develop problem-solving and decision-making abilities when working individually or in a co-operative group

Ask students to conclude their journal entries with at least one idea for an arts expression that would reflect their personal identity or vision about some specific stage or event in their lives.

What art form would each student choose? What materials would he or she use? Would he or she work alone or with a group? What ideas or messages would he or she want to convey through the work?