Me TV: How We Want the World to See US: A Grade 4 – 6 Classroom Application of Representation
by Marcia Lee – Toronto District School Board
Children watch television and are presented with many different kinds of images and representation surrounding class, gender and power. Many of these images go by without thought or discussion. This project looks at how images seen on television are a version of reality and how we can show the world a representation of ourselves.
Materials:
- Digital camera and projector
- Cube (use a mathematical net for students to create or commercially purchased boxes)
- Scissors, cost glue, ailment construction paper, drawing paper, pencil crayons
- Magazines
- Pipe cleaners
Instructional Steps:
- Discuss with students how images on television are a version of reality. Questions to ask include: What kinds of shows do you watch on TV? How are they like real life? How are they different from real life?
- Show students the Me TV! There are four sides for students to create a representation of themselves:
- Front: Students take a personal picture using a digital camera. They use one of three camera angles (long, medium or close up). They position and pose in a way they want the world to see them. Allow students to partner up and use the digital camera when taking the photo.
- Side #1: Students write a biographical listing outlining information they want to share.
- Side #2: Students draw a picture of the character trait that best represents them. Some examples of a character traits are: love, friendship, honesty, teamwork, etc.
- Back: Students look through magazines and find a celebrity that best represents them.
- Top: Students can add pipe cleaners to the top as antennas.
- Once the exemplar is shown and the mini lesson is taught, give students lots of time to create!
Mini Lesson:
- Using a digital camera and a digital projector, show students the three types of camera angles and what they represent.
After – Metacognition Questions:
- What camera angle did you use and why?
- Compare the similarities between yourself and your celebrity. Support your answer with examples.
- If you were to change one aspect of your ME TV, what would you do differently? Explain.
- If you could add a side to your TV, what side would you add and why?
