Look and Discuss

Present and discuss a selection of the 5-featured artworks in the Artwork & Artists slideshow with your class.

(Tabs will provide you with information on the theme, composition, interpretation and the artist.)

A downloadable Presentation that you can add to or manipulate will also help share these images in your classroom.

Context: Men and women of African descent have contributed significantly to the building of Canada. Since the first migrations, they have enriched our culture by bringing with them African traditions that are now an integral part of our society. Through their professional and personal contributions, they play a key role in the various fields of the Canadian society.

Discuss: Look at the portraits of Ignatius Sancho and Louis Armstrong in this lesson plan. Discuss with the students how the clothing and attributes indicate their unique professions. Then ask your students to make two separate lists: the cultural contributions of men and women of African descent to our society (e.g. musical instruments, food, fashion accessories, dances, decorations); and their professional contributions to our society (e.g. sports, arts, craftsmen, professions). Divide the class into two groups: the first group will discuss and illustrate the cultural contributions while the other group will discuss and illustrate the professional contributions of men and women of African descent. Ask each student to focus on one of these contributions and to find the best way to depict it with a symbol. Ask the students to do their own research in books, magazines or the internet to learn more about the chosen topic.