If a student gets into trouble or violates the dress code, he or she is sent to APR (Alternative Placement Room) to do their work. If an art student happens to end up there, I do not send their artwork, but instead a packet of artist biographies with response guides. Last quarter, I had one student turn in a particularly great response to the Vincent Van Gogh biography.
"This is how I feel about van gogh's life. First, I think his life could have been way better. Because he was a great artist. He had potential. And was smart. Next he was too worried about them women. And they drove him insane. Which I am not gonna let nobody bring me down. I can promise you that one. Last, as you can see I honestly think that if he would've left them females alone he would've never been stressing at all."
So the student is blaming the female species for bringing Van Gogh down? Insightful. But perhaps if he manned up that wouldn't happened. Too often we let what others might think of us influence our decisions. I like your approach of giving your students this type of work to help them see things differently. I wish more teachers used some of your approaches, Ms. Lanker. I know teachers need to find the best methods in approaching their particular students. What works for some won't work for others. Great job to the student for his thoughts and you for pointing him in a forward-moving position to think for himself.
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