A Glimpse from a Course: Teaching Advanced Learners - Poetry and the Fine Arts

Hanna Kryszewska, Poland

Hanna Kryszewska teacher, teacher trainer, author and editor of HLT magazine. Lectures at the University of Gdansk, Poland.
E-mail: hania.kryszewska@pilgrims.co.uk

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Background
Input and stages of the activity
Output: sample poems

Background

The poems were written on the Teaching Advanced Learner Course, July 2011. They offer a glimpse into what you can experience at Pilgrims Teacher Training Courses.

Input and stages of the activity

1. The teachers looked at the painting “The Arnolfini Marriage’ and jotted down 10 – 12 words and phrases that came to their minds.



2. In groups they compared their words and chunks. Then they put their lists away.
3. In groups teachers analysed the painting.
4. Then they received some input on the interpretation of the symbolism of the painting, such as: the role of pagan and Christian elements, symbols of e.g. wealth and social status, information on morganatic marriages and wedding ceremonies in the 15th century etc.
5. They read some poems inspired by different paintings and evaluated them, e.g.:

   

   Meadow With Haystacks Near Giverny – Claude Monet
   
   The game has started.
   I stand alone
   Waiting.
   Waiting for some
   Sound or motion.
   Anything from behind
   The haystacks, scatted
   About the field.
   The field is a world
   Of color.
   Filled with greens and
   Blues.
   Oranges, pinks,
   Yellows and violets.
   The trees around
   Sway and whisper
   To me.
   They move almost
   Pointing to children
   Hiding.
   I run around,
   To all the places
   They point to,
   But there is no one.
   I am alone.
   All alone in my world of color.

   Katharine N.

   

   The Violin - Pablo Picasso
   
   The delicate wooden body tells of
   Its creator's dedication.
   The strings complete the work of beauty,
   Emitting tones like nothing of this world.
   Each note portrays a different emotion
   Creating a vivid image in your mind.
   Its song tugs at your heart and soul,
   Evoking emotions never felt before.

   Elizabeth G.

   Source: http://home.earthlink.net/~jesmith/Artpoems.html
6. Finally, the teachers went back to their lists from p. 1. They used the lexis and the new information from p. 3 and p. 4 to write their poems about the painting ’The Arnolfini Marriage’.
7. The activity ends with a presentation of the poems.

Output: sample poems

The Arnolfini Couple

There they are
with their pretty little dresses
and their stupid little dog.

Meanwhile,
I observe what’s happening
And I write
mysterious words on the wall.

The newly-wed girl
stands naked feet
on the warm wooden floor
thinking to herself
I’d rather be eating some of these
delicious ripe oranges in the bowl.

Still he stands
in his fur-trimmed coat
patronising her
with his solemn stern look.

FINALLY…

… I can hear the rustle of silk,
the clinking of the chandelier
and the clattering of shoes outside

***

I can feel his cool hand touch mine,
the polished floorboards underneath
my naked feet

***

I can smell the exotic aroma of oranges,
mixing with the pungent smell of incense.

***

I can see my old wooden slippers,
which I’ve got rid of,
my beloved spouse wearing his festive
fur-trimmed coat,
Looking at me lovingly.

***

I can still taste his firm lips on mine.
I can taste
safety.

Green, blue…

Green, blue, yellow, white,
Her – clogless and obedient.
Brown, brown, black, black,
Him – noble and thoughtful.
Green, brown, yellow, black
Them faithful and devoted.
Green, brown, orange, gold,
The world – unpredictable and fascinating.
All the hues imaginable,
Life.

Poem on Arnolfini Marriage

Marry
start a happy life?
No chance of
ever becoming his real wife.
Fur trim, golden chandeliers,
but no shoes, just his left hand

Solemn tic-toc
mouldy, musty
Yes – I will
Duty calls
Tic-toc

Doing right
Am I

The Arnolfini Wedding

Expecting woman in the beam of light
marrying a man whose heritage seeks no fight.
Underneath the low chandelier
the faithful dog being near.
Holding hands to show their love is clear
his wealth will be preserved
as everyone can observe.
Stylish furniture in the room
- the witnesses see our bride and groom.

***

in full daytime light
in presence of friends
and god
they promise neverending love.
tender feelings
loving care
she desires
in an unpleasant coldness
of the room.
her future, worries, life
she puts in his hands.
and her future starts…

***

The sun shining outside
The clock chiming inside
The woman reaching for her husband
with the hand as cold as ice
looking down at the dog
as faithful as her.
God!
Let your flame descend!

***

The ceremony’s just taking place
The woman full of respect
And awaiting what will happen
The world of wealth
She doesn’t fit
The dog
The only true companion
Will he run away
leaving her alone?
But there’s his hand
Holding her supportingly

Please check the Creative Methodology for the Classroom course at Pilgrims website.
Please check the Teaching Advanced Students course at Pilgrims website.
Please check the Teaching through Music and Visual Art course at Pilgrims website.