Memoir Hearts

Hoopa Elementary Arts Teacher Stephanie Silvia strengthened the practice of traditional Valentines by integrating them with memories.  Each student cut out the usual heart shape, then divided the space into several areas to show memories they had with loved ones.   

Describing the student memories, Ms. Silvia said, "One boy drew a deceased sibling, along with other children who drew a symbol for a loved one who had died.  One first grader had different scenes of his family on vacation in Hawaii, "This is the day we all hugged." Another child: "This is me picking flowers with my grandma."

When asked about plans to extend this lesson, Silvia replied "Next school year, I can collaborate with teachers who are preparing their students for narrative writing. For the older kids this project introduces the concept of personal memoir in relation to reading memoirs and writing in the first person. The aspect of being able to reminisce and express these life events in both a visual and written form helps students develop self- identity, self- awareness, and self-reflection in all aspects of their lives, along with their rich cultural lives."

Asked about the connections this project has to other areas, Ms. Silvia suggested, "This is a form of self-portrait in the tradition of using symbolism and personal symbols for self-expression. Many of my students' memories come from tribal events or ceremonies. A first grader drew regalia, a dress covered with shells to remember the dances. Many drew the river for times had spent with their families at the river. A student drew sticks to represent that tribal game. Others drew basket weaving or people wearing traditional woven caps and beaded necklaces. Some hearts were covered with traditional designs."