Today I was introducing the idea that interpreting poetry is heavily based in the personal experience and knowledge of the reader. I wanted my students to have a strong grasp on perspective and how it influences how we look at things. So I found several Escher pictures online (http://mcescher.com/) and one by one (via the usual various cables, a computer, an overhead projector and a screen) presented them to my students. We talked about each one and tried to switch back and forth to see the different images.
I particularly like this lesson because the students get excited about seeing things in a different way. Later when we start examining poetry and the students have different viewpoints on meaning and imagery, I can remind them of these Escher prints and how we each saw different images at first, but ultimately, they all drew together a similar idea about what was happening in the print. They learned for this brief moment to appreciate the different viewpoints of each student and to realize those differences increase their understanding.
So today my students enjoyed a great lesson. It was one of those I wish my principal could have been present to see on those days when he is there to evaluate my teaching. Aw well, there will be other great days when a lesson comes together and feels like I produced magic.
