I'm supposed to be a teacher but my brain is too shrivelled to help dd with her homework

[robinpud]

She has to collect collage bits to make a collage based on a metaphor(s)about herself.
apart from a rose amongst thorns, I am not really much help..

Inspiration please...

[slayerette]

I would base the collage around the metaphor of being All At Sea due to this homework. Or Not Waving but Drowning.

It is a particularly rubbish idea for a project.

[robinpud]

She's 11.. first week at seconday school. She's a bright thing but not really in the loop with this

[combustiblemelon]

A shrinking violet?
An eager beaver would cause all sorts of comments but works as an example.
A busy bee?

[combustiblemelon]

An iceberg- because what's visible/apparent on the surface is only a tiny fraction of what she is.

[robinpud]

She's a sweet, smiley, enthusiastic soul. Gorgeous obviously too!

[robinpud]

Of course she is the apple of her mother's eye and the fruit of her father's loins although probably the first would be best to illustrate!

[ahundredtimes]

Okay so think of the metaphors first, ones which will suit the materials you've got to hand. Surely that's the way to go.

So she could make one out of different wrapping papers because she is both a gift to life and has many layers.

She could make one out of leaves and grass, because she loves nature. Or is as reliable and solid as an oak tree.

Unless she has hobbies - so if she likes photography, she could use photographic stuff.

Or give her a load of old photographs because she is the sum of her memories and experiences.

Or something.

[combustiblemelon]

It sounds a bit like [http://www.getty.edu/education/for_teachers/curricula/dorothea_lange/lange_lesson10.html this]]

[combustiblemelon]

this

[combustiblemelon]

Day 3 of that link

[janeite]

Ahundredtimes - I love your suggestions.

Robinpud - I was doing Romeo And Juliet with year 9 yesterday and asked them how we know that Romeo and Juliet are born as enemies. One of them very excitedly raised his hand and called "it's that quotation about lions, Miss" ("..from forth the fatal loins of these two foes") - so the fruit of her father's loins may well result in a picture of a large maned beast!

She could do all golds and yellows and snaps of gorgeous beaches etc to show her "sunny" personality maybe; sprinkle sand on it etc?

[robinpud]

Thanks..that lesson plan does seem particularly similar. She's very keen on the wrapping paper thing.. we're beginning to get somewhere!

[robinpud]

Janeite-she loves that beach idea and it'very fitting for her. She's not entirely sure whether she has to literally illustrate the metaphor or use it as a basis for something artistic.

[janeite]

Is it for Art or for English?

[robinpud]

english.
gosh I am so grumpy about it; it's taken an hour out of my time to help her, encourage her, mop the tears etc and it's only the first week!

[janeite]

In that case, she probably needs to be able to explain how the collage reveals the metaphor and what the metaphor reveals about her.

I think it's actually a lovely homework activity (am an English teacher) but it sounds like the instructions were rather vague. I imagine the teacher is just trying to get them to think a bit beyond the literal - it should also create a very nice display ready for the opening days/evenings that may be coming up soon!

I hope she ends up enjoying the task; I don't think any teacher would want a child to go home and cry over homework (says she who used to cry over Maths homework all the time!).

[pointydog]

I think this is a nice idea and your dd should concentrate on something simple like the beach without getting over-thoughful. Over-thoughtful during this week of secondary school will lead to over-emotional

[robinpud]

Janeite- the most valuable lesson she has learned is not to leave a lesson without being absolutely clear what the homework is. I think she has been so obsessed by writing the homework task down in the brand new planner that she hasn't actually "thought" about what she is being asked to do.
Yes, really I do think it is a lovely idea and that she will enjoy it, but I wish the instructions were clearer. She's very keen on the sun idea and so can use that as a starter and is going to check her ideas so far with the teacher tomorrow.
I just needed some space tonioght to do my marking and planning!
Thanks for all the ideas. So useful.
Dd says when she is grown up she is going to put the answers to all homework on mumsnet!

[janeite]

Glad to hear she's feeling a bit happier - and I hope you're not still busy marking now! I've marked some year eight work: levels from W to L4 - sounds like I'll need to plan for a lot of differentiation!

I know - maybe I could ask them to make a collage........

[robinpud]

Yes- still planning for a year 3 literacy group ranging from p5 to 2c. Remind me to get to literacy next year! I hate the evenings when you are tired and cold and really want to go to bed. But, trying to get the match of work just right for the kids is tricky at the start of the year.

[crunchynutter]

aww bless! I will be doing similar work to this next week with my yr 7s but I haven't set them homework in their first week! Other than Reading. They have far too much to deal with. You have been given some fab ideas though. I bet she will be star pupil. Xx

[robinpud]

Pah.. in the cold light of day it appears that only collage to illustrate personality is necessary. Dd seems to have got carried away with the whole metaphor thing.

So grateful for all your help though!