Aunt Sally’s House, 1932, black-and-white lithograph, 11 ⅜” x 15 ½” plate
2. Project this image to students. Give the class an appropriate time to quietly observe.. Then ask them to write down everything they noticed about this picture. Give them 2 minutes to write. If you think it would help your students, you could project the following questions.
-What do you notice about this house?
-Where do you think this house would be located?
-What time period do you think this lithograph was made in?
2. You could either have students come together in small groups to discuss what they have written or have a large group discussion. Lead the students to the fact that in 1932 on the Eastern Shore of MD (and most places), there was a huge difference between how Black and White people lived. Discuss why the house might look like this - why there might not be enough money to fix it. Ask the students how they might feel if they were Aunt Sally. If given equal opportunities and access to higher education, could circumstances be different? How?
3. Music: Ask the students what songs come to mind about HOME. How do people feel about their homes, even if it is not perfect? What kind of a song or poem could you write about this woman’s house and family activity? Have them write a poem or song (put to music depending on the class and age) and share with the class.
4. Art: The artist is trying to evoke a feeling here - what do you think it is? What are your thoughts when you look at this house? What is happening in the back since we only see the front? In 1932 the Great Depression had just begun and people had to become more self-sufficient. What might they have in the back of the property to sustain them? Have students brainstorm together and then create a piece of art depicting the view of the house from the back. Or you could break into smaller groups and have them create dioramas. Keep in mind the style of the front as you recreate the back. Also, what is that building off to the right? Could you incorporate that into your art? Have the students share their art with the class.
MD State Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1/CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1/CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1/CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1/CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1/CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1
Music: Cn11:E:3-5:1/Cn11:E:6-8:1/Cn10:I:3-5:3/Cn10:I:6-8:3
Art: Cr2:E:3:3-5:2/Cr2:E:6-8:2