Memory Illustration

   For a high school lesson, I don't believe the Memory Illustration was entirely appropriate. It was very "sketchy" and high school students want the opportunity to create a masterpiece!
     This lesson is however appropriate for other situations, like Art Therapy for example. Many people do not listen; not because they choose to not listen, but because they simply cannot! Sometimes it takes extra effort and specific strategies just to listen to somebody speaking to you. Many families or couples are in need of therapy for this reason exactly.
   I learned more about Justin H. yesterday during that activity than I'd ever learned about him in the entire year and a half that I've known him. I had to really listen to him just to get the most simple sketch down. I had to learn where he liked to go, who he liked to go to these places with, what he liked to do, what is important enough for him to remember visually. I didn't draw the most beautiful picture, but I did get an opportunity like no other time on campus to really listen to Justin. I feel closer to him now too!! Friends and family members slowly begin to brew negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and each other when they know they are not truly being listened to. Ever been asked "how was your day?" and while you're answering the question you realize that you're basically just talking to your self....
   Anyway, this lesson stressed the importance of listening in a fun way. I would not use it in a regular high school setting, but I would use it in group therapy. I thought the lesson was not about art, but about love, and respect; allowing yourself to experience what your friends or family has experienced.