One of my classes finished reading Grenade by Alan Gratz, a story about an American soldier and a young Okinawan soldier. It is a great book that gives young readers a glimpse of the devasting effects of war.
Hideki, the Okinawan boy, was taught by a lieutenant to use his fingers to frame what he sees. The lieutenant asks him, "What story does this picture tell? That's what I'm always asking myself. Not just what's happening in the photograph I take, but happened before it was taken, and what will happen afterward. How you frame a photo says everything about the story you're trying to tell."
The American soldier begins to collect photos, many from other American soldiers who are dying on the battlefield. He collects them to reassure those who are dying that he will give them to the soldiers' family members.
The two soldiers eventually meet, and Hideki takes over the collection of photos from the American soldier. At the end of the book, Hideki still has the photos, from both Americans and Okinawans, and puts them on a wall to keep their stories alive.
As we were discussing the point of using fingers to frame what we see, one student says, "Mrs. Eck, this book made me realize that everyone has a story to tell that we don't always know, or we don't always get to read."
This made me think about this challenge. The wall that Hideki posted these pictures on are like our blogs. Yes, we all have stories to tell, but now I wonder how you framed your pictures. What happened before? What will happen afterward?
I may go through tomorrow holding up my fingers to frame what I see, and I might just find a slice!
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
This is a great connection! I love that your student recognized that we all have a story to tell. How many of us will be walking around making frames with our fingers tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteSuch a great connection! I'd love to share this as a "Be Inspired" post if that's okay with you! It might be a great prompt idea. Check your email for a request!
ReplyDeleteNewtreemom
ReplyDeleteAlan Gratz has such great books to read aloud. And the seemingly simple idea to use your fingers as a frame is a very good way to look for the next slice.
I love this connection and think I'll read the book, too. And framing a story-I am going to try that for my slice tomorrow. :)
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, I feel like you made a great connection between the book and slicing and definitely made me want to read it. Alan Gratz has such a way of connecting dots in his novels, linking the threads together before you get to the last page (but also, sometimes waiting til the last page). Putting this on my Libby list. (You also picked the perfect picture for this post!)
ReplyDeleteI love this idea, and the thought of seeing the world as a photographer might...well, that's the kind of perspective-bending I'm in for. I might just take a cue from the other commenters and 1) read this book, and 2) try a bit of finger-framing myself.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminds me of Niki smith's graphic novel The Golden Hour. It's another book that uses photography to explore deeper themes.
What an astute observation by your student! So many threads in this slice that affirm storytelling. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a gem...and makes me think of a Slice I have just waiting to be told. I am so glad TWT shared it! Lucky students.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I teach eighth graders and we often talk about how they curate their story on social media, in the lunch room, at home. I love the image of finger framing your stories. What are we leaving out? Where are we zooming in? I will hold on to this idea. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWOW, what a powerful observation, kiddo. Leigh Anne, thank you for sharing. Your student's connection almost reminds me a bit of that question, "What is not being said?" (from Kelly Gallagher maybe?)
ReplyDeleteI love this! It also reminds me of sermon or talk I heard once when the speaker asked, "What do you see?" then asked us to turn our head to the right and answer the same question. The point was that what you see depends on your perspective.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I love that your student made that connection on their own. Art + teaching coming together to have an impact on a young person's life. Truly love to see it.
I was just looking for my next middle grade read and now I have it. The visual of finger framing is now front and center in my thoughts. I can't wait to see the day unfold with finger framing.
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