Currents4Kids -
Where Art and Sports Collide
Currents4Kids is an online, current events newsletter for Grades 3-5. See below for the most recent issue "Where Art and Sports Collide: Gear designed by Ojibway artist Patrick Hunter."
Read or print off the following article and quizzes to try at home.
Olympicgear-article.pdf
OlympicGear-quizzes.pdf
RESPONSE QUESTIONS
1. Respond to the story “Where Art and Sports Collide”. What did you learn that was interesting? Surprising? Important? What connections did you make and what questions do you have? Explain.
2. As you see it, what is the importance of this story? Explain.
3. Mr. Hunter said, “I was… stoked that I don’t have to keep this big secret anymore!” Describe a time when you planned a surprise or a special event for someone you care about and had to keep it a secret. Why did you plan this surprise? How did the person you planned this surprise for react? What impact did the surprise have on you? Explain.
4. If you could choose to be really skilled at one activity, what would it be? Why? Explain.
Find Out More
1. Listen to Patrick Hunter talk about the inspiration behind his designs for Team Canada curling at the Olympics:
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9ONN1gmuPVI?playlist=9ONN1gmuPVI&autoplay=1&iv_load_policy=3&loop=1&modestbranding=1&start= [6:33]. Ask students to write their own questions that they would ask Mr. Hunter. Share as a class. Challenge students to predict what his answers may be.
2. Students may be interested in learning more about Patrick Hunter and his art. Use the resources in the Find out More section to research and then write a brief biography that highlights Mr. Hunter’s achievements, credential, and notable projects/contributions. Discuss the criteria for an effective biography (e.g., short, concise, lists only relevant information, revealing).
3. Marc-Andre Fleury’s helmet is full of symbolism. Project an image of his helmet design (https://tworowtimes.com/sports/ojibwe-artist-designs-chicago-blackhawks-helmet-for-new-goalie/) and use the text to identify important aspects. Choose another example of a custom helmet (Tristan Jarry honours frontline workers: https://www.nhl.com/penguins/news/jarry-honors-frontline-heroes-with-new-mask-design/c-31960443) Discuss with students what considerations are important when choosing a design.
4. Visual arts connection: Print off this blackline master:
http://www.getcoloringpages.com/coloring/62576 or draw your own copy of a blank goalie mask and challenge students to design and colour their own thoughtful images, reflecting on the elements and principles of design they have used to create their masterpiece.
5. Students may wish to learn more about another Indigenous artist named Kyle Charles. He draws comics for Marvel. His story can be found in the Currents4Kids archives: “A Marvel-ous Opportunity” 2020-11-27.
6. Click here to explore the Seven Sacred Laws animated web series and learn more about the grandfather teachings:
http://www.turtlelodge.org/the-seven-sacred-laws/ . This link also leads to classroom supports for deepening your understanding of this topic: https://empoweringthespirit.ca/cultures-of-belonging/seven-grandfathers-teachings/