Silent Days, Silent Dreams pieces together the tragic but inspired life of the deaf, mute, and autistic artist James Castle. This module engages all the senses, invites students to be resourceful artists, and explores the possibility of thinking in pictures and how the use of figurative language helps create tone. Lessons incorporating braille and sign language will challenge students to see and listen in new ways and find hope in the stories of triumph over adversity.
Before you begin...
Each Artful Reading Module is flexibly designed for a 2-3 week duration.
Lessons are marked for Before-, During-, or After-Reading to guide your
planning. We have added a sample of an After Reading lesson entitled Art with What We Have for you to preview.Each lesson is designed in an easy to read format, with standards, materials needed, and step-by-step directions to ensure you are fully prepared when it’s time to deliver.
This module contains the following lessons:
- Jump In
- Sensory Stations: Mystery Sound Tubes, Hidden Figure Drawing, Feelings, The Nose Knows, Taste Taboo
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Art with What We Have
- Sign Language
- The Black Book of Colors
- Thinking in Pictures
At the end of the module, you will find options for summative writing tasks
and optional extensions that can stretch the module further.
Standards Matrix
For your reference, we have added images of the literacy standards matrix for this module.
Key Vocabulary
Mimic, Simile, Metaphor, Braille, Tone, Autism, Cause and Effect
Note: This module is part of 5th Grade: Series 2. The four modules in Series 2 collectively address all National ELA and Core Arts Standards.