Reconstructing the Lennon Wall . . . Again

Over the last few months, I’ve written several times about the Lennon Wall I’ve created in my classroom. From the initial debacle of having to take it down to sharing student art, the response from readers has been overwhelming. Knowing that the message of the Lennon Wall has reached beyond the confines of my classroom is an incredible experience and I hope the message continues to spread.

In the months since I posted Reconstructing the Lennon Wall, the Listening to the Wall series and Clearly, I Will Not Be Silenced, the Lennon Wall has been pieced back together one section at a time. I made the decision not to re-create the same pattern that existed prior to the walls being painted.  Instead of returning to a moment of sadness, I decided to move forward with a fresh start. I used all the same pieces my students created in May 2012, but I let the random nature of fate decide their new positions on the wall.  The result is a beautiful new Lennon Wall that is full of vibrant optimism.

Center Section of Lennon Wall as of August 2012

On the first day of school, my students from the previous school year stopped by in droves to check out the newly constructed wall and to find their pieces. Meanwhile, the power of the Lennon Wall continues to grow as my new students are already buzzing about creating their own pieces for the wall. I am so excited to see them embrace the beauty of individual expression and I can’t wait to hear their voices.

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c.b.w. 2012

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Listening to the Wall: Part 6

Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall  in my classroom.

For further information, please visit these links:

Reconstructing the Lennon Wall

Listening to the Wall: Part 1

Listening to the Wall: Part 2

Listening to the Wall: Part 3

Listening to the Wall: Part 4

Listening to the Wall: Part 5

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After a little hiatus, here are few more pieces of student-created artwork. They are full of beautiful and bold colors! I hope they brighten everyone’s day.

I love how this student played with the peace sign.  It’s both whimsical and deeply hopeful that we will all one day board that bus.

The eyes in this piece are so intense.  I often wonder where her inspiration came from to create such an insightful work of art.

I put this piece on the wall almost every year.  I love the energy that pops off the page and how she includes her love of music.

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c.b.w. 2012

Listening to the Wall: Part 5

Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall  in my classroom.

For further information, please visit these links:

Reconstructing the Lennon Wall

Listening to the Wall: Part 1

Listening to the Wall: Part 2

Listening to the Wall: Part 3

Listening to the Wall: Part 4

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I know teachers aren’t supposed to play favorites, but the student who created this piece wiggled her way into my heart.  She was often misunderstood, but I loved her energy and sense of humor.  She’s heading out into the real world this year I hope that feisty nature of hers will serve her well.

This is one of the more interesting portrayals of John Lennon the wall has ever seen.  I love the imagination that went into this piece and how cool is that paisley!

Sometimes the most simple images are the most powerful.  This student choose bold colors and created something that speaks volumes.

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c.b.w. 2012

Listening to the Wall: Part 3

Listening to the Wall is a series dedicated to showcasing pieces of student art that helped create an incarnate of the Lennon Wall  in my classroom.

For further information, please visit these links:

Reconstructing the Lennon Wall

Listening to the Wall: Part 1

Listening to the Wall: Part 2

The mad rush of quotes on this piece has always made it stand out.  This student graduated this year and I have not doubt she is going take the real world by storm.  Watch out, she’s full of energy and she’s not afraid to show it!

My favorite part about this piece is the statement this young lady makes at the bottom: And never have doubt in me, I’m capable of more than you think. She had unbelievable determination and I often wonder how far its taken her.

The “coexist” portion of this piece gave me proof that my students actually do pay attention when I’m teaching.  I showed a picture of the real Lennon Wall from a few years back (to give them a sense of how it changes) that had the “coexist” image.  This student mimicked it and added a slew of thoughts.

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The writing is small on these pieces, but you can click on the images to view them at full size.

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c.b.w. 2012