Interdisciplinary project on windows

At the Collège des Acacias in Le Havre, Ophélie Jomat, a French teacher, and Lise Minvielle-Moncla, an art teacher, led an interdisciplinary project with 4th and 3rd grade students. The students took photos from their windows, reworked them, described them, and used them to write first-person poetic texts.

Project aims and student engagement

The photography project on the theme of windows was introduced in the third quarter for students who often struggled or were absent. It allowed them to work in small groups and was tied to the French curriculum "Self-telling, telling the world" and the art curriculum's focus on the sensitive experience of space and digital creation. The project was inspired by the works of philosopher Gaston Bachelard, particularly Poetics of Space and Poetics of Reverie.

Photographic instructions and creative process

Students were asked to create a "photographic ode on the theme of the window" over two to three weeks. They were encouraged to find novelty in daily routines, experiment with framing, lighting, and post-processing techniques like filters, contrast, and blur. They were also asked to consider questions such as the window’s location, visibility, and the emotional atmosphere it could create.

Integration with French literature

Ophélie Jomat adapted the poetic writing task to match the students' grade levels. For 4th grade, the project connected with the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice and the study of love poems by Sappho and Louise Labé. For 3rd grade, it aligned with the theme of autobiography and self-representation, reinforcing the connection between the art and French curricula.

Student reflections and learning outcomes

Students described their photographs, noted their impressions, and searched for titles. They had opportunities to discuss their experiences and insights. Both teachers observed that the interdisciplinary approach helped them see students in new ways and encouraged students to make connections between different subjects.

Emotional and personal expression

The project required students to explore their personal thoughts and living conditions through their work. The French curriculum increasingly emphasizes personal, subjective writing that reflects students' emotions and experiences. However, some students were reluctant to share their work due to concerns about peer judgment or social media exposure, and some chose to publish under pseudonyms.

Emphasis on freedom and intersubjectivity

Both teachers stressed that the project should not be seen as an obligation but as a possibility. They emphasized the importance of intersubjectivity, active imagination, and personal freedom in learning. They referenced philosopher Edgar Morin’s idea that "We were born from encounters" and highlighted the value of maintaining freedom of conscience in education.

Access to student work

Students' projects are available on Canva through a provided link. More information about the project is accessible on the school website and in an article on Le Café pédagogique.