One Miserable Day

Life is full of ups and downs, and learning how to deal with these changes is an ongoing process. Through this project we investigated both the macabre and dark as well as the resiliency needed to succeed and even laugh through the tougher times in life. We investigated questions such as “How do people deal with hardship?” and “What are healthy ways of identifying and dealing with negative emotions?” by retelling stories, writing and illustrating our own stories, filming severe weather broadcasts, interpreting immigrant experiences through a variety of art forms, and curating a gallery of all things miserable.
In this project, we did a novel study of the first book from Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and we used this book as a lens to discover strategies for effective character design and storytelling. We also looked at other media portrayals of the unfortunate, and used these as discussion starters as to the ways that different people overcome or even relish in miserable situations. Through these discussions, art projects, and ongoing commitment to mindful practices, students identified strategies for themselves that will assist them in maintaining positive outlooks and strengthened resiliency year-round.

Below is the "raincloud" that we created for our presentation. Lights embedded simulated lightning and rain, while a hidden speaker added the ambient sounds of a thunderstorm. It was a big hit!