Nonggi Beats: Banners of Harmony

8th Grade Project 1 week

Nonggi Beats: Banners of Harmony

Liza Evans

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Purpose

Students will collaboratively engage in creating nonggi banners, utilizing traditional Korean art forms to explore and express contemporary social justice issues. This seven-day hands-on project will include sewing and displaying the banners on bamboo stands, allowing students to delve into the symbolic use of color and drumming, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural beliefs and community values. Through this artistic process, students will enhance their storytelling skills and strengthen community ties, while reflecting on the role of art in promoting societal harmony and wellness.

Learning goals

Students will collaboratively create nonggi banners that address contemporary social justice issues, utilizing traditional Korean art forms to deepen their understanding of cultural symbolism and community values. They will explore the significance of color and symbols in nonggi, reflecting on how these elements convey messages of wellness and harmony. Through the integration of drumming, students will investigate its role in communication and storytelling, enhancing their appreciation for cultural practices. This project will foster teamwork and community engagement, encouraging students to express their narratives and perspectives creatively. Additionally, students will learn basic sewing techniques and work with bamboo to create stands for their banners, preparing them for display during the Moon Festival.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

Products

Students will collaboratively create nonggi banners that incorporate symbols and colors reflecting contemporary social justice themes. Each group will design and sew a banner onto cloth, attaching it to bamboo stands to honor traditional methods. Additionally, students will engage in a drumming performance that complements their banner's narrative, exploring the role of rhythm in communication and cultural expression. The project will culminate in a class exhibition where students present their banners and performances, fostering dialogue and connection within the school community.

Launch

Kick off the project with an immersive experience by inviting students to a hands-on workshop that explores the history and cultural significance of nonggi through storytelling and visual presentations. Incorporate a collaborative drumming session, allowing students to engage with the auditory elements of the art form and feel its communicative power. Introduce sewing techniques and provide materials for creating the banners, while also guiding students in constructing bamboo stands for their displays. Conclude the launch by having students brainstorm and select contemporary social justice issues they are passionate about, which will guide their group projects over the next seven days.

Exhibition

Students will extend their project to a 7-day activity, incorporating sewing techniques to create nonggi banners on bamboo stands. The exhibition will feature these banners displayed in the school hallway during the Moon Festival, accompanied by a live drumming performance. Each group will present their banner, sharing the social justice themes and symbolic colors used, while engaging visitors in discussions about cultural significance and community values. This interactive exhibition will invite parents, teachers, and community members to participate in storytelling activities, fostering a deeper connection to the traditions and contemporary relevance of nonggi.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Introduction to Nonggi - Immerse students in the history and cultural significance of nonggi through storytelling and visual presentations. Engage students in a discussion about the essential questions to set the stage for the project. (20 min) Collaborative Drumming Session - Introduce students to the auditory elements of nonggi by engaging them in a collaborative drumming session, demonstrating the communicative power of rhythm. (25 min)	Brainstorming Social Justice Themes - Facilitate a session where students brainstorm contemporary social justice issues they are passionate about, guiding them to select themes for their group projects. (15 min) Designing Banner Concepts - Students work in groups to sketch initial designs for their nonggi banners, focusing on incorporating symbols and colors that reflect their chosen social justice themes. (30 min)	Exploring Symbolism and Color - Conduct a workshop on the symbolic use of color and symbols in nonggi, encouraging students to integrate cultural beliefs and community values into their banner designs. (20 min) Sewing Techniques Introduction - Teach basic sewing techniques necessary for creating nonggi banners, allowing students to practice stitching on sample cloth pieces. (25 min)	Banner Creation Session - Students begin sewing their nonggi banners, applying the techniques learned and integrating their symbolic designs onto the cloth. (45 min)	Drumming Performance Planning - Guide students in planning a drumming performance that complements their banner narratives, exploring rhythm as a storytelling tool. (20 min) Banner Completion and Assembly - Students finalize sewing and assemble completed banners on bamboo sticks, preparing them for exhibition. (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed nonggi banner designed and sewn by each group, incorporating chosen symbols and colors. 2. Group presentation of the banner's story, social justice theme, and cultural significance of colors and symbols. 3. Peer feedback exchange focused on storytelling effectiveness and symbolism.
Preparation	1. Gather materials: cloth, sewing kits, bamboo sticks, paints, and brushes. 2. Organize resources for storytelling and visual presentations on nonggi history and significance. 3. Coordinate a drumming session, possibly inviting a local drummer or using recorded drum tracks. 4. Set up a dedicated creative workspace with sewing stations and art supplies. 5. Prepare a feedback and reflection framework for peer assessments and group discussions.