May 15 & 20 & 23 2025 30-31 Sightlines. - Messages are Everywhere & Intro to Banksy

Silent Read 20 min

Read and review pages 30-31 Sightlines. 10 min

Messages are Everywhere.

Banksy Lesson 

Lesson Overview:

  • Warm-Up Discussion 

    • Question: "Where do we see messages in our daily lives? Are they always obvious?" 5 min

  • Introduction to Banksy (5 minutes):

    • Brief overview of Banksy as a street artist known for conveying powerful messages through public art.


  • 7:10 

    Who is Banksy – British Street Art - Learn English with Story


    • Ask: "Why do you think Banksy chooses public spaces to communicate his messages?"

  • Viewing Banksy Artworks (5 minutes):

    • Show images of famous Banksy pieces (e.g., "Girl with a Balloon," & "The Flower Thrower," )
    • Discuss: "How does the location of the artwork (public spaces) change how we interpret the message?"

  • Class Discussion (5 minutes):

      • "What messages do you think Banksy is conveying in the art?"
      • "How does the placement in a public space affect how we receive the message?"

  • Analyzing Artwork (5 minutes):

    • Students complete a worksheet with an image of a Banksy artwork (e.g., "Girl with a Balloon,") and answer:
      • "What do you notice first in the image?"
      • "How does the location (public space) influence the message?"
      • "What emotions or thoughts does the artwork provoke?"
    • Pair or group discussion of responses.
Video - Art Review Video - Girl With Balloon 

  • Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes):

    • Summarize: "Banksy’s art shows that messages can appear in unexpected places and changes how we interpret the message."
    • Final Question: "How can art challenge our understanding of the world? What other messages are around you that you might not have noticed before?"

Note: Page 30 Sightlines 

ERACISM = acronym - an abbreviation formed from the initial letters of other words and pronounced as a word (e.g. ASCII, NASA ).

Eracism Shirt Definition Equal Rights Stand Together As One

Silent Read - May 20 - 20 min

Reminder: May 21 - Afternoon – Grade 9 English

  • Pick-up: 12:40 PM from RSS
  • Destination: 5 Mile Boat Launch (arrival around 1:00 PM)
  • Return Pick-up: 2:10 PM from Boat Launch, returning to RSS

Est - May 20th - worksheet to go with film.

Video Questions for "Who Is Banksy? | Banksy Most Wanted" Documentary 1 hour 22 min. to complete - May 20th estimated. 

Got to 1.01 on May 15th > to complete - May 20th. 

Before Watching:

  1. Prediction Question:
    • What do you know about Banksy already? What do you think you will learn about him in this documentary?

During Watching: Make Notes On Your Handout!

  1. Question on Banksy’s Identity:

    • Why does the documentary mention that Banksy’s identity is a mystery? What are some reasons that Banksy might choose to remain anonymous?

  2. Banksy’s Early Influences:

    • According to the documentary, what early influences shaped Banksy’s style and art? How did his background in graffiti impact his approach to street art?

  3. Art and Social Messages:

    • What types of social or political issues does Banksy address in his artwork? Can you identify any specific examples from the documentary?

  4. Impact of Location:

    • How does the location of Banksy’s street art (on public buildings, walls, etc.) affect its message? Why is public space important to Banksy’s work?

  5. Reaction to Banksy’s Art:

    • How do people react to Banksy’s art? Are there any significant reactions mentioned in the documentary, either positive or negative?

  6. The Role of Mystery:

    • How does Banksy’s anonymity add to the allure of his work? What effect does it have on how his art is perceived by the public?

  7. Banksy’s Influence:

    • What influence has Banksy had on the art world and popular culture? How has his style and message been adopted by others?

Class Discussion Thereafter. May 23 2025

1. Recap of Banksy and Hidden Messages 

  • Quick Review of Banksy:
    Begin with a short discussion to recap what students learned about Banksy in the previous lesson. Focus on:
    • Banksy’s use of street art as a form of protest or commentary on political and social issues.
    • Key themes in his work, such as anti-authoritarianism, inequality, and consumerism.
    • The subversive nature of his art—it’s meant to challenge or provoke viewers.

2. Decoding Hidden Messages in Street Art (20 minutes)

  • Introduction to Hidden Messages in Street Art:
    Explain that street art often uses visual metaphors, symbols, and hidden messages to communicate ideas in a way that’s more direct than traditional art. These messages might not be obvious at first glance.

  • Analyzing Street Art for Hidden Messages:
    Use examples of Banksy’s works to demonstrate how hidden messages are embedded in his art. Look for:

    • Symbols (e.g., rats, children, police officers)

    • Metaphors (e.g., a child with a balloon represents lost innocence or hope)

    • Wordplay or subversive phrases (e.g., “There Is Always Hope” near a faded heart-shaped balloon)
      Ask the students to interpret these symbols and phrases.

    • Examples for Analysis

      1. "There Is No Such Thing As Good Publicity"
        Hidden Message: A direct critique of media manipulation, consumerism, and the way media distorts public perception.


  • Group Discussion:
    Discuss as a class: What do you think these symbols mean? How do these hidden messages connect to themes like rebellion, hope, or power? How does Banksy use art to comment on society?

3. Complete Paragraph Response 

Banksy Response Paragraph Assignment - Via handwritten handout.

4. Create Your Own Street Art (30) in pairs or groups of 3 - chalk.

  • Objective: Students will create their own street art piece that includes hidden messages or symbols.

  • Instructions:

    1. Have students think about a social issue or personal theme they care about (e.g., climate change, inequality, freedom of speech, or personal identity).
    2. Students will then design a piece of street art that conveys their message using symbols and visual metaphors. Encourage them to think about how they can make their message subtle or "hidden" to provoke curiosity.
    3. They can draw or design their artwork on paper or use a digital tool like Canva > Dream Lab etc using AI prompts.

  • Suggested Ideas for Hidden Messages:

    • A broken chain to symbolize freedom or breaking away from societal constraints.
    • A closed door with a tiny crack of light to represent hope or new opportunities.
    • A bird trapped in a cage as a metaphor for freedom vs. oppression.

  • Presentation:
    Once they finish their designs, ask students to present their artwork to the class, explaining the hidden messages and symbols they used, just like how Banksy’s work is often interpreted.

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