While making shadows in the atelier, a group of children theorized that the shadows would be stronger if the the room was darker. We tested this theory by using black fabric to cover some open spaces. The group was challenged: How could they darken the space even more while still having the overhead projector on?
Ozzy began to cover the projector using transparent jewels: Here are the blue moons.
We also added a layer of thin blue fabric to add a filter to the bright white light.
Diego: Yes, we want it even darker. It needs to be scary.
Cindy: This area is a place for everyone. Maybe we should check in with other children before we make it too scary. The children agreed and made a plan to share their idea at reflection meeting.
At the meeting, the rest of the children became very excited.
Arrow: We can use the flashlights so if you get scared you can turn it on.
Jake: When it’s Halloween, we make it very dark. If it’s dark it should be very scary. Like Zombies. We can add scary things. We will need scary sounds.
The children made a list of scary things: Witches, spiders, ghosts, monsters, etc.
Cindy: So are you suggesting we add sounds to the dark space?
Coco: Yes. It’s not going to be happy, it’s going to be spooky like this, “grrrr”.
Lily whispers: I’m going to kill you in 5,4,3,2,1.
Arrow: Watch out! Here comes the giant and I will steal your blood.
To follow through, we met with an interested small group: Ozzie, Jude, Lily, Gia, Kirby, Jake and Ephy gathered to test out their sound effects by using the computer and a microphone.
We shared our previous experience of recording the Helicopter Story and followed the guidelines made by the children about working with technology to create story. The group worked cooperatively, staying very quiet while sound effects were being recorded. When we were finished, we were ready to play back our collective work. To make it more thrilling, the children gathered under a sheet and covered their eyes. They became very quiet and a few heads popped out as some of the spookier sounds played. The children were very excited and couldn’t wait to share with the larger group. Here is Jake recording a sound:
In the end, a few more sounds were added at reflection meeting to make the spooky sounds complete. Processing fears is a primal part of life that everyone can relate to at every age. Adding the ability to reflect in a scary situation offers the children the experience of removing themselves from the paralyzing effects of fear into the analytical aspect of critical thinking which assists us all in functioning wisely in fearful situations. So when you choose to record the very scary threat of a countdown to being killed (as Lily slowly whispered to the group) and you are focusing on holding your own voice quiet while she speaks in the agreed upon way, and you’re pressing record and stop in the right moment and reflecting on the affect – you step away from the emotional override of the topic and can respond rather than react, kind of like Arrow’s response of turning on a flashlight when you get scared. – Cindy and Kris