Searching for Home: the Many Lives of Lucy Maud Montgomery

An Exhibit at the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre — October, 2008 to January, 2009

Educational Modules — Intermediate Grades

Activity 4: Photography & Design

Lucy Maud Montgomery is a renowned Canadian author, but many are unaware that she was also a talented amateur photographer. Lucy Maud's photographs consist of a variety of subject matter ranging from landscapes, to family portraits, to animals. These photographs visually recognize the importance of composition and other elements of design including subject matter, light, and perspective. This activity will introduce students to the importance of composition, and challenge them to design and execute a drawing, painting, photograph, or tableau on the subject matter of their choice.

Teacher’s guide (PDF – 614kb)

Student instructions (PDF – 579kb)

Activity 5: Women's Identity

At the turn of the century women struggled to acquire political rights, obtain a university degree, and were constantly challenged by the male-dominated workforce. The onset of World War I and the women’s suffrage movement challenged Canada to reflect on women’s role in the home, workforce, and political sphere. Lucy Maud Montgomery's successful career as an author and her role as main provider for her family, are just two reasons that establish her status as a woman who challenged the norms of the late-Victorian era. Students will create and conduct original interviews, focused on Lucy Maud Montgomery's thoughts on a variety of topics such as World War I, or her views on women’s suffrage.

Teacher’s guide (PDF – 461kb)

Student instructions (PDF – 507kb)

Supplemental Resources

Brief biography of Lucy Maud Montgomery's life (PDF – 421kb)

Glossary of terms (PDF – 453kb)