National Taitung University Affiliated Elementary School – Born "like" the Sun – Illuminating a Better Self

This course centers on Japanese artist Taro Okamoto's "Tower of the Sun," using a combination of VR technology, artistic creation, and SEL (Social Emotional Learning) to guide children in exploring themselves, expressing their emotions, and reflecting on their growth process.

Every child at National Taitung University Affiliated Elementary School is a unique little sun. The curriculum uses art and technology as tools to allow each child to radiate their unique light. The first step involves students wearing VR headsets to immerse themselves in the magnificence of the "Tower of the Sun," observing the three unique sun images on the artwork and interpreting what they represent: the future, the present, and the past. Through art appreciation, students not only understand the artwork's meaning but also build concrete connections for subsequent self-reflection.

Next, the course will shift from interpreting artworks to personal introspection, encouraging students to reflect on their growth on campus, from their past confusion to their present state, and then to their dreams for the future. This process is not only an inspiration for artistic creation but also an important social-emotional learning (SEL) exercise. Students will cultivate self-awareness, analyze their emotions and values, and practice responsible decision-making, drawing up a blueprint for their future.

Finally, students concretized these ideas by drawing three sun images representing the past, present, and future, visualizing abstract emotions. They then further learned to use virtual reality editing software to transform these two-dimensional works into three-dimensional models. Ultimately, they will showcase their unique "little sun" artwork in a VR virtual space. This not only allows students to experience the infinite possibilities of combining technology and art but also enables them to proudly share their growth stories and feel a sense of accomplishment in creation and expression.