Childhood Memories: Connecting Richard Brodeur’s Hockey Art to Language Arts (Grades 4–6)
Sometimes, it’s easy to think of school subjects as separate from each other (e.g., Math, Language Arts, Physical Education). But, as school teachers recognize, the most effective learning opportunities occur when subjects connect. For example, combining Art and Language Arts gives students a chance to look closely, think creatively, and express themselves in different ways. Writing stories or poems inspired by a piece of art helps school children develop their descriptive language, practice sequencing, and explore feelings—all while supporting diverse learning styles. This kind of cross-curricular activity makes learning feel real, meaningful, and fun.
Richard Brodeur’s painting series, Childhood Memories, is an ideal example for the Grade 4-6 classroom. Brodeur, who played as a goaltender in the NHL before becoming a professional artist, is known for capturing nostalgic Canadian scenes. In his Childhood Memories collection, children are playing hockey outside—scenes full of energy, movement, and joy. Many students will recognize it instantly: skating on a frozen pond, friends laughing, hockey sticks clashing, the thrill of a game of hockey—outside—in winter.
For Grade 4–6 students, themes like friendship, teamwork, and shared experiences are easy to relate to.
Why Brodeur’s ‘Childhood Memories’ Art Works in Your Classroom
Childhood Memories is full of small details that tell a story. Each child seems to have a role, emotion, or plan, inviting students to ask questions like, “What’s happening here?” or “What happened just before this?” The scenes are familiar and approachable, so students can focus on interpreting the story and expressing ideas without feeling intimidated or uninspired.
Grade 4-6 Lesson Idea
Paint & Write—Stories from the Ice
Goal: Help students turn careful observation into both visual art and creative writing.
Materials:
A copy of a Childhood Memories painting
Art supplies (e.g., paper, coloured pencils, markers, paint)
Writing journals
Lesson Steps:
Observe and Discuss: Display a Childhood Memories painting and invite students to observe and discuss (in partners or small groups) details like facial expressions, gestures, environment, and colours. Ask, “What do you think happened before this?” or “What might happen next?”
Art Response: Have the students select one detail from the painting and create a drawing inspired by it, focusing on action, mood, or movement.
Writing Connection: Have the students write a story, poem, or diary entry from the perspective of one child in the scene, using sensory details to bring the moment to life.
Sharing and Reflection: Have the students share their work (with the whole class) and discuss how one image can spark many different stories and interpretations.
Childhood Memories School-Wide Art Walk: Display the students’ art work (i.e., drawing from Part 2) throughout the school hallway (or classroom) and ask the younger grades (e.g., Kindergarten-Grade 3) to walk around in pairs and observe the art work (Note: Each artist could be asked to stand beside their art work and discuss it as the younger students walk by).
Richard Brodeur’s ‘Childhood Memories’: Why It Matters
Hockey teaches lessons that go beyond the frozen sheet of ice—teamwork, perseverance, creativity, and respect. Brodeur’s Childhood Memories allows students to explore these lessons while connecting cultural experiences to literacy and creative thinking. This cross-curricular learning becomes personal, engaging, and rooted in moments students recognize—like skating with friends on a winter afternoon.
When Art and Language Arts (e.g., writing, speaking) come together, it’s more than cross-curricular learning—it’s an learning experience students will remember and enjoy.