A cornerstone of my philosophy of education comes from the Latin root of the word, educere, which means to draw out or bring forth. This means that education is not about filling students with information; but rather it is about extending to them an invitation to become curious, to explore, to search and discover, to experiment and take risks. What makes art education so exciting for me is that it is the perfect arena to facilitate these kinds of educational explorations.
Young children have an openness and freedom of mind and imagination that makes them natural artists. As an arts educator my goal is to help children express their unique talents and creativity while expanding their abilities. In the classroom this means that I must find that balance between leading and following, that my lessons must balance structure and freedom and I create an environment that is both stimulating and nurturing. This is what I strive for. If I can do this, then the students will enjoy learning and gain confidence in themselves and their expression.
A typical art project will take (2-3) one hour sessions to complete. I begin the lesson with motivational materials such as pictures, artifacts, books, puppets, and an inquiry based discussion. I encourage students to look closely at the materials in terms of the elements or principles of art we are learning, such as line, shape, color, texture, pattern, repetition, unity etc. Often we will play a game that is designed to heighten one or more of their senses because art making means being receptive to information received through the senses. I demonstrate different ways of working with materials; how to cut, fold paste, roll ink onto a brayer, mix colors, layer media etc. Students also learn how to properly care for art materials.
In my classes students learn as much from each other as they do from me. I encourage them to check out each others work. This way they see that while we may all be painting an underwater scene emphasizing patterns and overlapping shapes, there is an infinite variety of ways to do this. This is why each person’s art work is unique!
Experts tell us that in order for students to excel in the 21st century they will need a well rounded education that cultivates the whole of their being. They will need to be problem solvers, collaborators, and creators. They will need skills that include critical thinking, effective communication, self-direction, leadership, adaptability and resourcefulness. They will need empathy, compassion and an appreciation of our country’s ethnic diversity. And guess what...? The arts are uniquely suited to foster development in these areas!
And lastly….I’m just so glad that something as fun as teaching art to children, will make a positive difference in the world too
