Themes, Cross-Curricular Connections and Daily Drawing

Benefits of having integrated art forms taught in the classroom are that children are able to learn and experience concepts such as math and science, which as often viewed as dull by children, through more exciting forms such as art. Limitations of the integrated arts however, is that art is often viewed as not as important as core subjects and learning through art may be looked down on from the parents if the objectives of the art projects are not fully understood. For me, it is more difficult to come up with art projects that incorporate different kinds of learning than a simple art project. I find that integrating art and other subjects can have limitations in creativity. These issues may present themselves in the classroom, but through more experience teaching and being used to being in a classroom environment, I am confident that inspiration for integrated art ideas will be plentiful. It is just significant that I explain to doubtful parents how art can be extremely useful in the process of learning other subjects. I am addressing these issues now by learning about the benefits of art and integrated art. I came up with a project that teaches geometry though art using tessellations which I am teaching to my group tomorrow and I am hoping it will be successful, but as mentioned before, I am not as confident that my art project will be as fun as the previous projects taught in art and painting, sculpture and media arts.

Lights, Camera - Conversations?

At this time and age, technology is a growing part of our culture and societies around the world. It is important that students are aware of situations outside the classroom and media is a big part of that. Creativity and art through media allows students to experiment with less traditional forms of art which can be used throughout their schooling and throughout their community. It many different forms of media are introduced to children, there is an opportunity for children to find what they like and what they are good at within this particular art form.As mentioned in a previous blog, interaction with surroundings are important and media is a great way of experiencing this kind of interaction with the environment. Forms of media range from camcorders to photography.

Don't Run With Scissors

Obviously safety is an important issue with any kind of activity provided for children. In the chapter, "Don't Run With Scissors", Nadine Kalin demonstrates how teachers can provide a safe environment for children, physically, emotionally and socially. During the workshop I will be having with a child, I will be able to establish a sense of security with the child because I will be in her own home and one of her parents will be present at the time in order for the child to feel more comfortable. The child will be able to take her time because the project will be done on a weekend when I have nothing else to do and neither does she. This way the child will not feel rushed or pressured to have the project done in a certain amount on time. Through the stages of creating the project, I will be present to work with the child a provide positive feedback and also help with the areas the child is having trouble with. Communication is important so the child feels comfortable with me and a connection between the two of us is built. Since the project with the child is not a craft, her own ideas will be more than welcomed and I will do my best to encourage her creativity by making suggestions and reacting enthusiastically if she comes up with ideas on her own. It is important that even though she is a child, I will be respectful of her art project, her ideas and her home and will not pressure her into anything that she is feeling uncomfortable with, but simply encourage her toward new ideas and ways of creating.

Criteria of Experience

As an art educator, it is important to respond to the individual needs of the children who are being taught. Children develop mentally and physically at different times and it is significant that the educator recognize these differences in development in order for the child to have a firm grasp on the lessons taught at their own level. Dewey describes the process of internal conditions of learning which involve experience, growth of learning and interaction with the environment. It is the educator's job to provide positive experiences for the children in an environment that is safe and inspirational for the students being taught.Attitudes that are positive toward learning should be worked for and good habits developed in the children should be strived for. It is also up to an educator to judge what kind of teaching is detrimental and what kind is successful with each individual child in order for the teacher to have some understanding of what the individual is going through mentally, physically and what needs need to be met for that individual. Educators should be able to utilize the social and physical surroundings to create experiences that are worth while for the children.

Approaches to Elementary Art Assessment

We assess learning in art because it is a way, like in any other subjects, of letting children know our expectations of the projects that have been assigned. If children are able to self-asses in art, it can translate to other subject areas. For example, art is an excellent way to develop creativity and allow a child to realize their personal potential. Because, there is not a "right" answer in art, it allows the child to push the limits of expectations and experiment. These experiences can be translated over to other subject areas such as English, science and social studies. Because art influences a child's imagination, their imagination can be used to create stories, test different hypothesis or make creative projects to display what they have learn in other subject areas. Skills developed in art class can also be transferred to life experiences. At home and at play, children will be able to realize their potential in different activities outside of school. They may be able to make up a new game to play with their friends or receive the courage to join a sports team or club they may not have been confident in their contributions before. Art and art assessment is important for a child to develop different creative skills and let their imaginations run free.