Teaching internationally – particularly art – is a winning combination. I am surrounded by a world so vastly different from the rural Wisconsin dairy farm where I was raised – cultural, natural, historical, demographical, and so much more.From attending the masked ceremonies of the Dogon in Mali (West Africa) to seeing the women of Chennai deftly transform rice flour into beautiful temporary kolams on the area in front of their homes, how could these experiences not affect me as an artist, educator, and person? Many of my students have seen more of the world than the average adult. What a great opportunity I have to incorporate some of this into the art classroom?
Teaching art at the elementary level can be very rewarding, but it is also quite “involved” - particularly when working with kids at the early childhood level. I seek to instill a love of creating, exploring, and appreciating art – that of their own and from all around the world. Most kids at the early elementary level draw quite freely, but even at the elementary level (particularly upper elem), there are kids that suffer from the “blank paper” or “I can’t draw” syndromes. Fear of failure, high competition/expectations, and perfectionism can be can be particularly strong for my predominantly Asian population of students.
Staying Creative Infographic – sharing in Class
The Infographic below offers some ways to get one’s creative juices flowing – helpful both for me as the teacher but also for some of my students. I would modify a few items to make it more kid friendly (namely #8 & #27), but I believe this could be shared and used at the beginning of the year with my 5th grade (and perhaps 4th grade) students. In addition to writing a goal they have for themselves in art, students could select 2 or three of the items on this infographic that they intend to do to hep promote personal creativity. A modified poster of this infographic would be displayed for inspiration and reminders. Just prior to parent teacher conferences, students could reflect on their progress/actions and send me a quick update via email (all 4th and 5th graders have laptops). As the year progresses, they could add new strategies and share with me ways I can help them achieve their goal.
The infographic also helps reinforce messages already shared with the students throughout the years in art through book such as “Beautiful Oops,” “Ish,” and Tricia Fuglestad’s Art Room Anthem.
Reminders for the Teacher
When I see students in a “rut,” consulting the infographic poster for suggested creativity boosters might be helpful. Likewise, I can try a suggested approach when I find myself feeling a bit uncreative or unstimulated. Following the advice of #27, it will be a great excuse to do more traveling – a great way of getting away and seeing things with fresh eyes. Perhaps I’ll have to add a #30 – go shopping!
