ARED 335 : Bridging the Gap

As we learned in class last Wednesday, there are three categories of special needs children: ADD or ADHD, Mentally Retarded and Emotionally Impaired. For each of these students, we found that there are indeed ways to incorporate different techniques by considering the different requirements of each special needs child as they are learning side by side their mainstream peers. Our group brainstormed (though perhaps not very effectively) on the Mentally Retarded Student. This particular special needs student is creative but can become easily frustrated so the instructor must consider this. Along with other considerations for example the student’s favor of solids and materials with monetary value like the “glitter paper” will not only boost the special needs student’s self-esteem but give that student a chance to express him or herself along with the mainstreams and thus show us that art “can bridge the gap.”

Art doesn't have to be Expensive

By witnessing the success of the various Art Workshop presentations this week, I noticed that kids were having a wonderful time making their own art supplies. Take for example the presentation by Stephanie and Kris; by simply bringing in a bag of sugar and some colored chalk, the children sprung into action making the supplies for the project. What they produced in the end, were true masterpieces if I may say so. The point being, this is a perfect example of how art can be infused into the class with a minimal budget. Daniel and Michael utilized another aspect with minimal budget in mind; they used empty PET bottles to decorate and make into adorable musical shakers. Although these are only a few examples, I am sure that by having the students bring in their old bottles, greeting cards, newspaper and other readily available, free supplies, a minimal budget may not propose a threat that would make it impossible to infuse some form of art into the classroom.

Art a part of Curriculum?

If we look around our society and the societies of the world we find that people of all ages have an urge to express themselves. Through the various forms of graffitti that can be found throughout the world, to the artwork that one may bear on his or her body, people tend to search a multitude of avenues for expression through art. So, should art be a regular part of a child's curriculum? Every child deserves a chance to be exposed to what our class has been exposed to in these past weeks. Although my own paper maché project left little to be desired (as the image demonstrates), I did see that where others had previous exposure and experience with this art technique, their's (for example Stephanie's basket) turned out beautifully!! To have a chance at hands on experience with art would teach children many things not just about art but about technique that can really only be gained through experience.

ARED 335 24 April "How does art reflect culture"

Last week we worked on our paper maché projects. We also viewed some famous works by Homer and by Frida Kahlo. I believe art reflects culture by being the 'mirror of our dreams' as it serves like a universal language to communicate what a person is feeling and in turn translates an individual's culture into something for all cultures to understand and perhaps appreciate. So, children should be aware as with art, there really is no reason to prejudge a masterpiece simply because it doesn't look pretty or portray a pretty subject. The same should be considered with the different cultures of the world: each culture may teach us it's beauty.

ARED 335 Wed. April 12

Why is art important on the elementary level? Today (along with hands on activities on weaving and discussions about how the young start to draw), we were given some very significant handouts. One was a list about why the Arts are important. Among this list of fifteen items, one caught my eye, (number 8): "They develop both independence and collaboration." This is something that I have felt strongly about especially in the field of music. The other handout (which used music as an example) reiterated and enforced this idea by stating that, "The arts provide a natural place for learning to work in groups." So why is this important to me? I feel that society is not getting any smaller and the sooner we all learn to work together, the better off we will be.

ARED 335 April 10th

On this meeting, our focus was "what is creativity" and color. We started by considering: "What makes or rather what are the characteristics of the creative child?" Then Ms. Pat read from a book called 101 bad ideas or something like that. We then had to choose from one of the bad ideas and draw the scenario. Needless to say, for me it was a challenge. I chose "Throwing a party for your imaginary friend." We then looked at drawings from the same bad ideas by 3rd graders. If I may be so bold...the 3rd graders kicked my butt at the drawing. After our drawing, we studied about the colors and worked on a color mobile. The key word for today's lesson: "Boinger"

Yours Truly