Day 4 of back to school and starting a new chapter in a large, beautiful new space. Class sizes have doubled, but I have not felt the strain of it other than missing the opportunity to visit with each student more. I have 2 Art 1 classes and one Ceramics.
In Art 1 we are keeping a "spark" journal. A daily page we create from various prompts and notes. These pages will be assembled into a handmade book later in the semester. This is very open-ended, some students really have a hard time with be given creative freedom. I tell them that I want them to copy the notes and/or prompts and date their pages, but then spark in whatever way they wish. It may be writing or an image or both. it may be a response to the prompt or not. I just want them to begin each class with self-expression and introspection.
After we "spark" , we are closely following the workbook exercises in Betty Edward's Drawing on the Right side of the brain. It is very intense work. Many sigh and grumble in l-mode frustration, some are starting to notice when they are in R-mode and hope much better they can draw then. I cannot wait til they compare their later work with their pre-instruction drawings!
The survival skills of life are learned in the art room; critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, innovation, collaboration, communication, and compassion.
