Reflection #2

I enjoyed going beyond talking or reading about the main points in class where the different elements of visual arts such as line, color, shape, etc. and actually getting a hands on learning experience. I have a feeling that most lessons in this class will be that way and I am not going to complain about that! I think my favorite element to learn about was texture, because it is one element that I haven't had much experience with creating texture with only a pencil and paper. In the book I read, "viewing and doing art can five emotional release."(page156) and then in class got to experience that for myself as we painted, colored, and created while listening to classical music.

 As a teacher I will be able to have tools to create a relaxing and comforting classroom where creativity is continually encouraged. This will hopefully allow me as a teacher to reach students who may be struggling emotional or other ways who don't know who to deal with their feelings. Understanding this concept has proven to be very effective for myself. Tuesday was a busy day for me and by the time I got off work and hurried to be at school by 3 my mind was on the verge of exploding. I wasn't looking forward to the next 4 hours of class, but as soon as we started our projects I began to relax and enjoy myself and my brain seemed to calm down and begin working better. I left class with a brain and body that was awake, rejuvenated and ready to learn.

Now What – How will I prepare to effectively teach my future students?  How has my perspective changed? How will this change the way I teach my future students? Getting to experience the complete change of attitude I went through from being exposed to visual arts and music, has definitely altered my thoughts about art integration. I have always planned on doing various small art activities whenever I could fit them in, but seeing the effects of really integrated the arts into all parts of education, I will make them more of  a priority. I cannot wait to observe the effects of creating the same set up in my classroom!

Photos from Flickr