We recently had a visit from the District's art specialist, Debbie Harris. She travels to small schools to provide lessons to groups of students using a variety of multi-media projects. The kids are almost universally engaged by her lessons and produce great work.
When I was an elementary and middle school student, art was required, alternating with P.E., two or three times a week. We trucked through curriculum, regardless of enthusiasm, covering line drawing, collage, watercolors, & sculpture. We learned about elements of art and principles of design and gained a familiarity with basic tools and media. Most importantly, we used hands-on activities to practice the universal elements of production; researching, brainstorming, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing, also known as The Writing Process.
As I watched our art expert explain the background and process of Notan paper cutting to a group of secondary students, I realized that most of the students in the room would end up using skills normally learned during an art class infinitely more often than they will use the skills required to write a formal research paper. From getting dressed in the morning to designing an electronic portfolio to decorating their living room, people use elements of art and design on a daily basis.
Sadly, our visiting art teacher is resigning this year and her position will not be filled for next year. Most small schools will occasionally offer art as an elective. It is also available through the district online. For my part, art will be an integral component of any class that I teach. Students will be as familiar with elements of art and design as they will be with elements of literature and social studies. Art is human communication. Restricting education to text hobbles our students.
Comments