Hello Lopat families!
Big changes are happening in the art rooms over the course of the school year.
Choice-Based Art.
A philosophy of teaching art that is student-directed, allowing students to make decisions and choices that reflect their interests and ideas.
A philosophy of teaching that focuses on process vs product.
Art class should be the place where students feel free to be themselves. Art class should be the place where students think outside the box, problem-solve, think critically and creatively.
With a Choice-Based art curriculum, the art room is converted into a learner-directed classroom that allows students the opportunity to engage in the arts in a more authentic and expressive manner. Students are encouraged to be self-motivated as they are given choices rather than directions which allows them to respond to their own ideas and interests.
Art should not be cookie-cutter. It should be as unique and personal as each child is unique in their own way.
This method of teaching strongly supports multiple intelligences as well as reaching the needs of a diverse body of students. The differentiated instruction reaches all students as they accommodate themselves in this setting.
Students will recognize how critical thinking and problem-solving skills are being developed as well as building upon ideas and collaborating.
Students will create more personal artwork, artwork that has meaning to them and that they will be proud to display and bring home. Students are given the ability to express themselves more freely through deep learning and understanding.
My goal as an art teacher is not to turn my students into the next Leonardo Da Vinci.
My goal as an art teacher is to create an environment where my students feel safe to be themselves, a place where they can express their emotions and feelings without the fear of being judged. A place where they can experiment, try new things, explore materials, make mistakes, and guide their own learning.
Choice-based art is the key to creating this environment.
The child is the artist.
The art room is the artist's studio.
Families, my request from you is to talk to your child about their experiences in the art room. Ask them about what their art means to them. Ask them about what it means to have the freedom to express their own ideas in their work.
When the Art Show time rolls around, I ask that you keep an open mind. Remember that process out-weighs product. Art is not cookie-cutter. It is okay to color outside the lines and think outside the box.
I would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts in the comments section below or reach out to me at schuiteman@lopatcongschool.org
I look forward to sharing the Lopat artists' amazing creations with you!
