What is Art?Creativity is the first spark which motivates a child to ask why. Without creativity – the curiosity to question, create, and explore – learning would be nearly impossible. This is why I believe art – the great leader in creative problem solving, critical thinking, self-expression, and experimentation – is incredibly valuable in education, the community, and society as a whole.
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The Power of ArtArt is everywhere. It is in the advertisements in the mall, the animation on television, in cards and books or homes and museums. Art is all around us, inspiring us, teaching us, and whispering messages. The power of art is incredible. Teaching art allows children to use this power to express themselves clearly and understand the messages all around them.
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Creative Problem SolvingArt is one of the most diverse fields, where everyone can participate. Art reaches all people in all places of all cultures. Art speaks to the heart, the mind, the soul, and the body. Art teaches creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, self-expression, literacy, life skills, motor skills, and many other artistic skills.
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Pictorial LiteracyI believe that the most important part of teaching is not the product, but the process. Often, when the concepts and techniques are properly taught, they are reflected in the student’s artwork. We want to see beautiful, awe-inspiring works coming from our students. However, I believe it is more important to teach the concepts, knowledge, and techniques of art than to have students produce identical, unimaginative, meaningless works of beauty.
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The Key to SuccessIn my classroom, I want to promote creative problem solving and critical thinking. I believe that these two tools are the most important tools to becoming a successful, educated individual in today’s society. By being able to look at a problem and think about it critically, analyze it thoroughly, and develop a solution creatively, a student will be able to conquer any problem set before them.
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