Building Confidence and Resilience Through the Arts

Summary

At Dunbar Elementary School, the arts program helps students, especially those affected by trauma like the 2017 fires, express themselves through various mediums such as clay, drawing, and painting. With a focus on creativity and freedom, the program encourages children to explore without the pressure of technique or rules. By engaging in artistic activities, students not only enhance their self-esteem but also build empathy and find mental relaxation. The arts provide a unique opportunity for students to release their emotions and connect with others, helping them overcome their struggles in a supportive, creative environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Art helps students affected by trauma by providing an emotional release and promoting self-expression.
• 😀 Working with hands in art provides a calming effect, giving students a sense of control over their creations.
• 😀 Arts education fosters greater student engagement and connection to their learning.
• 😀 The DunbARTS program brings art experts to teach students various art techniques, such as clay, drawing, and 3D art.
• 😀 The lesson today focuses on color, encouraging students to think creatively and embrace freedom in their artwork.
• 😀 Students are taught to think outside the box, experimenting with different shapes and concepts, much like Picasso's approach to art.
• 😀 Art encourages children to express themselves freely, without the pressure of staying within rigid lines or rules.
• 😀 Art can help children build confidence and develop skills in a less intimidating environment compared to traditional subjects like math and reading.
• 😀 Creating art fosters empathy, as students compliment each other’s work and appreciate different perspectives.
• 😀 Art provides a relaxing and mental break for students, enhancing their overall well-being and readiness to learn.

Q & A

Why did the teachers introduce art into the curriculum at Dunbar Elementary School?

The teachers introduced art as a way to help students, especially those affected by the 2017 fires, cope with trauma. Art allows students to express themselves and find a way to release their emotions.

How does art help children affected by trauma according to Karen O'Hara?

Karen O'Hara explains that working with hands through art gives children control and helps calm them. It also allows them to express emotions and stress, which is especially important for children who have experienced trauma.

What is the focus of the DunbARTS program?

The DunbARTS program focuses on bringing in art experts to teach children various forms of art, including clay, drawing, painting, and 3D art. The program aims to foster creativity and self-expression among the students.

What is emphasized in the lesson on decorating clay masks?

The lesson emphasizes a Picassoesque approach, encouraging students to think outside the box by making features like eyes and noses in various shapes. The focus is more on creative freedom rather than technique.

How do students respond to the encouragement of artistic freedom in the classroom?

Students respond positively, with a sense of excitement and openness to exploring different ways to express themselves. They are encouraged to experiment with color and shapes, helping them be more confident in their artistic abilities.

What did Kelly Autumn aim to teach the students in this lesson?

Kelly Autumn aimed to teach students about color and creative freedom. She encouraged them to decorate their clay masks with no limitations, helping them embrace different shapes, colors, and styles.

How does art contribute to a child's self-esteem?

Art contributes to self-esteem by allowing students to express themselves and be recognized for their creativity. Compliments from peers about their work help build confidence and pride in their artistic abilities.

What does Maria Ptucha think about the role of art in learning?

Maria Ptucha believes that art offers a mental break for students, providing a relaxing experience. She sees art as a way for children to build confidence and develop skills, offering an alternative to more structured subjects like math or reading.

How does the approach to art differ from traditional academic subjects?

Art differs from traditional academic subjects in that it is less focused on strict rules and more on creative expression. Students are encouraged to explore and be free in their creativity, without the fear of making mistakes that might be present in subjects like math or reading.

Why does Karen O'Hara believe it is important for children to release their emotions through art?

Karen O'Hara believes that releasing emotions through art is crucial for children who have experienced trauma. It provides them with a healthy outlet for their feelings, helping them process and cope with their experiences.