Art has always been a very important part of my life. Before I switched my major to Elementary Education, I was going into Graphic Design. I loved all the classes and the experience that I had majoring in art. When I was little I always loved doing the art projects in elementary school. It was my chance to be creative and make something. I remember having art centers and learning to draw different things. I also remember in 6th grade I had painted a sunflower and I had been lazy and painted the leaves all just plain yellow. I showed my teacher and she said something to the effect of it being kinda boring because it was all one color and sunflowers really aren't like that. It got me thinking and motivated me to do more, and I added some different shades and it turned out pretty dang cool when I was done, if I do say so myself.
I feel that art plays a huge role in education. Schools today are making cuts to save money and art is usually the first thing to go. I loved the clip we saw in class where art was being integrated into the classroom, because it really showed what a positive impact art can have on students and education. There are many assignments and projects that can be done for science or history, or any other topic that can include art in them. Art can be a part of the daily routine if the teacher puts forth a little bit of effort. As a teacher I want to make sure I include art in my classroom.
This semester I hope to learn new techniques and ways of incorporating art in to the classroom. I want to get as many ideas as I can so that I can use them when I am a teacher in my own classroom, and also use them during my field experience.
Samantha, I'm so glad you had the experience you did in 6th grade - it sounds like your teacher did a great job of encouraging you to really think about the sunflower and then use your own creativity and understanding to paint something you can still be proud of.
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