Welcome to Mrs. Cristani's Art Class!
Art is important to me because it not only functions as its own subject area, but also as a window into a student's, heart, soul and mind. Art serves as a way of teaching the world about one's feelings and passions. As a teacher I believe that learning is a reciprocal relationship between teacher and student. It is just as important for teachers to learn from their students as it is for students to learn from their teachers, because everyone has something important to offer. It is necessary for children to feel as though their ideas are important in my classroom. Art in itself is a discipline that is made up of many different facets. Although it is very important to familiarize oneself with the design principles, art is a subject area that involves many types of thinking. As an art educator, I hope to teach students the principles of design, but to also question the world around them, and to respect their own ideas and beliefs. Within art there are many different answers to one problem, which involve not only creativity, but other academics as well. History, language arts, math, science, and basic problem solving skills are often integrated into the school arts curriculum. Through this subject area, students grow more confident in their ideas, as well as gain faith in themselves. As artwork is exhibited throughout the community, it not only increases the self-confidence in a child, but also allows peers and classroom teachers to see students in a different light. As an art educator I feel it is important to provide both the knowledge and tools that enable students to create art, but also guide students in making accomplishments based upon their own abilities. Children should be given the right to express themselves in every way possible, especially within their own artwork. It is important for students to explore various mediums, but to also search within themselves to receive inspiration. Children should be encouraged to express thoughts and feelings that they might not even be aware of yet, especially in society today, where there are so many complicated things going on in our world. Students should create art that is meaningful to them as individuals based upon their own ideas. I would like my students to grow more confident in their instincts, and not be intimidated by the art making process. Above all, I believe students should be allowed to enjoy the lifelong journey of learning, while they explore, create, and play, for they are still children! Sarah Cristani Visual Arts Teacher South Elementary School Plymouth, MA 02360 |