For this week you will read:
From our textbook: Chapter 1 (pp 1-5) Deepening Understanding through Arts Integration. It provides an introduction to our book and sets the stage for what you will read (and why!). (NOTE: You can find the intro chapter online at Amazon.com page for the book -- click on the "read sample" link -- which will be the introduction!). (Please do have your book for the assignment due 10.25.2023.)
In the textbox -- or in a Google Doc where you are keeping your reading reflections (on professional sources -- not on children's books), Craft 3-5 statements inspired by the book that capture your thinking about how Arts Integration can promote Literacy Learning. (If you want to share a quote from the book as one of your statements, add a brief commentary to explain why.)
If you use a Google Doc, just link it in the textbox.
From the introduction to another book: Education for Socially Engaged Art (INTRO)Links to an external site. (pp ix-xvi). This is a source selected by our Guest Speaker for 10.11.2023 -- Prof Jose Guadalupe Garza. His work is in the area of Art as Social Practice. The introduction to this book (about 8 pages) explains connections between ARTS as SOCIAL PRACTICE and EDUCATION. I found it fascinating! Gracie read this in her class with Prof Guadalupe Garza and she highly recommended it for US in this class! The author states, "Gradually I noticed parallels between the processes of art and education. The experience has led me to believe that some of the greater challenges in creating socially engaged artworks can be successfully addressed by relying on the field of education, which historically has navigated similar territories" (xi).
In the textbox -- or in a Google Doc where you are keeping your reading reflections (on professional sources), Craft 3-5 statements paraphrased from the book intro that capture your thinking about the important connections between Socially Engaged Art/s and the field of Education.
Follow this with 2 sentences that capture your beliefs or commitments to Socially Engaged Arts in your work with young people.
If you use a Google Doc, just link it in the textbox.
"The Objective for students is to (1) learn to discuss what is hard to see and (2) find ways to see what is hard to say." Brouillette 1 ) Right when I read this I wanted to highlight it and star it. But I didn't because it's in a book. I firmly believe that it is crucial for students to recognize the hidden layers beyond the surface of any content. For instance, in literature, a red door can symbolize a character's deepest desires, but without a solid foundation in methods for dissecting text beyond its aesthetic presentation, students may overlook the deeper narratives and meanings embedded within the words. But I would also like them to to just overall enjoy a book because of its meaning not between the words, but because it's a fun read.
"It's not enough to teach a man a specialty....Otherwise he-- with his specialized knowledge-- more closely resembles a well-trained dog than a harmoniously developed person" (Brouillete, 5) Albert Einstein's quote reinforces this notion by highlighting the risk of repeating the same actions without exploring alternative approaches. Some schools inadvertently prioritize conformity, shaping students into obedient learners rather than nurturing individuals capable of making a profound impact on the world. This perspective strongly influences my thinking on arts integration because it emphasizes the importance of instilling creativity in every aspect of education. By demonstrating that creativity is valuable across all fields, we empower students to bring innovative thinking into their future careers and foster their openness to new ideas and experiences.
"Visual input means nothing unless individuals engage with it, signaling to their brains that an image is worth remembering." ( 7) I noted this down because it reminded me of the time I participated in a play during either 3rd or 4th grade. We were deeply involved in every aspect, from crafting our costumes to creating the backgrounds, and finally, performing it. I can't quite recall the play's theme or message, but the sheer enjoyment of the experience has stuck with me all these years. This memory serves as a valuable reminder of the significance of crafting memorable educational experiences when planning lessons for students. When students can say, "I remember making a meme about WW2 in history class," it not only makes learning more enjoyable but also aids in retaining information associated with those engaging projects.
"The goal was to reinvasion the child not as an empty container to be filled with facts but as an individual with rights, great potential, and diversity (what Malaguzzi described as “the hundred languages of children.” (xi) This truly encapsulates my vision for a classroom, where children are not confined by limits but are encouraged to explore the multitude of opportunities for learning. While it may seem self-evident that children are not empty vessels, the vital role of educators in nurturing knowledge beyond conventional standards is a concept that deserves greater recognition and emphasis
"Yet an artist who wants to learn about collaborative dynamics and experimentation as well as the impact that a particular type of documentation may have on the work would be well served by following the roads traversed by these and other educators," (xiii) Having educators who have already explored these topics and can offer valuable insights and guidance to students who haven't or want to experience them. I think this is important.
"That good socially engaged art creates constructive personal relationships is wrong: an artist’s successful project could consist of deliberate miscommunication, in upsetting social relations, or in simply being hostile to the public."(xv) I appreciate this perspective because, in my classroom, I aim to encourage children to consider both sides of a conflict. It's essential for them to grasp the broader context rather than only understanding one viewpoint, even if they strongly believe they are right. It's akin to looking at both sides of the same coin to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
I believe in creating a classroom environment where children are encouraged to explore topics that are challenging to comprehend and discuss openly. Instead of treating them as passive receptacles for information, I aspire to foster their curiosity and encourage them to be active learners who eagerly seek to understand a wide range of subjects."