Why I Teach Art

I painted Bee's Marigold from inspiration of a marigold flower that I grew with my preschool students my second year teaching.

I teach art to inspire and facilitate self expression. Kids benefit from participating in creating visual arts in so many ways. They are building neuropathways that strengthen creative problem solving and critical thinking skills. Each mark on a page is a decision made. Depending on the developmental age of the child, they think about what color to use, who they are making the art for, why they are making it, and what they are going to draw. They often express emotional concepts through their artwork at a young age. This gives them a new way of communicating themselves to the world.

Art is also a unique gateway in to a life long love of learning and curiosity. Kids that are self motivated to explore new mediums tend to develop a set of spatial and physical problem solving skills that are valuable in many areas of life. There is a science to art and the way different things interact physically. Painting on a wood panel is different than painting on a canvas. Oil over acrylic offers different opportunities than colored pencil over watercolor. There are so many different ways to convey an idea. Giving students the tools they need to become confident in their ability to create is something I love to be part of. As a teacher, there is nothing better than watching your students successfully problem solve, experience aha moments, and retain the lessons you've taught them.

"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." -Albert Einstein