ADVOCACY Students paint shapes (left) and create line sculptures from pipe cleaners (right). The Power of Curiosit M Lonell Klina ost art educators are familiar with the Pablo Picasso quote, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” As a child, I always enjoyed art class. My experi-ence with art during my childhood consisted of courses offered in school and activities I engaged in at home. There were some courses that were more interesting than others, but my love of art thrived with teachers who made a connection and piqued my curiosity. In high school, I was chal-lenged and encouraged to think out-side the proverbial box of educational art and began to understand where art could take me. It was in high school where my art teacher fostered my natural curiosity. ish a child’s natural curiosity. So how can we ensure we aren’t robbing our students of their ability to explore and discover? Fostering Connections Making connections is crucial for young learners. When learning is connected with the learner, stu-dents become curious. They begin to explore and seek information outside the classroom. Creating an environ-will boost confidence, increase self-esteem, and foster future discoveries. Making an Impact Because of the seed planted by my art teacher in high school, I studied art and education in college and went on to become an art educator. Recently, I was appointed the visual and perform-ing arts supervisor in my district, and my daughter asked why I decided to leave the artroom because she knew how much I loved teaching art. My reply to her was, “Imagine the impact I can have on all the students in my district, if I can inspire teachers to make connections and pique their stu-dents’ curiosity and foster a love of the arts in them.” It was then I saw the seed that I planted in my daughter’s mind, begin to sprout…making con-nections can have a global effect. Lonell Klina is district supervisor of the visual and performing arts for Long Branch Public Schools in Long Branch, New Jersey. lklina@longbranch.k12.nj.us When learning is connected with the learner, students become curious. ment that piques students’ curiosity and allows them to experiment with materials will open the minds of not only the students but the teacher as well. In addition, the educator must support the students’ discoveries; in doing so, the student will continue to experiment and discover. Con-tinued support and encouragement Natural Curiosity From birth, humans are curious. As time passes, something happens. What causes curiosity to fade? Some believe disapproval, fear, or the absence of a caring adult will dimin-SCHOOLARTS.COM 11
School Arts Magazine November 2019: Page 13
