Introduction
My name is Tara Barboza and I am an Elementary art teacher. I am a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and I have just begun my career as an elementary art teacher! Here you will find some examples of awesome student work and elementary art lessons, as well as links and information on art related things!
Teaching Philosophy
Pablo Picasso once said “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he (or she)
grows up.” My goal as a teacher of the arts is to cultivate the natural talents of children and provide them with the tools to become life-long learners of art, as well as learners of other subject areas.
Much like science and English, Art is a vehicle for discovery and design. Art provides an alternative form of literacy that involves various types of symbol systems. Learning to read visual language will allow students to gain a greater understanding of the world that surrounds us. When students achieve a critical awareness of art, they can look past simple appreciation and expand their understandings of social, cultural and political conditions (Siegesmund, 1998,
p.205).
The arts can also provide an emotional release for children, where they are able to develop free and flexible ways of expressing their individuality. From experience with the arts, children will learn that problems can have various
solutions and questions can have multiple answers (Eisner, 2002, p. 70-92). I believe that with a new perspective of problem solving, children will improve both creative and critical thinking strategies that can be used in every aspect
of life.
Reference List
Eisner, E. (n.d.). 10 Lessons the Arts Teach • National Art Education Association. Home • National Art Education Association. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from http://www.arteducators.org/advocacy/10-lessons-the-arts-teach
Letter: The Earth Without Art Is Just 'Eh'. (n.d.). / Mobile - Voice of San Diego. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from
http://m.voiceofsandiego.org/mobile/peoplespost/savvyseniors/article_edb7461a-78ee-11e1-adb2-001871e3ce6c.html
Siegesmund, R. (1998). Why Do We Teach Art Today? Conceptions of Art Education and Their Justification. Studies in Art Education, 39(3),205.
Eisner, E. (n.d.). 10 Lessons the Arts Teach • National Art Education Association. Home • National Art Education Association. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from http://www.arteducators.org/advocacy/10-lessons-the-arts-teach
Letter: The Earth Without Art Is Just 'Eh'. (n.d.). / Mobile - Voice of San Diego. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from
http://m.voiceofsandiego.org/mobile/peoplespost/savvyseniors/article_edb7461a-78ee-11e1-adb2-001871e3ce6c.html
Siegesmund, R. (1998). Why Do We Teach Art Today? Conceptions of Art Education and Their Justification. Studies in Art Education, 39(3),205.