New semester, new me

   So I'm going to get to hang out with kids this semester! I'm very excited about this. Although it's weird, I kind of hope to get older level students. I have two sisters, one in 7th grade and one in 9th grade, and I would really like to get more experience with children at this age. This is usually the time in their lives where they're like, "What do I want to do after school?" "What am I supposed to do with my life?". I want to be one of the hopeful voices that gets them excited for their future. I want them to know that art is an important part of all of our lives, even if they don't realize it! I want these kids to have a great time, and I can't wait to get in touch with my partner to get things started!!!

My Art Education Philosophy

   Throughout the last two years of my life, I have discovered how much hard work and passion goes into properly educating students today compared to previous methods used in the past. As a student, I knew what I wanted in an educator, and now that the tables have turned, I know what kind of role model I want to be for my students.

    As an Art educator, it is important to note that most children are visual learners. We use expressions to show how we feel. We use colors and symbols to know when it is okay to cross the street. We tend not to care about something until we can physically see the damage that it is doing to us and our environment. Art itself is a powerful medium in which to express what it means to be human. It is not only important to teach students through visual mediums, but to also teach them how expressing themselves visually can be impactful on others.

   Another important aspect of teaching art is that it teaches students how to use creative problem solving in difficult situations. Many students have come up with different ways to answer math problems compared to the methods that were taught. Though these students may configure the same answer, many get shot down for not using the approved method that was instructed. Instead of being told that what they are doing is wrong, students should be praised for finding a different way to complete a hard task that works for them. Creative problem solving can be applied in every occupation. Art class is where students start to use creative problem solving skills, because the only limit to art projects is your imagination (and the school’s art budget).

   Art also helps students who are visual learners in other subjects that may not be visual subjects. Subjects such as English, history, and even science constantly ask students to draw or make graphs to add a visual or artistic aspect to what they are learning. When art and main subject teachers integrate their lessons, it can form a strong connection to that subject for students. An example of this would be my youngest sister. During my first year at Stout, I was in the play “And Then They Came for Me”, which was put on through Arts Integration Menomonie, about two Holocaust survivors. One of those survivors, Eva Schloss, came to two of our performances to discuss her experience after the show. My sister saw this show, and afterwards she wanted to learn everything she could about the Holocaust. Integration has always had an important role in education, and will continue to be so. It is an art teacher’s role to explain the importance of integration to their fellow teachers and to work with them whenever necessary.

   The best part about art education is that anyone can be an artist. Yes, some are better than others, but you don’t have to be smart or popular to be successful in art. Art doesn’t judge based on race, or religion, or sexual orientation. Everyone can enjoy art. Everyone can make art. It has no limits. The only limit is what the teacher can provide to the students. Accommodating for disabilities and cultural differences can make a big impact on a student and their family. Creating a lesson that could be difficult for a disabled student or one that is insensitive to a student’s culture can be disastrous. Every student can create art. A great teacher finds a way to each their lesson to all their students, despite disabilities, and a great teacher educates themselves on a cultural subject before they present it to their class. A great teacher is always learning.

  In today’s practice of education in the United States, teachers need to have passion for the subject they teach. Teachers get paid so little for the impact they make on a child’s life. However, being a teacher isn’t about the money, it’s about knowing that you are making a difference. That may sound corny, but many teachers provide safe spaces for students in their classrooms. Some inspire to students to turn their education in a subject into a career, and some make school a place students can call a second home. School is an escape for some children from everything they go through at home, and making classwork difficult can make things worse. A teacher’s passion to help their students needs to equal their passion for the subject they teach.  I understand that more than anything right now, and intend to apply all of this to my future classroom.  

Keep on Keeping on!

Hello, anyone who is reading this. Just a little message I want to get out there. Whoever you are, you are awesome. I don't care if you are the kid who got picked on at school today, or the mom who feels like life is complete and utter chaos all the time, or the teacher who feels like your students don't care about what you're teaching. Everyone is special, everyone makes a difference in someones life. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
   To that kid. I was that kid too. I had a TERRIBLE time in school. I went to a very small elementary school, and every kid there was against me. They said I had "Murwin germs" and refused to play with me. I only had two friends. My mom tried to transfer me to the elementary school in town, but they said we lived too far away. Thankfully, my family moved away from there, and I ended up making new friends. Never let those kids get to you. You keep doing your own weird little thing, because I can guarantee, you won't have to deal with these kids when you get older. You will go to college and get a job far away from those kids. Maybe those kids are having a rough day, and they just want to lash out. You're just the easy target. Don't feed their egos. The best thing you can do, when you have no friends, is to be a friend to everyone. Don't give anyone a reason to hate you. Don't ever give in to their hate. Grow up and become the amazing, successful, weird adult you are meant to be <3.
   To that mom. I AM SORRY FOR EVERYTHING YOUR KIDS DO. I feel like being a mom is the one job everyone takes advantage of, and you don't even get paid for it. I know your kids appreciate everything you do, they just don't say it as much as they should. Being a mom today is the worst too. Between helping your kids with homework you don't understand to making sure your kid has the newest tech to running them everywhere across town for their after school activities, where is your me time? You know it's not while they're at school, because you have a 9 to 5 job too, because you can't support your family with just one breadwinner anymore. When I think about what my mom goes through every day, with four girls (me being the favorite, of course), a full time job, and a messy house to come home to, I just feel terrible. I wish I could be at home more to help, but I can't be expected to put my life on hold. I need to become an adult first, so I can support myself while supporting the rest of my family. I love my mother. I know my sisters love my mother. I know your child loves you, and everything you do for them, so keep your chin up, and don't forget to try to make some you time <3.
  To that teacher. Even if your students don't reach out to you when they leave, or don't seem to appreciate your class, know that at least one student noticed you, and at least one student learned something in your class. Everyday I remember at least one thing that happened while I was in school, and that's because a teacher taught that very well. Even if I HATED the class, i'll remember something I learned in it. At one point or another, a student will remember your class. It sucks that teachers are taken advantage of constantly, and it's not fair. You all do so much for us. So on behalf of every student you have ever had, THANK YOU <3.
  So, in the words of Andy Grammer, "You gotta keep your head up (ohhh oh)" Seriously. Someone appreciates you. Someone loves you. You make a difference in someone's life. Keep on keeping on.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QDECwqKE0g   <--- watch that! it's very motivational!

Welcome to my blog!

Hello Everyone! My name is Olivia, and I started this blog to kind of get my creative thoughts out there, because even though I'm a quiet person usually, I feel like I have a lot to say.
  I am a 20 year old student studying Art Education. I want to talk about art, my passion for art, and art education. I would also like to share some lesson plan ideas, so that students that are bored during the summer, or students that are homeschooled can have some fun learning about art!
  I would also like to talk about subjects that can be hard to explain to children. My biggest fear in our countries current state of fear is that a mom or dads opinion on a hot button topic may be forced on a child, and that child will grow up thinking that that is what they need to believe. I believe in giving the facts, and letting someone make a decision on a subject on their own. 
   Overall, I want this to be a fun place where I can share more about who I am, what I love, and, most importantly, how important art education is to me, because I know how important it is to your children and their future.

My workplace! If you want to be creative, surround yourself with inspiration!