and. . . . . for Parents, Artists, or for Anyone Interested in Creative Processes
Briggs encourages us to raise our expectations about children’s capabilities for making artwork. She models ways to provide focused support along with access to materials, time, space and reasons to explore.
Not long ago, I read the book WHAT IT IS by Lynda Barry, and I immediately became a fan of her work. She called herself the “Accidental Professor” and also created a book called SYLLABUS, with lesson plans from a course she taught at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This course was intended for students who doubted that they could write or draw.
Barry’s approach is all about finding the back door, shutting down the inner critic and accessing what she calls the “unthinkable mind.” As a comic artist, Barry is interested in both words and pictures. Her holistic approach to creative expression offers wonderful ideas for teachers.
She is very interested the reasons many of us stop drawing, and in the ways we can rediscover these abilities. Barry’s Tumblr page also has some interesting examples of creative drawing and writing challenges that she posts for her students. Check out the NEAR SIGHTED MONKEY blog.
A Kidd’s Guide to Graphic Design is a clever, engaging design introduction for children aged 10 and above. Some exercises and examples could be valuable even with younger children.
At the national level, there is also the Canadian Society for Education Through Art. Articles we will be reading in the art methods course were all written by experienced Canadian art educators. The articles were put together into a book that was published by the CSEA.
BCATA members have also made contributions to help us understand ways to work with the new B.C. curriculum. INSTRUCTIONAL EXAMPLES have now been uploaded to the Ministry site.
B.C. teachers can also find interesting educational resources on sites from other provinces.
Examples of Teaching Resources from Major Museums, Galleries, and Online Platforms
There are many more excellent resources available, including virtual tours from cultural centres all around the world. The best resources are not always the ones that pop up to the top in a browser search. Ask your librarian for guidance when you have a specific project in mind.