Art and Self-Expression for Children with Special Needs

How do we, as future teachers, help students who lack the motivation with art become more involved with art?

"Art lifts us up when life is difficult, and helps us appreciate everything good and beautiful in the world when we have forgotten to look for a while" (Wilson 2).  After reading Wilson's article, thoughts of inspiration, hope, and faith came to mind.  Art is a way of self-expressing oneself in a different form. Art is a way if involving everyone in the classroom, whether you have a disability or not. Many students have a hard time understanding their peers disabilities simply because they have never been told what kind of disability they have or have never gotten the chance to talk to their peers with disabilities.  Art is a way of students interacting with one another and learning about each others differences and similarities.  It is a way for students to use their imagination, creativity, and originality in their work.  Students are building a sense of community in the classroom.  

This article has taught me to see art as a "personal experience" for each child.  It is important for the teacher not to rush and critique the students since art is a form of expression.  Also, the teacher should make sure that the students have enough space when working on their art.  In order for students to self express themselves through art, they must feel secure and comfortable in the environment that they are in.   

 

 

"The Sweet Role of Art in Literacy"

Should the strategy of promoting art into the writing process only be taught in elementary school or in middle school and high school as well?

I believe that the author, Amy Shultz, does an excellent job in emphasizing the important role art plays in the writing process.  Many children have trouble expressing themselves through words.  They may often struggle with writing down the sequences of a story.  Art is a form of expression.  Many children learn better visually.  They often process information through images rather than words.  It is important that teachers allow students to not only express their ideas through writing, but also incorporate art into this process.  Drawing allows students to recognize their ideas.  I agree with Shultz that art is a writing and learning tool that all teachers should stress.  

This article opened my eyes to a whole new way of looking at art.  I never thought that art could be used as a writing tool for children.  It is a way to show children that there are many different ways of telling a story and expressing oneself.  If a child is struggling with writing, drawing pictures gives them another way to express themselves.  It is important to give students options and let them know that there is more than one way of writing.  I know that I will definitely use this tool in the future when children are going through the writing process.