Choice-Based Art
Hi there! This blog will be the place where I’ll talk about a variety of art topics. Today I’d like to talk a little about artistic choices in the classroom AKA choice-based art.
“Allowing choice” or “choice based education” are terms that you may or may not have heard in regard to art education. Those terms might conjure up ideas of finger painting on walls or intentionally getting messy.
But what does “choice-based art” really mean? Overall, choice-based art values the product AND the process equally. There is a full spectrum of how much choice is utilized in any given classroom. Each one of these styles have a purpose and none of them are right or wrong!
Limited Choice:
Some art teachers prefer to have limited choice in the classroom. This often looks like having a set project with the subject and materials preset or extremely limited.
Moderate Choice:
A moderate choice classroom has more choice and could look like giving the students a theme, but allowing them to choose the materials and subject.
Abundant Choice:
An abundant choice classroom is mostly or entirely learner-led, with the educator supporting that learning with technical demonstrations and well organized centers.
Students Have Moderate to Abundant Choice at Raleigh Kids Art Gallery
Personally, and for camps, I like to switch it up, but lean towards moderate to abundant choice. Some days, we have set projects utilizing specific materials, but each learner picks the colors and composition for that project. On these days, we learn about individual artists and utilize aspects of their art and make it our own.
Other days, I have less parameters, but add maybe one or two limitations. For example, they can pick their own subject, materials, and colors, but it has to be a 3D project. And other days still, it is entirely learner-based. They design their own project and complete it with whatever materials they want to use. I am there to help brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot problems, and encourage creativity. I hot glue A LOT on these days!
Each amount of choice has a purpose and encourages creativity and agility, while also building technical skills. This type of critical yet creative thinking has real world applications while remaining accessible and FUN! If you want your child to value the process just as much as they value the final product, contact me today to determine the best way to reach your child. Whether in afterschool art class, trackout art camps, or teacher work day camps, I am confident we can find a way to teach your child to explore their creative side in a whole new way!