I have always found that visual arts has had a profound positive effect on me, and it wasn't until I read the rationale behind why we teach visual arts to our students that I realized why.
Through the process of visual arts, students become aware of the ideas and emotions expressed in visual images and gain the knowledge, skilled, and attitudes needed to engage in and appreciate the visual arts throughout their lives.
To be able to have this awareness to appreciate and see the various forms of art is something I value and hope to pass on to my students.
For me I appreciate the images nature have to offer in the world around us such as in this fall photo of the river. This is something I would love to do for an integrated fine arts and literacy lesson, where studies are to capture something from the outdoors either a drawing, painting or photograph and write a story about it.
Stunning photo, Kathleen. Where did it come from? I'm glad you are connecting to the rationale for teaching fine arts and especially predicting arts-integrated teaching to build an appreciation for nature. I think students need to develop an appreciation for both the science and the beauty of the natural environment in order to care enough to make "ecoliterate" decisions. And I think that the more time we spend with screens, the more time we need to spend with nature (outdoors!), in order to keep a healthy balance. Thanks for this contribution.
ReplyDeleteThanks Willow, I took the picture when I was walking my dog on River Road beside Fort George Park. We made a little detour and went down the bank to get to the river. I thought it captured Prince George at it finest. I can only imagine the history that the river holds, and the stories that go along with it.
DeleteOh, yes! It really does show off PG at its finest. Great shot!
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to feel like this blogging thing is going to offer a wealth of lesson plan ideas! I really like the idea of writing a story based around something found in nature, a great way to foster creativity and curiosity!
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