Week 3

A.)  Art is a way for children to express themselves. Most children do not enjoy taking tests and writing essays. I think that having art in the classroom gives the children a way to express their creativity. Also taking the time to integrate art into grade level standards gives the children a break and to relax while still learning and being in the classroom. In the earlier grades we did many art projects with our teachers. I specifically remember my 4^th grade teacher doing a project on sea animals and I made a purple sea anemone out of paper mache, wire and lots of paint. Along with individual teacher incorporating art into the classroom, grades 2-6 had an art teacher come and teach for and hour once a week. We were introduced to oil pastels, watercolor techniques, and many other art skills that I still remember today. By the time I was in 5^th grade the art instructor came once a month and by 6^th grade the program had stopped. Personally, I love art. I feel it is a way for unfocused children and adults to focus all their energy on creating something beautiful. I wish art could be larger part in elementary curriculum. I am very comfortable with art. I may not be the most artistic person, but I am willing to try any art project.

B.)  Math, and Science cover different areas that are essential in today’s world. The aspects that art teach are sometimes thought of as less important than what science teaches about Earth. Art expands the mind in ways that learning Algebra cannot. The brain is separated into five separate sections; the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, occipital, cerebellum, and parietal lobe. Each lobe is used in the developmental stages. Visual performing art uses the Temporal lobe while physical art objects use visual processing in the occipital lobe. Art can increase brain function, just as much as math or science.

Morgan Appel stated that students benefit from enhanced teacher participation. Children develop everyday and may not receive the appropriate amount of attention at home to increase their social skills. Children placed in a group setting are working together to finish an art project which enhances their social skills. Also art provides children to take concrete things and transform them into the abstract. Math and science do not typically allow for children to use the skills that learning art will allow them to.

In the late 18^th century art was an essential part of life. In today’s schools art has become a very small part of the curriculum because a stronger focus on math, writing, and science is viewed as more important. Mr. Appel made the point that California is driven by design, aerospace, and a thriving entertainment industry. How can decreasing art involvement be beneficial in today’s economy?