Art is all about expressing one's feelings and taking risks doing so. That first starts with a safe and inclusive environment that supports every student in the art classroom. That is my number one goal and mission as an educator. All creative endeavors are supported in my classroom, whether that is outside of what traditional art is defined as. There is so much value in open ended teaching, especially in the arts. This is also evidence in special education art. More generally, open ended lessons really encourage students to be creative and confident in what they're making. If a student needs accommodations in completing their work to the best of their ability, I will do everything I can to help. I also want my students to research and investigate their subject matter. My art projects will integrate science, math, and other areas of their studies. Nature is also a great tool for that which will be a source of art in my classroom. I want my students to integrate their interests and passions into their art class. 

Social emotional learning will be essential into my art classroom. I care about the students' mental health and creating a connection with each student. For example, if you want to make sure your students know that you care about them and their wellness, the first thing I will do is make sure my classroom environment is safe and kind. I want my students to treat each other kindly. I will play calming meditative music for them to focus on their art. To implement social emotional learning my art lessons will include individuality and allowing my students to express their emotions. This can be done in many ways. For elementary students, it may be their decision for a specific color or a particular artistic material. For middle and high school students, it may be an older adult - identified mental health issues that they want to portray in their painting. Thus, I care deeply about inclusivity and making sure that regardless of students physical or mental capabilities, everyone has accommodations and lessons appropriate for them. 

I believe the integration of other subjects into art is so important for a student's growth. Integrating nature into the students' art lessons can be super useful to their behavior and happiness. For instance, children and students have fun exploring nature and love spending time in a fun and safe environment. Outdoor play also helps students' emotional and physical health that is why I like to do out of the classroom studio assignments. One of my favorite lessons is “Sand tray therapy” that involves sand and sculpture to express the students' emotional thoughts (How mud boosts your immune system). I love that dirt has microorganisms that can actually help your immune system and “build resilience to a range of illnesses, including allergies, asthma, and even depression and anxiety” (How mud boosts your immune system). What's even more exciting is how students connect this to artistic expression. 

Work Cited

BBC. (n.d.). How mud boosts your immune system. BBC Future. Retrieved February 18, 2023, from

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220929-how-outdoor-play-boosts-kids-immu ne-systems