For the past two weeks we have been working with wood. Last week, we did some wood burning, and some of the kids put holes in their art work with the drill. I find that working with tools is something the kids really love. Even if it is simply hammering in nails. This week we built little bat houses. At first the boys dove into the project and my girls stood back. They really lacked confidence. That didn't last long. Soon my girls were hammering in nails and using the drill. In the end they spent the most time on the projects and created beautiful wood houses. When I was a Freshman in high school I took a woodworking class. I got an A. I failed every single other class. Then I went into the alternative school. I don't think we had the chance to go to electives outside of our little sequestered halls. Maybe I would have become a carpenter. I think I would have enjoyed that. Now I just do little projects around my house. I became overzealous the other day and decided to build a salt cave in my basement meditation room. I bought the boards, but they have been sitting there while I travelled and I began to wonder if I had the wherewithall to actually finish my project. So today, as I took a break from writing, I got out the boards and started cutting them and putting them together. Some of the kids came by early and helped me even cut a few notches. Then when they were done with their own projects some of them helped me stain the boards. I assembled the project, and I started singing. Alleluia. I kindof amazed myself. It still needs some strengthening, but it is pretty awesome and I feel a sense of accomplishment. The kids work was amazing too. They finished building the houses and they each painted them with some care. What a fun and productive day at the Art Garage.
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I never really know what will happen any given session at the Art Garage, and I feel like that is the best way to be in a lot of endeavors. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own ideas and plans, that we lose touch of what those around us need and want. I had been gone for three weeks, and wasn't even sure the neighbors were around, but I opened up the garage and waited without expectation. It didn't take long before the kids came by. I decided to break out the canvases, and expensive choice, and so I wanted to make sure they took their time with the project. Some how it evolved into acrylic flow painting. A few new folks arrived, and then the older members. When they were done with their canvases, I broke out some small ceramics that had been donated and the kids selected and painted several of their choice. It was a relaxed and welcoming environment, the perfect first day back. Sometimes we can get so caught up in making sure everything goes "according to plan" that we lose the central purpose of what we are doing. I am guilty of getting frustrated, losing patience and trying to force my agenda. I find, over and over, that when I relax and let go, everyone gets exactly what they need. Can we trust that kids can be leaders in their own learning activities? Can we trust that when we allow space for the group to decide it's actions, it will make those choices that are the best for everyone involved? I have seen it work in my own life. Learning to trust, allow for the group to go through its natural process of finding its most effective path, and sensing when to lend support rather than dictating is the name of the game in self-directed learning. All the natural systems in the world self-organize, why should we human beings be any different? So I spent the past three weeks travelling about and sharing ideas about how we can educate our children in ways that honor each of their unique gifts. First at the AERO conference, and then a week long adventure in singing at the SongWorks Workshop. It was amazing. I found my love of learning quite late in life. Although today I hold two doctorate degrees from prestigious universities, I actually was a terrible student. I nearly failed out of the fourth grade, and by high school I was a permanent member of the Alternative School. I went to community college after high school with the intention of getting a 19 credit hour certificate in nannying. I love kids and so I knew I could be good at that. At the last minute I decided to get the basic education credits so I could get an Associate's and if for some reason at some point I decided I would go to get a Bachelor's. Well, I was blown away when after my first semester I looked at my report card and I had almost all As. I hadn't even tried to get "A"s I had simply tried to learn what they were offering. After that I strove for As, and to my surprise I became a straight A student. Even when I went to the "real" college, I continued to get As. I had to break myself of that need to get As, which I did and got back to the point, which is to learn all I needed. So why did I nearly fail out in regular K-12 education? Why did I think I was dumb? I think this is one of the reasons I am such a believer in creating educational curriculum that brings back the joy of learning. I am filled with gratitude for my step-mom Sue who encouraged me to go to college and always believed in me. I came back after my trip to be greeted by my pooch, and the Art Garage family. They told me they had been taking care of my garden. I went with them to look to find it blossoming. There was even a butterfly fluttering around. We all have our moments to blossom. This takes nurturing, with lightness and food for the mind and spirit. Let's make sure we take care in our schools to nurture and support our children so they can become their highest and best selves. Too much harshness can have disasterous consequences. I feel very blessed to have had someone to help me through, not everyone is so lucky. Will you be that one to make the difference to that child in your life? |
Abigail LarrisonEducator, Scientist and Art Maker. The purpose of all life is to spread joy. What brings more joy than making art? Archives
November 2023
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