Process is one of the most important parts of creativity . There is a process in creating music ,
science experiments , visual arts products , poetry , choreography and the list goes on and on . In all that we do , there is a process but how do we let our learners understand that . An artist doesn ’ t just sit down and create an amazing painting . There is a process , and practice . I wanted my students to understand that there is a lot of effort , time , practice , and experimenting in creating a work of art . This is such a huge concept ; I was overwhelmed by how to present this idea to my students . I chose to do this in a daily wrap up called # ProcessPigs . I spent my summer creating pigs . I used many different techniques , mediums , and processes . I documented every bit of my process and asked guest artist to do the same . I wrote a blog post for every pig that was created . These pigs were hung in my classroom to welcome the 2015 / 16 students into their Art Studio . These pigs were the talk of the Art room . Everyday at the end of class I would say to my students , “ I have a Process Pig to show you .”
They would respond with the ( elementary ) definition of process saying , “ Hey Mrs . Hahn , How was it made .” I would share about a pig and my students would look forward to it every week . They would watch the video and look at the pig hanging on the wall as they lined up . They would make predictions of the process of different pigs before they were covered . It was truly entertaining education . If it was a pig that I had created , there was often a short video about the process . If the pig was by a guest artist , there would be pictures and an image of the artist who created the pig . The process didn ’ t necessarily align with the projects or concepts being studied in class , but it did consistently bring students through the path of an artist : preplanning , creating , revising , and reflection . One thing I was sure to share with my students was failure . I was always sure to keep the mistakes and talk about the learning that happened through the mistakes . A great example of this is when I created my Sumi Pig . In the video I show an extensive process to such a simplistic pig . I also showed a major mistake on the pig , I ‘ signed ’ my name upside down . Students laugh and delight from their teacher admitting imperfection . It makes mistakes valued and celebrated . STEAMed Magazine
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July 2016 Edition