Jennifer Yang

Professor Ward
Art 133
October 21, 2015
"Play"
Play brings fun and excitement to one's life. The studios in the past weeks have been fun
and playful. I got to enjoy making finger puppets, a collage, and other art works. Douglas and
Jaquith (2009) states that "children are constantly engaged in authentic learning experiences
where they must apply their knowledge to their work." I felt like a lost child during these studio
times because it was difficult deciding what I wanted to create. I had to be inspired by something
or think of something that I really liked to create my art work. Once I had an idea, I felt confident
with my creation. Everything about the studio was playful and fun. Sometimes having no rules is
better because the playful imagination part and do all the fun.
The way I will adapt the big idea, play, to my future students is that I would incorporate
more play time than strict time. My way of teaching is authoritative teaching. After reading
Douglas and Jaquith and Freyermuth's books, it really changed my perspective of including more
fun into my teaching. Students need fun in their life to be able to learn. I love the way
Freyermuth was open to what her students suggestions. I would have a difficult time accepting
what my students would want, but it is about letting loose.
The artist within has the capacity to wonder, to experience the world in fresh and surprising
ways, to imagine things that could be, and to share a unique point of view with others through
authentic work that arises from a personal sense of purpose.
Reference
Douglas, K. M., & Jaquith, D. B. (2009). Engaging learners though artmaking: Choice-based
art education in the classroom. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Freyermuth, V. K. (2012). One art teachers search for a holistic approach. In L. H. Campbell &
S. Simmons III (Eds.), The heart of education: Holistic approaches (pp. 266-269).
Reston, VA: National Art Education Association.