Why Choice?
A "choice-based" art classroom looks a little different than a traditional product-oriented program. Where the old-school art teacher might introduce the life and work of VanGogh and have students reproduce "Starry Night" with crayons and watercolors, a choice teacher might introduce the life and work of VanGogh, demonstrate colorful impasto painting (using thick textural paint), and then give students the option to explore the techniques and style of VanGogh, or work in a different medium that has a stronger attraction for that student for whatever reason. This type of very open-ended instruction allows for students to truly behave like artists, making choices based on personal experiences, exploring and getting inspired by media, creating truly original work, and independently developing craft and style. The result is a curious and confident student who knows what it means to be an artist, rather than simply knowing about art.
A "choice-based" art classroom looks a little different than a traditional product-oriented program. Where the old-school art teacher might introduce the life and work of VanGogh and have students reproduce "Starry Night" with crayons and watercolors, a choice teacher might introduce the life and work of VanGogh, demonstrate colorful impasto painting (using thick textural paint), and then give students the option to explore the techniques and style of VanGogh, or work in a different medium that has a stronger attraction for that student for whatever reason. This type of very open-ended instruction allows for students to truly behave like artists, making choices based on personal experiences, exploring and getting inspired by media, creating truly original work, and independently developing craft and style. The result is a curious and confident student who knows what it means to be an artist, rather than simply knowing about art.
What is TAB?
Teachers who reject traditional product-oriented art instruction often refer to themselves as "TAB teachers," or having a "TAB classroom. "TAB," which stands for Teaching for Artistic Behavior, is an online group that supports and educates those who teach a choice-based program. Common characteristics of "TAB classrooms" are studio centers set up to allow students access to a variety of media, short daily demonstrations of artists and techniques to inspire, and frequent verbal and written reflection and critique. |
Your child's artwork is precious.
At Teller we will create some teacher-directed projects, but a lot of the work that you see coming home with kids or posted online will be student-directed and consequently not as polished and "pretty" as a traditional art project. The work is age-appropriate and is evidence of important discoveries being made about style and media. Because this work comes from the heart of the child (not the teacher's brain), they have immeasurable pride in it. Honoring this work validates the learning that took place in creating it. Talk to your child about their artwork. When you ask "What is it?" you imply it has to be something. Ask open-ended questions like, "Tell me about your picture," or "Why did you decide to make this?" Find a place to display precious work, even if for a short time. Supporting your child's creative growth will reinforce independent and confident decision-making throughout their life.
At Teller we will create some teacher-directed projects, but a lot of the work that you see coming home with kids or posted online will be student-directed and consequently not as polished and "pretty" as a traditional art project. The work is age-appropriate and is evidence of important discoveries being made about style and media. Because this work comes from the heart of the child (not the teacher's brain), they have immeasurable pride in it. Honoring this work validates the learning that took place in creating it. Talk to your child about their artwork. When you ask "What is it?" you imply it has to be something. Ask open-ended questions like, "Tell me about your picture," or "Why did you decide to make this?" Find a place to display precious work, even if for a short time. Supporting your child's creative growth will reinforce independent and confident decision-making throughout their life.