THE MANY GIFTS OF ART MAKING

EXPRESSIVE ARTS, ART THERAPY & PLAY THERAPY

with Alessandra Colfi,Artist, Expressive Art Facilitator, Linguist

Art not only reproduces the visible, but makes visible that which is not easily seen.’Kimon Nikolaides, arts educator

‘Imagination is more important than knowledge’ – Albert Einstein

EXPRESSIVE ARTSVS.

ART THERAPY

* Client Centered Approach

* Therapeutic Relationship

WHY ART MAKING?

• Activate fantasy and imagination, giving it shape and color, bringing out messages

• Art making is the doorway to our souls.• Natural tendency for the psyche to heal

itself.

(Carl Jung’s teachings)

CHILDREN’S ART

Through art and play, children may play / act out issues, traumatic events, uncomfortable situations,

and build coping skills.

CHILD-CENTERED PLAY THERAPY

~ Look At The World Through A Child’s Eyes ~

1.We can only give what we are aware of, accept and appreciate in ourselves.

2.The child takes the lead when he/she feels safe and comfortable.

Others / supplies / toys = catalysts.

3. Children learn by experience.

4. Sit down at children’s eye level and show interest.

5. Listen to the child

6. A statement goes to the child’s soul.

7. Play is children’s language.

8. ‘It sounds like you have a plan.’

Using Choices & Consequences turn all responsibility back to them.

9. Allow - No hurry10. Play is intrinsically complete & rewarding

Give the child credit, not praise. Play allows children to discover their own strengths11. Always address the child as ‘you’12. If I don’t learn something from the child, then the child won’t learn anything from me

ENCOURAGEMENT & VALIDATION

VS. PRAISE

CREATE MOTIVATION & DISCIPLINE

PROCESS VS. PRODUCT

THE ARTS FOSTER, ENHANCE, NURTURE AND PROMOTE:

* Hand-Eye Coordination

* Small Muscle Development

* Concentration / Focus

* Relaxation

* Cooperation

* Imagination & Fantasy

* Self-Esteem

* Processing Information

* Following Direction

…

…THE ARTS FOSTER, ENHANCE, NURTURE AND

PROMOTE:* Self-Motivation to Explore & to Learn

* Sense of Control & Accomplishment

* Confidence in Risk-Taking

* Left/Right Brain Harmonization

* Creativity & Problem Solving

* Compassion

* Stress Management

* Emotional Intelligence

* Bonding

LEARNING DIFFERENCES ~ LEARNING STYLES

• 15% AUDITORY

• 40% VISUAL

• 45% KINESTHETIC

MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCIES

By Harvard’s Dr. Howard Gardner

FIELD RESEARCH SHOWSSKILLS TRANSFER…

SEATTLE - Green Lake Elementary School * Discipline Problem Almost Disappeared * Rising Academic AchievementNEEDHAM, MASS. – John Eliot Elem. School * Highest Scores in Massachusetts Educational Assessment Program - MEAP SHUTESBURY, MASS. - Elem. School * Learning subjects through art brings Higher Student Motivation, Understanding, Quality of Work, Discipline

WHAT THESE SCHOOLS HAVE IN COMMON:

AT LEAST 25% CURRICULM FOCUSES ON THE ARTS AS SEPARATE SUBJECTS

THE ARTS ARE INTEGRATED THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM

…FIELD RESEARCH SHOWSSKILLS TRANSFER

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BOARD

SAT scores are 31 to 50 points higher for math and language in students who had art & music in their curriculum.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND THE ARTS

PLAY TIME!