I teach to share the wonders of my discoveries and to exchange with my students the wonder of theirs.
- Michele Cooper
Teaching art is one of the most joyful aspects of my teaching practice. My first and most intensive experience teaching art was when I managed weekly art programs at the Silk Purse Art Centre for West Vancouver Parks & Community Services in the summers of 2002/2003 . Five days a week I taught 5 – 7 year olds in the morning and 8 – 11 year olds in the afternoon in a tiny room of an old house on the water’s edge.
We talked about famous artists, we read stories for inspiration, we painted, we built things out of recycled materials, we did paper mache under the sun and we shared our artwork in mini-critiques. I strived to create a fun, inquisitive and stimulating environment and encouraged creativity, concentration and artistic energy. What fantastic creations emerged!
I continued to teach a variety of art classes for West Vancouver Parks & Community Services as well as workshops for the North Vancouver Community Arts Council and the Seymour Art Gallery. I also worked in arts administration for the Ferry Building Gallery, the Seymour Art Gallery and the Harmony Arts Festival.
Currently I am a K-7 teacher working on call for two school districts in Vancouver as I try to establish myself in my new home, Comox Valley. I’m passionate about integrating the arts into all curriculum. Artistic students are critical thinkers, ready for 21st century learning. Check out my teaching portfolio and blog http://nicolewarrington.wordpress.com/.
Quote from Teaching Developmentally Appropriate Physical Education pg. 79
