Knowing what you know about using the creative arts in elementary schools, from both personal experiences and reading the text, please discuss why the teacher’s role is so crucial. Also, feel free to address what you see being done in public schools today that fosters the creative arts.
The teacher’s role is crucial in encouraging and supporting creative thinking and creative arts in the classroom. As teachers, we set up the environment of our classroom and help set the tone for the class. It is our responsibility to create an environment where children have the ability to express themselves creatively (Isenberg & Jalongo, 2014, p. 243). Teachers can encourage and support their students by giving the students chances …show more content…
My fondest memory of being able to be creative in elementary school was during my fourth grade year. After recess every day, we would come back to the classroom and our teacher would spend thirty minutes reading to use from a “fun” chapter book. During this time, we were allowed to draw, color, and create using a special set of supplies that was just for reading time. We were given complete freedom as to what we created within a set of guidelines; we were allowed only two pieces of white paper (or sometimes colored paper), we could have as much notebook paper as we wanted, and we could borrow up to five Mr. Sketch smelly markers at a time. We could use the crayons, scissors, glue sticks, colored pencils that we kept in our desk as well. I loved knowing that every day I would be able to use those smelly markers to draw something. My teacher had specifically created an environment and tone of creativity during that time. We didn’t have to draw or color during this time, but I don’t remember anyone not gathering their supplies when we came back in. After reading time was over, she would give us a few seconds to share what we had created with our table and then a couple people would get to share with the class. My fourth grade year was full of creative engagement, and I know my teacher strategically planned each and every creative opportunity we had. She fostered, supported, and