Art teachers teach color theory and perspective, shading and layering, and so many other artistic techniques crucial to bettering their students’ artwork. But, between those drawing and painting lessons, you’re also imparting some critical life lessons students will take with them. Lessons like:
Try Something New! Whether it’s a new medium, a fresh technique, or new perspective, you encourage your students to put themselves out there and try something different.
Accept Criticism… Learning to translate constructive criticism into a useful growth tool isn’t easy, but art critiques are where it all begins. Dropping the defensive and considering their fellow artists’ takes will help your students grow in other areas of their lives, too.
But Don’t Worry So Much About What Others Think! Considering constructive criticism is one thing, but you also encourage your students to express their unique visions in their own unique ways and not to worry quite so much about how it jives with the rest of the world.
Only They Know When They’re Done. Art takes time and only the artist knows when they’ve given it their all. In your art room, students learn not to call it quits until they’ve done their best, whatever it is.
Consider Different Perspectives. There’s always more than one way to look at things and the practical theory of perspective helps your students see that. If they can’t solve a problem one way, try another. When they can’t understand where someone’s coming from? Your students look at things from their side.
Find the Good. Let’s face it. Nothing’s perfect. But your students are able to find the good and the beautiful despite flaws and imperfections, thanks to you. Seeing the beauty in the world puts them in a positive place, no matter what they’re working on.
See Each Individual Piece. Where some may feel like the whole world is falling apart or everything is a total disaster, art students are able to separate the individual elements and see what’s working and what’s not. You’re teaching your kids not to throw the baby out with the bathwater—to keep the good and rework the rest.
You can feel proud of the impact you’re making on your students each and every day. The lessons you’re imparting will serve them well, and well beyond their school years.
