Create a learning space

re: Create a learning space

Gwen Powell — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 02:44:43 GMT

It is hard for me to put myself back into a teenagers mind. But thinking of myself and the few teens I know, I would build a simple room with lots of natural light. In a nook I would have computers for research. Along all the walls below the windows I would have books shelves filled with books on the topics and related topics of the arts we would be studying. Some would be historical, some fiction, some how-to's and many patterns for inspiration. I would have a large area for instructors, guest instructors and student from the class instructors. One that all three of these groups would be comfortable in. And seating with lots of room around so that the students were not cramped and could spread out their notes. Then there must be room for equipment for the current study. I would want to learn one discipline and practice it at a time. If all the equipement were available at once, I would not be able to keep my mind on the task at hand. I have that problem now and put away extraneous equipment so I can consentrate on the current project. But that is a just my point of view.

re: Create a learning space

EllenD — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:07:01 GMT

Holistic learning applies to the language we use with the children. The word "unique" means "one of a kind". Can some be _more_ "one of a kind" than something else? Can it be _really_ "one of a kind"? It is unique. That alone is a powerful statement, without a lot of extra verbiage.

re: Create a learning space

Amy Clarke Moore — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 12:47:32 GMT

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments!

Grouseridgewoolens: Good suggestion--geography and the silk road.

nettletea: Isn't it great how learning one craft can lead to another--a spiral of connections.

987maria: Great idea to start with Penelope. We were talking about starting with Greek Mythology--I was thinking of the Arachne story, Penelope's good, too--and to tie it into art from a later period is perfect.

re: Create a learning space

987maria — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:56:10 GMT

What a beautiful opportunity to touch or delve into so many of these subjects...

I would start with having my students look at this one ceiling-painting 'Penelope at the loom' by Stradano, from the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, Italy. It depicts Penelope and friends working with many different tools for fibre.

For me, this is the ultimate starting-point. Not only the story of Penelope, but the history behind the painting, the architecture of the building it is in, the political views of the era when was built, the society compared to what we think now...

And, I would add a computer - for storage of ideas and projects, and research and communication.

re: Create a learning space

nettletea — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:37:34 GMT

What a lovely place to learn! I was very fortunate to have access to adult quality art materials, art shows, museums and art scholarships during the summers when I was growing up. We were not well off but my parents believed in cultivating what we were passionate about as they did for themselves. Lucky me! I learned not only how to do art but also most importantly, how to learn on my own as well as from others and look at learning itself. For instance, at 16 I learned through a weaving class that I was much more interested in creating interesting yarn than cloth. This lead to a world of spinning different fibers, learning a myriad of technique and collecting antique textile tools, some from Eastern Europe. I had permission early on to learn something unusual, something different from my peers. What a gift to give to a young person.

re: Create a learning space

Grouseridgewoolens — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:21:27 GMT

Amy, what a great experience to volunteer in that kind of learning environment. That is one reason I home schooled my children, to help them connect every subject with everyday things. One of my daughters' yearly curriculum was to read Lucy Maude Montgomerys' book Anne of Green Gables and her art project was knitting a throw to keep for herself for her home someday. Every subject can be tied to fiber in some way. Or should I say fiber can be connected with all subjects: History-China and the silk road, Science-cochineal bugs(biology) and Geography-Mexico, Math-patterns, graphs, Art-knitting,felting,tapestry. You get the picture. I think one of the best features of Spin-Off is the History and Geography and connecting with the people who live and do it. Of all Interweaves Publications Spin-Off is my favorite. I love taking a raw product and creating something usable or artistic.