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| Meet "Dale & Dalia" - two astronauts exploring far off places, clay sculpture collaboration, by "A" & "A," grade 6 |
Every two weeks, students pause in the “making” to reflect
about and share their work. Sometimes the reflection is about a finished
artwork, other times it is an examination of individuals’ creative process. Students
refer to 8 “Studio Thinking Habits” as a lens to examine their work.
Here are some of the recent responses from a grade 6 class
near the end of their 10 week quarter:
- DEVELOP CRAFT: “I learned how to hand sew better and I
learned a different kind of stitch.”
- DEVELOP CRAFT/ENGAGE & PERSIST/ENVISION: ( this student
chose 3 Studio Thinking Habits): “I am practicing my drawing skills by drawing
a comic book/ I decided to make a comic book and I didn't give up on it/I’m
using imagination by making up a comic book.”
- ENVISION: “I used the sewing machine to make a costume for
my sister’s 18” dolls.”
- DEVELOP CRAFT: “I was developing craft because I was
learning how to use clay in a better way because my piece is functional.”
- OBSERVE: “I was going off what my friend did and I decided I
really liked it.”
- ENGAGE & PERSIST: “I chose this because I am determined
to finish this blanket for my baby cousin.”
- REFLECT: “I have
chosen reflect because I have learned to describe my artwork and talk about it
in my own words.”
This is the second year that this group has employed Studio
Thinking Habits to think and speak about their work. The habits were
identified and described by a group of researcher and art educators from
Harvard Project Zero who sought to define the benefits for students of participating
in art programs.
These “Habits of Mind” are useful to examine learning in
other disciplines as well. I have heard of music teachers, a science teacher
and a math teacher who employ these ideas in their practice with students.
Habits of Mind describe the thinking and skills that contribute to the ability
to become life-long-learner and creative producers.
