Yes, Paris is the city of love for romantic reasons,
but we love the city for it’s art and buildings! Paris is a cultural mecca for
all people, big and small, and at one time, we were able to go on study trips
to Paris. Yes! Taking a bus load of elementary school children to Paris!
Unfortunately those days are past, but, our guest blogger this week is a former
art teacher who taught during those days and sponsored several trips to Paris
with students. She was and is an awesome art teacher who is passionate about
art education in the schools, and rightly so.
Ms. C in her van Gogh outfit while teaching about his life before
heading to the Musee de Orsay to view the
impressionist's exhibits.
PARIS, I thought as an elementary art teacher, was a dream. It did
materialize with elementary art students
at BES!! Some regard art education as a frill while the creative
activities are of great importance to child development. The benefits of
art include enhancing motor skills (the use of scissors develops the dexterity
for writing), developing language (talking about works of art including those
of their own), encouraging inventiveness and promoting cultural awareness.
Studies have also shown that there is a connection between the arts and
improved academic performance. The fine arts also provide non-academic benefits
including promoting self esteem, aesthetic awareness and motivation. Art is a major language of childhood and is extremely
important to their development and helps them become more imaginative and
responsible adults.
Student posing for class to draw.
The buses were named after famous artists
Student in front of the Eifel Tower
Classes in front of the Eifel Tower
Pictures by Ms. G – another art teacher bestie! (Wow, I’m sooooo lucky to have not
one but two Art teachers who are in my top 5 favorite!!!!)
Art work by Ms. G’s art classes
