The great significance of the arts, basically because it shows the true feelings of the inner mysteries of life and passion of the world.
- Romain Rolland
Art has great power. Through art, we can construct self-awareness and explore the outside world. For children, art serves as a medium which allows exploration opportunities for learning, communication and expression. In this inquiry unit, Prep 3 students all turned into little artists and critics, together we explore the definition of art.
"When talking about art, what do you think of?"
"We think of Van Gogh's sunflowers, Monet's water lilies, Beethoven's Symphony of Destiny."
Regarding the forms of art, P3 students gave different answers in class.
In the initial engagement stage, students explored deep into different forms of art, such as music, painting, and dance. When we looked into robotic art, students started a debate to share their views on the definition of art. At this stage, students also learned that different art forms can express the thoughts and emotions of the artists.
“Rainbow flower beds make our campus like the home of fairies!”When the students passed by the decorated flower garden, they couldn't help but started to praise from the bottom of their heart.
This unit allows transdisciplinary learning opportunities where art, music and drama were integrated. Students studied famous Chinese and foreign historical painters in the art class, such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Bada Shanren, and so on. With these inspirations, the class drew up themes when decorating the flower beds.
P3B students collected bottles or cans on campus and used them for pots for plant growing. Recycling plus creativity turn used plastic bottles into an artistic landscape.
The little artists of P3A tried to build an area where people and nature live in harmony. They decided to create homes for the little residents of the garden - the lovely birds. Colourful bird houses were made and put up on trees to further enrich the artistic garden area.
Excursion to Auratic Porcelain Museum
During the investigation stage of the unit, Prep 3 students visited the National Porcelain Factory Museum- Auratic. The children learned that art can be part of their daily and social life. They looked into the production of different dining wares, and most importantly, they learned the stories behind the design of these porcelains during their investigation.
At the end of the visit, the children can't wait to become ceramic artists and design pottery which reflects their character and creativity.
Performance and Exhibition
At this stage, students showcased their process and product of learning through an art exhibition. English drama, singing, dancing and music performances were incorporated in the exhibition. They also took a visit to the garden where all their art works were displayed and were deeply immersed into the atmosphere of the art.
Some people may think that art is distant to our lives. The Prep 3 students showed us with their actions that art can happen around us. Any bits and pieces that express our infinite imagination and individual emotions can be art. We all have the eyes to discover the beauty around us and we can all become little artists.
