Daisy McGowan’s Post

As a firm believer in the power of #education to shape young minds and pave the way for future success, I'm continually inspired by the vital role that early childhood education plays in our society. From the moment children enter this world, they are like sponges, soaking up knowledge and experiences that will influence their development for years to come. One cornerstone of early childhood education that often goes overlooked is the invaluable contribution of children's museums. These vibrant spaces serve as interactive hubs where young learners can explore, discover, and ignite their curiosity in a hands-on environment! Whether it's experimenting in exhibits, delving into art activities, or engaging in imaginative play, children's museums like Port Discovery Children's Museum provide a stimulating and nurturing environment that fosters holistic development. Research consistently underscores the significance of early childhood experiences in shaping cognitive, social, and emotional skills that lay the groundwork for future academic and personal achievements. By investing in quality early childhood education programs and supporting initiatives like children's museums, we can empower our youngest learners to thrive and reach their full potential. Let's recognize and celebrate the pivotal role that early childhood education, including the invaluable contributions of children's museums, plays in shaping the trajectory of our future generations. Together, let's ensure that every child has access to enriching educational experiences that set them on a path toward lifelong learning and success. #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ChildrensMuseums #EducationMatters #FutureLeaders #InvestInOurChildren

🎨💔 The arts are an integral part of our culture and community, yet many arts programs are facing critical challenges. The recent article "What We Lose When We Lose UARTS" in The Philadelphia Citizen highlights the profound impact of losing arts education and programs. From stifling creativity and innovation to diminishing cultural awareness and social cohesion, the loss of UARTS leaves a void that affects us all. Arts education is not just about learning to paint or play an instrument—it's about fostering critical thinking, empathy, and resilience. When we lose UARTS, we lose the opportunity to nurture future leaders, creators, and problem-solvers who can drive positive change in our society. 🌟 The article calls on us to recognize the value of arts programs and to advocate for their preservation and support. Let's come together to support and advocate for the preservation of arts education. Our future depends on nurturing the creativity and talents of the next generation. Dive into this powerful commentary to understand what's at stake and how we can make a difference. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g9x8vTrE #Artivism #SocialArtAndCulture #SaveTheArts #ArtsEducation #CreativeCommunities 🎨💪✨

Lesson outline from a recent teacher PD with Gateway Charter School Delaware -Resources to Support Arts Integration. In Part 1, we explored The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Arts Integration Resources for Educators—a treasure trove of tools and strategies we discovered at the Kennedy Center Arts Education Conference last summer. This year, we're thrilled to connect teachers with dynamic digital resources that make arts integration more accessible and impactful for their classrooms! #artsintegration #TeacherPD #creativity

This weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a talk about Neurodiversity in Art at Southampton City Art Gallery. Presented by Verity Babbs, this talk was a self-described “soup” of exploration through historical and contemporary neurodivergent artists, and consideration of the challenges and advantages of navigating the often neurotypical expectations of the professional art world. As an art and design educator, I’m concerned about the learner experience and journey - often working with FE and HE students (who may or may not be neurodivergent) whose previous educational experience has impacted their self-confidence and mental health to such an extent that it becomes a huge barrier to their creative practice. This point was raised and discussed at Saturday’s talk and only reinforced what I already believe to be true. Our education system is in urgent need of review and innovation. Not just for the benefit of neurodiverse learners, but for all. What do you think? How can we approach an educational system shake-up to complement, rather than fight with, the increasingly diverse needs of learners?

The decline in arts education, particularly in drama and performing arts, has left a significant gap in children's development. Many lack the confidence, skills, and creative experiences crucial for success in life. In these challenging times, our work is more crucial than ever. We're responding to these challenges head-on with programmes designed to build skills and confidence for life, giving children the chance to shine through ambitious, challenging experiences. We're committed to empowering young people, fostering creativity, and building the skills they need to thrive. 🫶🏿 https://buff.ly/4eGztAY

If you aren't sure what professional learning event to attend this fall consider this your official sign to register for the 2024 Bright Starts International Conference in UCL East in Stratford, London (or online)! This event includes speakers from around the world on a wide range of topics in early learning. This years conference is organized into the following streams for participants. The New Voices of Children Pedagogy Authentic Assessment in ECE & Autism & Children 0 - 8 years You can count on seeing my familiar face in The New Voices of Children's Pedagogy stream if exploring the relationship between creative expression, emotional regulation, routines and learning portfolios is your thing! It is going to be an inspiring event with a little something for early learning professional - you can count on that! & if the event doesn't suit you this fall, I encourage you to explore the incredible online virtual exhibit "2024 Voices of Children Gallery" offered on the conference website where children's creative art and notes have been gathered from around the world. The online gallery offers valuable insight into global perspectives of children, what their wonderings are, what is important to them, what exists in their world and so much more. Over 1000 children contributed from 7 countries - it is well worth the time to look at! 👆 This would also be a great teaching tool for looking at pedagogical documentation & creative arts through the voice of the child as well as nurturing intercultural development & belonging among adult learners for my fellow ECE Faculty folks! 👀 Virtual field trip or search & find activity - I think so! Check it out for yourself here! - https://lnkd.in/e8M9U_J5 -- Is there an art piece that stood out to you in a particular way? 💬 For me, it's the picture featured from Japan that illustrates a child's experience creating a banner with their family to put up in their community on a national holiday set to celebrate children's healthy development. I wonder how a national holiday to celebrate children in Canada would influence the early learning landscape here? Let me know your favourite art piece in the comments! 💫 Link to conference - https://lnkd.in/eBnpMTmz Link to my session - https://lnkd.in/efGX2Hhh Link to virtual art exhibit - https://lnkd.in/e8M9U_J5

Join my Workshop on March 27th to learn about building websites for creatives and artists! If you are an artist or creative services companies, you need a website that works for your goals and helps you reach new audiences. It can be daunting for many of creatives, and for many it can lead to having no website and no plan to sell your products or services online. I want to help change this. For only $10 you can signup for my upcoming workshop on creating a website. We will talk about what thinking goes into creating a website, the types of websites and platforms to consider, as well as my tips and advice on how to get started in building your website either by yourself or with a web design professional. I will be packing this presentation with tips and tricks as well as actionable steps you can take. Can't wait to see some of you there! 😁

🎨 Investing in Creativity: CAA Awards Art for All Grants to Walton County Teachers The Cultural Arts Alliance (CAA) is proud to announce $9,500 in Art for All grants have been awarded to Walton County teachers, enriching arts education for over 900 K-12 students! These grants will fund creative projects across 14 classrooms in 9 schools, empowering students through visual, literary, and performing arts experiences. For decades, the CAA has supported arts education by awarding more than $855,000 in grants. “By investing in arts education, we empower young minds to think critically, express themselves, and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” said CAA President & CEO Jennifer Steele. 🤩Applications for Art for All grants are open! Teachers, students, and artists can apply at https://lnkd.in/eqJZEZuB. The next deadline is May 15, 2025. 🌟 #ArtForAll #ArtsEducation #CreativityInSchools #WaltonCounty #SupportTheArts #CAAInvests #ArtMatters #WeAreTheCAA #SupportTheArts #LocalArt #NorthwestFlorida #EmeraldCoast #UpsideOfFlorida #SouthWalton #30A #SoWal

On this episode of Arts Engines with Aaron Dworkin, he speaks to Patrice Floyd, Founder & Artistic Director of the Javacya Arts Conservatory, who shares the importance of collaboration for students and organizations. For over four decades, Javacya has stood as a beacon of creativity and empowerment for BIPOC youth, providing them with safe havens to explore their artistic passions. Patrice emphasizes the crucial role of collaboration, highlighting how it fosters not only artistic growth but also a sense of community and belonging among students and organizations alike. In recent years, Javacya has adapted its approach to meet the evolving needs of its students and communities. Recognizing the challenges faced by inner-city youth, the conservatory has embraced a proactive strategy, dispatching teachers to schools in areas that have been historically underserved. By bringing the arts directly to these students, Javacya aims to combat societal issues, such as crime, and provide invaluable opportunities for self-expression and growth. But Javacya's mission extends far beyond the confines of traditional arts education. With a keen eye on the future, the conservatory has seamlessly integrated arts into STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning, empowering students with invaluable skills and creativity that transcend disciplines. Patrice sheds light on key trends shaping the landscape of arts education, including the integration of technology, forging partnerships with community entities, and addressing systemic oppression. She emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, urging us to recognize and amplify the voices of communities who have been marginalized beyond just Black and Brown individuals. In a world where grants may come and go, Patrice emphasizes the enduring power of human connection. By forging alliances with professionals from diverse fields, such as law and medicine, Javacya ensures lasting support for its mission and the communities it serves. #Arts #Culture #Music #ArtsEngines #AaronDworkin #PatriceFloyd #JavacyaArtsConservatory #Collaboration #Students #Youth #Organizations #Education #Dream #Future #Partnerships #Afterschool #CommunityEngagement #STEAM #Tech #Mindfulness #Connection

In the latest episode of Arts Engines, Aaron Dworkin talks with Paul Kassel, Dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Northern Illinois University, who shares insights into collaboration. According to Paul, fostering partnerships begins with adopting a service mindset—a commitment to deep listening and the dissolution of outdated tribalism. He emphasizes the necessity of embracing inclusivity and collaboration in today's interconnected world. Looking ahead, Paul notices this moment of introspection, post-George Floyd, challenging pedagogies and traditions that no longer align with the inclusive environments that need to be cultivated. This journey demands accountability, reflected in every aspect of one's work, from curriculum development to professional growth initiatives. Paul acknowledges the complexities inherent in this endeavor, especially for artists navigating roles as educators and social-emotional learners. He emphasizes the urgency of expanding the canon to reflect overlooked perspectives and contemporary audience dynamics. As we navigate these transformative times, Paul encourages us to prioritize self-care, cultivate enduring relationships, and immerse ourselves in the art we champion. These pillars, he suggests, are essential for sustained advocacy and meaningful impact in the arts landscape. #Arts #Culture #PerformingArts #NorthernIllinoisUniversity #VisualArts #HigherEducation #Cities #Ecosystems #Illinois #Ingenuity #Community #Education #Partnerships #AudienceEngagement #ArtsEducation #Leadership #ArtsManagement #CommunityEngagement #Diversity #Inclusion #Advocacy #Innovation