Educacion Diversa’s Post

In these turbulent times it’s easy to forget, if we ever knew, that children have the human right to play. (We adults have it too, though we tend to call it the right to rest and relaxation…)  In fact, children’s right to play has equal value with all their other rights under the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to life. Why? Because children need to play to flourish and thrive. It links closely with their freedom of expression. I'm delighted to say that past-master of playful expression, former UK Children’s Laureate Chris Riddell, has stepped to the fore to support the Seen and Heard project that I’m collaborating on right now with Amnesty International Polska and University of Malta, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin) and University of Wroclaw. Chris is providing a wonderful creative spark, from running online drawing workshops for children of over 50 nationalities, to illustrating a book that will come out of the project. 🙏 Last week – oh lucky me! – I was part of an online drawing workshop with Chris and children in Malta, Germany and Poland. We asked Chris to help children explore their right to play and have fun. He did and they did! (So did I, as it happens.) You won’t be surprised when I say that drawing is a wonderful way of exploring and expressing feelings, of breathing in and out and simply being. It also made me think that there’s another right involved here: freedom of thought, which is a kind of play with our minds. Because without our imaginations it would be so much harder to dream another world, express our ideas and feelings, or step inside someone else’s skin – whether they be mermaid, tree, dragon or human. To imagine positive change and work for a better world. So – drawing supports children’s right to play, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and probably many more (I’m thinking equality, for example). Whatever, it was an utter joy. You can read my blog about it at Seen and Heard https://lnkd.in/eZtAmCzx and on my consultancy site, Red Page https://lnkd.in/eb_Eq47B. #childrights #righttoplay #freedomofexpression #freedomofthought #ChrisRiddell

Last evening, standing in front of my sons' school art wall, I had an epiphany. Each piece was boldly different - some loud with color, others whispered in pastels. Some meticulously planned, others beautifully chaotic. Not a single artwork trying to be "correct" or "proper." Just pure, authentic expression. And then it hit me: Art is inherently feminist. 🎨 Why? Because art asks us to pause, look within, and express our truth without apology. It celebrates our unique voice, our individual perspective. There's no "right way" to create art. Patriarchy, on the other hand, thrives on conformity. It's built on putting people in boxes, making us march to the same beat, united by a shared fear of "not enough." It whispers, "Stay in line. Don't stand out. Follow the rules." As a mother of three almost-teenage boys, this realization feels profound. In our parent-teacher meetup last evening about fostering an artist community in school, I couldn't help but think: When we encourage creativity, we're actually teaching our children to resist the uniformity that patriarchy demands. Every time a child picks up a paintbrush and creates something uniquely theirs, they're learning that their voice matters. That different perspectives make our world richer, not scarier. That there's enough space for everyone's expression. Maybe that's why art feels so liberating. It's not just about creating something beautiful - it's about breaking free from the boxes society tries to put us in. It's an act of gentle rebellion through self-expression. Looking at that vibrant art wall last evening, I saw more than just student artwork. I saw little revolutionaries in the making, each one learning that their authentic voice deserves to be heard. ✨ #Feminism #Art #Parenting #Education #Creativity #AuthenticExpression #PersonalGrowth What do you think? Have you picked up the sketchbook lately, or even the tissue from the icecream parlour to scribble something? 🤔 Its rewarding ! I would love to see your art.

https://lnkd.in/gUGrkCUp Introduce your elementary students to the vibrant and iconic art of Keith Haring with our engaging art lesson plan. Dive into the world of bold lines, dynamic figures, and social messages as your students explore Haring's unique style and create their own art project inspired by his impactful work. Meet Keith Haring: Start the lesson by introducing your students to the life and art of Keith Haring. Share intriguing facts about his background, his passion for public art, and his commitment to spreading positive messages through his artwork. Show them examples of Haring's iconic figures, energetic lines, and vibrant colors. The Power of Symbolism: Engage your students in a discussion about the power of symbols and how they can convey meaning in art. Explore Haring's use of simple and recognizable symbols, such as hearts, figures, and dancing lines, to communicate universal messages of love, unity, and activism. Discuss the impact of his art in public spaces and how it engaged viewers from all walks of life. Dynamic Lines and Movement: Dive deeper into Haring's distinctive style characterized by bold and fluid lines. Explore how he captured movement, energy, and rhythm through his artwork. Encourage your students to observe the fluidity and expressiveness of Haring's lines and discuss how they can use similar techniques in their own creations. Creating Art with a Message: Inspire your students to create their own artwork inspired by Keith Haring's style and social consciousness. Provide them with materials such as markers, paints, and paper. Guide them in sketching and outlining bold figures, using Haring's signature style of simple shapes and energetic lines. Encourage them to incorporate symbols and messages that reflect their own values and ideas. Spreading Positive Messages: Discuss with your students the importance of using art as a platform for positive change and self-expression. Encourage them to think about the messages they want to convey through their artwork, whether it's promoting kindness, equality, or environmental awareness. Remind them of Haring's belief in the power of art to bring people together and spark conversations.

🎨 "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso In the whirlwind of teaching and parenting, taking time to unwind through art can be incredibly rejuvenating. Whether it’s painting, music, dance, or any form of creative expression, art offers a sanctuary for both adults and children, helping to refresh the spirit and stimulate creativity. Explore the Power of Art: For Educators: What artistic activities do you incorporate into your classroom to inspire creativity and provide a calming outlet for students? For Parents: How do you integrate art into your home life to relax and bond with your children? Reflect on how incorporating art can enrich your daily routine and foster a love for creativity within the young minds you guide. What art form helps you unwind, and how do you share this passion with the children in your life? Join the conversation and share your artistic escapes and inspirations with us! #ArtForTheSoul #CreativeClassrooms #FamilyCreativity

🎨 Just finished a wonderful session painting this vibrant bouquet of flowers! 🌸🌼🌺 Art isn't just a hobby—it's a powerful tool for lifelong learning. Engaging in creative activities like painting offers numerous benefits for adult learners: 1. Stress Relief: Art provides a therapeutic escape from the daily grind, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. 2. Cognitive Function: Creating art can improve problem-solving skills and enhance memory. 3. Emotional Expression: It offers a unique way to express emotions and experiences, fostering emotional well-being. 4. Community Building: Art classes and workshops create a sense of community and provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals. 5. Self-Confidence: Completing an artwork boosts self-esteem and confidence, encouraging personal growth. Let's embrace the transformative power of art in our lives! 🌟 #ArtEducation #LifelongLearning #AdultEducation #CreativeExpression #ArtTherapy #CommunityThroughArt

Are you a business owner looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community while enjoying some financial benefits? Consider sharing your space with a charitable organization! LOUD Art Society is a nonprofit and charitable organization that enhances mental health through art and creative practices. By opening your doors to a charitable organization such as LAS, you not only contribute to a noble cause but can also benefit from property tax exemptions on the portion they occupy. It's a win-win situation that helps you save while making a positive impact. You may also benefit from LAS services as well. Supporting local charities not only fosters goodwill but can also enhance your company's reputation. Your space can become a hub for community collaboration, making your business a beacon of social responsibility. Let's explore the possibilities of partnership and create a brighter future together. Reach out to discuss the potential benefits of hosting a charitable organization in your space! info@loudartsociety.com www.loudartsociety.com #CommunityPartnerships #GiveBack #CorporateResponsibility

https://lnkd.in/gEUaSyfm This art lesson bundle featuring Jim Dine, Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, Gustav Klimt, and Laurel Burch. Here are four ways to incorporate this art lesson bundle into your elementary classroom: Art History: Use the art of Jim Dine, Pablo Picasso, Roy Lichtenstein, Gustav Klimt, and Laurel Burch to teach your students about different art movements and styles, from pop art to expressionism to art nouveau. Drawing and Painting: Each artist in this bundle has their unique style and techniques, making it a great opportunity for your students to explore different mediums and styles. Your students can create their own pieces inspired by the works of these artists. Language Arts: Use the works of these artists as a starting point for creative writing exercises. Ask your students to imagine themselves as a character in one of the paintings and write a story from their point of view. Math and Geometry: Many of the works of these artists use geometric shapes and patterns, making them perfect for teaching math concepts. Encourage your students to explore the shapes and patterns in each piece and create their own geometric art.

Kiddie Academy Art Gallery by TCF Schools Management is a special iniciative where teachers collect some of their students' best artwork and activities and expose it in the hallways, transforming our schools in a art gallery. We encourage our little ones to express themselves in many different ways. Artistic expression serves as a journey of self-discovery. When we engage in creative activities—whether through painting, music, dance, or any other form—we explore our inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Artistic expression also plays an integral role in cultural preservation and the formation of identity. Art transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, making it a universal language. A piece of art created in one part of the world can evoke strong emotions and resonate with people from entirely different backgrounds. In summary, artistic expression is not only about aesthetics; it’s a vital human experience that enriches our lives, fosters empathy, and preserves our collective memory.  So, whether our kids are holding a paintbrush, dancing, or humming a tune, they are embracing the power of creativity! #kiddieacademy #tcf #childcare https://lnkd.in/dt5xdck9

I'm not merely a "fan" of visual research methods, I'm a dedicated practitioner. Experience has taught me that one specific type of visual research is key to creating learning environments where students are not treated as subjects but instead, our greatest teachers. Participatory photography--more commonly known as photovoice--decenters administrators and teachers within the process. Here, those we hope to learn about are the people we learn from. Learners document their experiences, paying careful attention to opportunity gaps and the shadowy corners of the learning environment that they have deep expertise navigating. They're typically spaces that educators are aware of but do not spend much time within themselves. This makes us unreliable narrators. I've said little about cell phone bans, mostly because I just raised two young women who took themselves off of social media entirely when they realized the detrimental effect it was having on their ability to attend to their learning and their mental health. I get that. However: I also spent the duration of their schooling years wondering if and when they would ever learn how to use those devices to engage in meaningful inquiry work, document their learning, and share their stories. I struggle to understand the learners I serve when I don't invite them to consistently document, reflect upon, and share their learning stories. I struggle to understand how their voices aren't featured more prominently in all of the research we hold up within the field. More on PhotoVoice here, and I recommend the work of Amanda O. Latz, Ed.D. as well. Her book, Photovoice Research in Education and Beyond: A Practical Guide from Theory to Exhibition was recommended to me by Dr. Ann Marie Luce years ago. I reference it heavily it my own research and work, and suggest to K-12 educators often, as we shift toward anti-oppressive assessment practices. https://lnkd.in/eQkTCHyf

Terrible result for Tempest Photography after releasing photos of segregated children. Three main takeaways for me here. 😣 How do they recover from this? How would you handle an employee at your company making a damaging mistake like this? Would you change your training processes and update onboarding to include ethics training? Maybe you’d lean on other processes or software to maintain standards. Perhaps every upload has to be reviewed by the ethics council. ⏰ The problem with process is it can get in the way of progress. There’s always a tradeoff between the freedom to move quickly and the time to prevent mistakes. 📸 Who’s to blame? If your team has hundreds of photos to review and publish, they might not think about second-order effects. Remember, however, the organisers brought the kids out in groups. The photographer took photos as the day progressed. They didn’t say, “Let’s keep those complex kids out of the way for now.” It’s our education system that segregates children. When the camera is pointed at us, we can no longer deny what we see: 1️⃣ An underfunded education system 2️⃣ Systemic discrimination 3️⃣ An outrage-driven media industry Until we hear otherwise, I think we should forgive the individuals at Tempest for making a silly mistake. Ultimately, my thoughts go out to the kids. These adults are so lame. 😎