Making your mark with the arts

Why arts education?
 
You know that moment when your kid is telling a story and you start laughing, because the story is so wacky and wonderful? And in that moment you wonder – where does this come from? Children imagine amazing things, and they do it naturally. Often as adults, we forget that we once had such free spirited, unfiltered creativity. This Washington Post article explains what’s so great about arts education. It’s not just about learning comedic timing or how to stay in character on stage. It’s about building creativity, confidence, problem solving, perseverance, and so much more.
 
And that is precisely why CARE Actor is passionate about awakening creativity in youth. Creative play is so, so important to learning in general. When we nurture kids’ imaginations, we give them the freedom to experiment. They can be silly. They can be ridiculous. They can be kids. By focusing on the process instead of the product, we give kids permission to be imperfect. And imperfection can be a beautiful thing.
 
There are lots of opportunities to nurture that creativity outside of school. Read on to discover a book, art activity, and improv game that will get your kids’ creative juices flowing.

Image credit: Amazon.com

“Just make a mark and see where it takes you.”
 
Peter H. Reynolds’ The Dot is a picture book with a very simple premise. A young girl named Vashti refuses to create anything in art class because she thinks she can’t draw. Instead of chastising her, the teacher encourages her to “just make mark and see where it takes you.” The teacher encourages Vashti to express herself and try new things without worrying about whether she’s “good enough” at art. Not only does Vashti produce some cool artwork, but she also becomes more confident and genuinely interested in being creative.
 
Now make your mark
 
Encourage your kids to experiment with color like Vashti does in the book.

Image credit: CARE Actor

Art Project Materials:
 

• White paper (large and small pieces)
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Pen or pencil
• Newspaper (for protecting your floor or table)

 
Directions:
 

1. Clear a space for painting. Lay down newspaper if you wish.
2. Start by painting one dot.
3. Change it up however you like. Make the dot bigger. Introduce more dots. Blend colors to create new colors. Make tiny dots. Make huge dots. Break out oversized paper if you have it. Encourage your kids to just have fun with the activity. There’s no wrong way to make a dot!
4. When you are finished, sign your awesome artwork.
   

Video credit: CARE Actor

Energy: One to Ten
 
This acting warm-up game gets your kids (and you) centered in your own bodies and ready to be creative. Check out our video of a CARE Actor teaching artist leading Act It Out (TM) students in this exercise.
 
Directions:
 

1. Stand facing each other.
2. Tell your kids that you are going to count from one to ten, getting louder and more energetic as you count up.
3. Start by crouching on the ground. Touch the ground. Whisper “one.”
4. Keep counting, as you gradually stand up, lift your arms into the air, and raise your voice. By the time you get to “ten,” you are on your feet, your hands are in the air, and you are shouting.
5. You can repeat to try to get everyone’s energy level to match, or use different voice styles (like the “little tiny voices” used in our video.)