Donalyn Heise and Ariana Zaia 

What helps us get through scary or difficult times? In her book The Gifts of Imperfection (Hazelden Publishing, 2022), Brené Brown identifies five attributes that resilient people share: They are (1) resourceful and have good problem-solving skills; (2) more likely to seek help; (3) believe they can do something to help them manage their feelings and cope; (4) have access to social support; and (5) are connected with others, such as family or friends.

How can art teachers strengthen resilience in young learners? The following lesson was taught in a public elementary school to help young students learn basic ceramic techniques as well as resilience. Integrating children’s literature provided an example of how a nest of baby sea turtles used their resources, social supports, and problem-solving skills to survive.

Starting with a Book
The lesson began with the instructor reading the book Chase the Moon, Tiny Turtle: A Hatchling’s Daring Race to the Sea by Kelly Jordan (Page Street Kids, 2021). Next, the class discussed how the sea turtle hatchlings in the story followed the moon to overcome dangerous obstacles and reach the ocean safely. Among the predators were hungry crabs, swooping owls, and foxes.

By focusing on resilience, teachers can address artistic and academic growth while helping learners cope with life’s challenges.

In the end, one tiny turtle used its protective shell to ride the ocean waves to reach a calm clearing and rejoin the group. To elicit active participation, the instructor asked questions such as, What was the turtle’s journey like? How do you think the turtle was feeling? What challenges did the turtle face along the way? and What helped the turtles safely reach their home? 

Assets that helped the turtles overcome obstacles included their ability to move quickly, the light of the moon helping them stay on course, strength in numbers, and using their shells to catch the waves once they reached their destination.

After reading and discussing the story, students shared things that helped them make it past their own scary or challenging times. Examples included holding their parents’ hands, comfort from their pets, and personal objects such as their favorite blanket. 

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