POINT OF VIEW
Why Teaching Art Is Like Going to Disney World
It’s a joy to share the art experience with families at fundraising events.
I have taught several virtual painting classes as a princess.
Melissa Brown
This might sound strange, but hear me out: I’ve been an art teacher for fifteen years and I’ve been to Disney World six times. There’s a correlation! Let me explain.
The magic is real.
It warms my soul when students look into my eyes, and with complete sincerity, tell me they love art or that they want to be art teachers when they grow up. The precious pieces of art that I receive are true gifts, made with tiny loving hands by students who want to express their appreciation for the joy that I was able to share with them.
Do what you can to show your students how much there is to art and hopefully their eyes will be opened to something that speaks to them.
Laughter and joy are inevitable.
Being able to create something from nothing is an amazing feeling that you can only truly understand if you’ve experienced it yourself. And it’s contagious, like laughter. Being able to share the joy and love of art with others is an honor.
It doesn’t matter where you start.
When teaching students about art, it honestly doesn’t matter where you start. The beautiful thing is that it’s all connected in some way, and you end up getting to where you need to go.
Souvenirs are a must.
Whether it’s a picture a student made for you or a photo you took of a student’s artwork, these documents are priceless. They are moments in time and capture a child’s heart.
Meals might be eaten in a hurry.
Sometimes there’s just too much to do and you want the day to be perfect for everyone, so you don’t take time to rest your feet, and you’ll probably regret it later.
Not everyone appreciates it.
I recognize art isn’t for everyone. Not every student will love your class or discover the magic of art in your classroom. But that shouldn’t keep you from trying. Your class may be the only art class they ever take. Do what you can to show your students how much there is to art and, hopefully, their eyes will be opened to something that speaks to them.
You are exhausted by the end of the day.
The day was filled with so many wonderful and amazing things, but it wears you out. Teaching kids art requires all of you. It’s a physical and emotional job. Most art teachers have well over a hundred students that they build relationships with. And in the classroom, they help those students explore their own personal journeys through creating.
There you have it. So, the next time you’re wondering if what you’re doing matters to a child, just think about this and know how much you and your class mean to them.
Disclaimer: I am in no way affiliated with the Disney company. I am just a fan.
Melissa Brown is teaching online with OutSchool and VIPKid. art_queen_mbrown@yahoo.com