[Caroline Coady]

As a student, I’ve been involved with circle activities just like this throughout my life. As someone who grew up shy and is only just learning to open up, this kind of group activity always made me nervous. The “pass” was my best friend, but only calmed my nerves until it was finally my turn to speak.

Looking back now, I realize that by the end of the activity, I had heard and learned so much about the others participating. I had even realized that talking in front of others wasn’t so bad after all, especially when we were all in the same vulnerable state of displaying body language. Of course, as a child, I would forget this feeling by the time it was used again.

For this kind of activity, it’s definitely important to remember that some students may not feel comfortable speaking. Perhaps on the first day or two, allowing them to simply listen could help them slowly get more comfortable. However, I do think it’s a great method to get students to share things with each other that they typically wouldn’t if they were in a normal classroom setting and the teacher was asking for volunteers. Having people across from and on either side of you doesn’t really leave you with the option to not include yourself; you don’t have a choice. And once you see others participating, it’s much easier to share your own feelings and opinions.

[Caroline Coady]

One important skill necessary to create art in the 21st century is keeping an open mind. With art classes in certain areas dwindling, less resources are available. Someone might think that without pencils or charcoal, how are they supposed to learn to draw? Using pen is an option, but what if they mess up? Keeping an open mind would remind these learners that messing up is ok, and it will continue to happen as you go. Constraining your thoughts to believing that you can only learn to draw with a temporary material will only hold you back. Not being able to erase has no effect on the skill you’re building while you practice.

Another skill that is important for creating art in the 21st century is having people to go to for help or collaboration. It’s hard when you’re stuck with an idea you aren’t entirely pleased with, and sometimes a second opinion or a gentle push is all you need to take your idea up 10 notches. Socializing whilst creating is important for the spread of ideas, whether they’re ideas for what you want to create or ideas for how you will create it.

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