During week one of our integrated arts module we were encouraged to build a tolerance for mess and ambiguity during our lecture. At first I was confused as to how this would make a difference however after further explanation it is clear that everything can be seen as ‘messy’ for example thinking, life and arts.
For our drama input in week one we focused on different drama conventions these were hot seating, teacher in role, freeze frame and thought tunnel. Our whole class were to act as villagers and were told by our lecturer that a dragon had been seen in the next village. We used the different drama conventions to act out different parts of the story which allowed me to understand how I, as a practitioner, would use drama in the classroom over different curricular areas. I found this very beneficial as I have never been very confident in using drama in the classroom and as the weeks go on I believe these inputs will continue to build on my confidence.
In our visual arts input we were exposed to how children may be affected by what we think are simple actions for example folding a piece of artwork they have created can have detrimental effects as it can be seen as ruining the art work they may have worked on for a while. As well as this we were lucky enough to look at various paintings and drawings from over 40 years ago drawn by children between the ages of year 1-7. We were then asked to pick out a few we were attracted to and explain why. I have attached some of the drawings I found the most impressive, however it was clear to see the difference of freedom between the younger children and the older. Most of the older children’s art work seemed to be focused around a theme that they may have been studying in class compared to the younger children.
Both inputs were helpful as they allowed me to create a link between both drama and visual arts this being that by respecting children’s work and ideas they will become more confident individuals. In my opinion in both drama and visual arts by giving children the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they feel best will always show the best results.
