Using the PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes to Explore Artists

The arts are not mere diversions from the important business of education; they are essential resources. -Elliot Eisner, "The Role of the Arts in Cognition and Curriculum"

The arts provide students with a wide range of opportunities to respond to their experiences and engage with societal, historical and cultural perspectives. Students are stimulated to think and respond in new ways and through a variety of media and technologies. Learning through the arts is fundamental to the development of the whole child, promoting creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social interactions (Making the PYP Happen, 2009)

Spicewood has wonderful volunteers that organize and run an art appreciation program where they use art prints to introduce and expose students to a diverse groups of artists and their work.
Funded through the PTA, the volunteers purchase prints they want to expose students to, show the pieces, talk about the artist, and lead the students through discussions and observations. Reflecting on and evaluating the work of these great artists allow students to make connections to their lives  through the PYP Learner Profile and attitudes. They see when an art demonstrated commitment, took risks, showed empathy or creativity. They can reflect on these traits and see how developing them in themselves could lead to realizing their goals, or learning something new.

Image courtesy The J. Paul Getty Museum: http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=937