Continuing at WVSA

I unfortunately missed this week of field experience due to the stomach flu but prior to that I have been having a really good time at WVSA. It is clear that it is a really special program. There seems to be a high level of warmth and connection between the students and the teacher. The small class size really helps; giving both the teacher and students time to interact with each other.

I am impressed with the level of self-motivation on the part of the students. For the past two weeks they have been busily working towards their show which opened last Thursday. Each student seems really focused on his piece. They are given a lot of freedom to talk, move around, listen to music but nobody seems to abuse the privileges. They seem to be really connected to their teacher laughing and joking around with him but everyone seems to know what the boundaries are and they alway return to their work.

I have to say it is pretty impressive. At first glance the physical environment seems chaotic. Supplies and artwork are everywhere. The students are frequently laughing, singing or joking but underneath the surface this classroom seems to have a very organic structure that keeps it together. My best assessment at this point is that it stems from the mutual respect between teacher and students. The students in this program are treated like working artists and, as such, they seem to assume the responsibilities that go along with it. This program has made an impression on me and there are definitly things that I would like to try to incorporate into my own future classroom.