encouraging self-expression

[Laura Weldon]

Artistic expression is second nature for young children. They paint eagerly, sing unselfconsciously, choreograph their own dances and act out dramas using whatever is nearby as props. Art is accessible long before children are able to interpret or master it.
But few older children decide make a fairy homes when they walk in the woods. They don't sing their own songs they way they used to do. They criticize drawings they've made and often decide they aren't creative.
What ways do you keep the arts alive in your families?
What are some ways to instigate self-expression in your children?
How do you see creativity in arts linked to other fields?

[Jody]

Great topic....these are my thoughts based on my personal journey thus far.

The act of creating is so natural in all of us. Yet through social conditioning and to some degree even too much praise, over time we can come to view art (visual, musical, movement, etc) as something we do to please others. Will mommy or daddy like this painting, will it make it to the fridge? If they liked this one, maybe I should keep producing it over and over so they continue to be happy.

In my experience, art in a traditional school setting is not seen as a way to deepen learning about the world around us and certainly is not seen as a tool to express what is within. Art is separate from learning about math, writing, history and science so we gradually learn that it is yet another skill to master. Slowly as time goes by, it becomes something only those with "talent" do and you either "have it or you don't."

Creating is a deeply individual experience and in my opinion is quite sacred. I feel if a child is allowed to deeply connect with their own unique creative process, they will simply continue to create because it is part of how they relate to life - it it THEIRS. If a child begins to see artistic endeavors as separate from themselves or something that is done to please another, true self-expression is highly unlikely and will drindle or disappear over time. I hear so many adults say, "I am not creative at all...just don't have it in me." I say hog-wash, it just lays dorment under layers of negative conditioning waiting for you to connect to it once again.

Creating an environment that is truly supportive of individual self-expression is challenging and requires much introspection on the part of teacher/parent. I still have to watch that my ideas and my expectations do not limit my children's spontaneity and their need to express themselves. It can be hard to know when to show techniques, when to inspire them to stretch and when to just step away.

We learn writing and reading through fairy tale, legends and well-written stories. We often act out the story with clay figures, puppets, or by becoming the characters. The writing comes later once things have really been felt deeply. We learn math through stories and movement...we focus a lot on the way in which math reflects the physical world (A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe is great reading and touches on your third question) so that it is relevant and felt all around. We paint a lot -- sometimes to observe color and sometimes just for painting what needs to be painted. We allow for lots of free time to play, observe nature and to find the questions which are really springing forth naturally. We have even chucked carefully planned lessons to explore the woods in search of whooly bears to watch over winter. Creativity seems to require space, time and freedom, something we have to be willing to give ourselves and our children.

Great books that touch on this are Kids Play and Point Zero by Michelle Cassou, The Artists Way by Julie Cameron and Spirit Taking Form by Azara.

[Laura Weldon]

Sounds like a similar journey to ours Jody.
My children have stepped towards other arts for self-expression, mostly music but also writing. In them I see the sort of creativity that carries over into many aspects of life. They find innovative solutions to problems, think beyond the box and are quick witted. I think a creative approach to life in general one way that free exploration of art (or any discipline) benefits homeschoolers.

I was familiar with all the books you mention except A Beginner's Guide to Constructing the Universe, now I'm intrigued and have ordered it from the library.

[Urmila Anna Samson]

For me creativity and the arts are top priority. Freedom to express oneself in every which way, anywhere, everywhere...I have to think long and hard how it happened, and I am in a hurry preparing for our 3 week vacation in Australia, but I'd like to share that my 15 year old daughter still makes up games, sings made up songs spontaneously, does funny acting with her little bro., paints more and more interestingly everytime she sits to paint, writes an endless number of never ending stories a few of which she consciously works on...

She does feel, sadly, that society is restrictive, and does not feel like being 'herself' outside the home except in an accepting environment of an art class, drama therapy workshop or community drum circle.

My 10 and 7 year old sons play never ending pretend games with little cars, action figures, furniture... I don't shift their stuff without their permission, and there are areas in our home that don't get cleaned for months (the longest being 8 months!) until that 'game', 'story' or 'movie' is well and truly over. Earlier my daughter would build houses and forests with sheets and coloured cloth. All together, along with a cousin, they create 'realms' with real and imagined things... I simply love it.

I myself have, along with my husband co-created a life to live in over the last 3 years. It is miraculous how one can choose from infinite possibilities, which reality could be yours!

I must come back to this question when I return from Australia.

Laura, I congratulate you on creating questions that open the floodgates and pinpoint awareness!

[Urmila Anna Samson]

Jody, I love the description of how you work/create with your children. And yes, creativity needs time, space and freedom.

Our bookshops in India are stocked with books in demand, and there is no section on creativity or creative work with children, or alternative education. It is one of the 1000s of jobs I have to see to before I die!

I have been so influenced by the books that were available in the 70s, that made me determined not to send my children to school. However, those books have disappeared from bookshops (Summerhill, John Holt, Ivan Illich, School is Dead, Toto Chan, Barbiana....) In addition, there are no books that guide parents on how to go about curriculum creatively. Struggling with my own deficiencies and re awakening my own creativity have taken up many of the past years.

[Laura Weldon]

Urmila, I'm replying only to your mention of heading off to Australia right now. I wish you a safe trip and a wonderfully relaxing vacation.
If you get the opportunity, please check out Beverley Paine's website or contact her while you are there. She's a homeschooling mom who has published several books, runs a website and offers quite a bit of help to homeschoolers. I adore the compassionate and wise advice she shares. She may just give you some ideas on gestating that book that I'm sure you have in you Urmila.
http://homeschoolaustralia.com
http://alwayslearningbooks.com.au
[e-mail]

[Urmila Anna Samson]

Thank you Laura. I did check out Homeschooling Australia, and remember the name. I did not have time to write down contact details. I will look into it right now!