Josh Peete

As summer draws to a close and a new academic year begins, schools across the nation prepare to celebrate the significance of art in education. National Arts in Education Week, observed annually starting on the second Sunday in September, and National Arts & Humanities Month, celebrated throughout October, offer educators, students, and communities a chance to highlight the transformative power of the arts in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and personal growth.

National Arts in Education Week: Cultivating Creativity and Expression

National Arts in Education Week, observed annually starting on the second Sunday in September, is a time to recognize the transformative power of the arts in education. It’s a week dedicated to raising awareness about the essential role that the arts play in fostering creativity, promoting critical thinking, and enhancing students’ overall learning experiences. This initiative encourages schools, parents, and communities to come together to celebrate and advocate for arts education.

National Arts & Humanities Month: A Celebration of Culture and Creativity

October, known as National Arts & Humanities Month, serves as a month-long celebration of the arts and humanities. This is a time when schools, cultural institutions, and communities showcase and honor the contributions of arts and humanities to society. It’s an opportunity to engage in a wide range of artistic activities, from visual arts and music to literature and dance, fostering an appreciation for culture and creativity.

20 Examples of Art in Education

Visual arts like drawing, painting, and sculpture Music education and learning instruments Theater and drama productions Film and video production Photography and visual storytelling Art history and cultural studies Creative arts therapies for emotional expression Art-based community outreach programs Storyboarding and visual planning

Digital media and graphic design Creative writing and storytelling Dance and movement exploration Ceramic and pottery making Printmaking techniques Collaborative mural projects Arts integration across subjects Environmental and sustainable art Arts exhibitions and showcases Cultural performances and celebration Performance art and improvisation

Celebrating these Days: How Schools Get Involved

During National Arts in Education Week and National Arts & Humanities Month, schools get creative in celebrating the arts. They might organize art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and lectures by local artists or experts. Students and educators collaborate on projects that highlight the integration of arts into various subjects, demonstrating its interdisciplinary nature.

Benefits of Art in Schools

Art education offers a plethora of benefits that extend beyond the canvas. It enhances cognitive skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. By encouraging self-expression, it boosts confidence and self-esteem among students. Moreover, exposure to art cultivates empathy, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for diversity. Art has the power to engage students in a holistic manner, addressing their emotional, intellectual, and social needs.

Art for Health and Mental Well-being

Engaging in artistic activities has been linked to numerous health and mental well-being benefits. Creating art releases endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can alleviate stress and anxiety. The meditative nature of art-making promotes mindfulness, allowing students to be present in the moment and reduce the clutter of their minds. Art also serves as a non-verbal outlet for emotions, enabling students to process and express feelings that might be difficult to articulate otherwise.

The Flow State: Where Creativity and Focus Converge

The concept of “flow,” as proposed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is particularly relevant to the arts. Flow is a mental state where a person is fully immersed in an activity, experiencing deep focus and a sense of timelessness. When students engage in artistic activities, they enter this state of flow, where their skills are aligned with the challenges they face, resulting in a sense of effortless engagement. In the context of education, flow not only enhances the quality of work but also contributes to a profound sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Key Aspects of the Flow State:

• Clear Goals: Students have a clear understanding of their objectives and what they aim to achieve through their artistic endeavors.
• Immediate Feedback: The creative process provides instant feedback, allowing students to adjust and refine their work in real-time.
• Balanced Skill and Challenge: Flow occurs when the difficulty of the task matches the student’s skill level, creating an optimal level of challenge.
• Intense Concentration: Students are fully immersed and deeply focused on the activity, resulting in heightened concentration.
• Loss of Self-Consciousness: In the flow state, self-consciousness fades away as students are absorbed in the task at hand.

Promoting Growth Mindset through the Arts: Breaking Boundaries

Renowned psychologist Carol Dweck’s theory of a “growth mindset” emphasizes the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Art education inherently nurtures a growth mindset by encouraging students to embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. This perspective enables students to break free from a fixed mindset, where they might otherwise feel limited by their perceived abilities.

Key Tenets of the Growth Mindset:

• Embracing Challenges: Students see challenges as avenues for learning and development rather than as obstacles to be avoided.
• Persistence and Effort: A growth mindset promotes the understanding that effort is a crucial factor in achieving success, and setbacks are part of the learning journey.
• Learning from Feedback: Constructive criticism and feedback are valued as tools for improvement rather than as indications of failure.
• Inspiration from Others: Instead of feeling threatened by the success of peers, students with a growth mindset are inspired and motivated by the achievements of others.
• Adapting Strategies: Students are willing to adapt their strategies and approaches based on their experiences and the feedback they receive.

Fixed Mindset: Avoiding Challenges and Limiting Growth

• Avoids Challenges: A student with a fixed mindset tends to avoid challenges or tasks that they believe might reveal their limitations. They may opt for easier assignments to prevent failure.
• Gives Up Easily: When faced with difficulties or setbacks, a student in a fixed mindset is more likely to give up quickly. They perceive challenges as insurmountable and are hesitant to put in additional effort.
• Ignores Feedback: Instead of valuing constructive feedback, a student with a fixed mindset may ignore or reject it. They may feel criticized and believe that feedback reflects negatively on their abilities.

Integrating Art into Different Subjects: Universal Design for Learning (UDL)

The integration of art into various subjects not only enhances creativity but also improves comprehension and retention. Here are three ways teachers can achieve this integration, guided by the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL):

1. Visual Aids and Representations: Incorporating visual elements such as diagrams, charts, and infographics can aid understanding of complex concepts in subjects like science or history. Visual representations not only cater to diverse learning styles but also make the content more engaging and memorable.
2. Storytelling through Art: Language arts and literature can be enriched by inviting students to illustrate scenes from stories they’ve read or create visual narratives of their own. This process encourages deeper analysis of characters and plotlines while allowing students to communicate their interpretations creatively.
3. Mathematical Artistry: Mathematics might seem worlds apart from art, but they can intersect beautifully. Geometric shapes, tessellations, and patterns are integral to both disciplines. Encouraging students to explore these concepts through artistic creations bridges the gap between logic and creativity.

Conclusion

National Arts in Education Week and National Arts & Humanities Month serve as reminders of the significance of arts in education. By celebrating creativity, embracing the flow state, and fostering a growth mindset, educators can empower students to become not only skilled artists but also resilient and innovative learners. As we embark on another academic year, let us integrate the arts into our educational journey, cultivating an environment where creativity thrives, challenges are welcomed, and growth knows no bounds.

As the vibrant days of August unfold, so does a unique awareness campaign: National Crayon Collection Month. It’s a time to appreciate the colorful world that crayons have introduced to our lives, while also acknowledging the environmental impact of these wax wonders. This year’s celebration gains a new layer of significance as we delve into the ways we can keep crayons out of landfills and contribute to a more sustainable future. And while we’re on the subject of crayons, let’s also explore the quirky debate that has entertained us for years – is it “cran” or “cray-on”?’

Quick Answers to Your Crayon Questions

Do crayons melt? Yes, crayons are made from wax, and they melt when exposed to heat.

Do crayons expire? Crayons can last a very long time if stored properly, but over time, they might become brittle or lose their vibrancy.

Do crayons taste good? Crayons are not meant to be eaten and can be harmful if ingested. It’s best to keep them away from the mouth.

Do crayons float? Most crayons are denser than water and will sink, but some specially designed crayons can float in water.

Do crayons have lead in them? Modern crayons are generally made without lead. They are considered safe for artistic use.

Do crayons melt in a car? Yes, crayons can melt in a hot car due to the high temperatures inside the vehicle.

Do crayons melt in a microwave? Crayons can melt in a microwave, but it’s not recommended as it can create a mess and pose a fire risk.

Why do crayons break so easily? Crayons can break easily because they are made from wax, which is a brittle material. Rough handling or dropping can cause them to break.

Why do crayons smell bad? Some crayons might have an unpleasant smell due to the types of wax and pigments used in their production.

Why do crayons smell good? Crayons might have a pleasant scent due to additives or fragrances added by manufacturers.

How do crayons get their color? Crayons get their color from pigments, which are powders that are mixed with the wax during the manufacturing process.

How are crayons made? Crayons are made by mixing pigments with melted wax. This mixture is then poured into crayon-shaped molds to cool and solidify.

The Role of Petroleum in Crayon Production

Petroleum, a fossil fuel, plays a vital role in the production of crayons, specifically through its derivative: paraffin wax. Paraffin wax is a byproduct of crude oil refinement. It’s a versatile material known for its low cost, stability, and ease of use. In crayon production, paraffin wax serves as the binder that holds the pigments together and provides the crayon’s shape and structure.

The Crayon Conundrum: Landfills and Environmental Impact

Crayons, those trusty companions of creativity, have nestled their way into our hearts since their invention in the early 20th century. However, their journey doesn’t end on the paper. The truth is that crayons often end up in landfills, causing a host of environmental concerns. A recent revelation, even for some seasoned educators, is that these seemingly innocuous art supplies are not biodegradable. Their waxy composition and the fact that they are made with petroleum makes them a challenge for natural decomposition, leading to an accumulation of waste in landfills. The environmental toll isn’t just in their inability to break down, but also in the resources used to manufacture them in the first place.

Using Crayons as a Lesson: It Is Better to Be Different

One lesson I really enjoy sharing to the whole school uses two different boxes of crayons. One box of crayons with all grey crayons and a second box of crayons with 96 different colors. The lesson here goes into how boring the gray box of crayons would be as a gift. Imagine drawing a picture and all the colors you had in the box were grey. The second box of crayons is way better. 96 different colors that can be used to make any picture happen. Students agree that getting the box of crayons with 96 different colors is a way better gift. The connection is then made to the school community. It is way better if we are all different. We accept each other and our differences. If we are all the same, we would be like the grey box of crayons. Let’s be like the box of 96.

From Landfills to Lifecycles: Keeping Crayons Out of Trash

Fortunately, there are simple yet effective ways to prevent crayons from clogging up landfills and contributing to environmental issues. Let’s explore some practical strategies:

1. Crayon Collection Drives: Encourage schools, community centers, and art studios to organize crayon collection drives. These events can help divert used or unwanted crayons from the trash bin, giving them a second life.

2. Donation to Organizations: Connect with organizations that work towards recycling and repurposing crayons. Donating your gently used crayons to these initiatives can significantly reduce their impact on the environment.

3. Crayon Recycling Programs: Some companies and organizations have taken the initiative to recycle crayons. These programs collect old crayons, melt them down, and create new crayons for distribution.

4. Upcycling Crafts: While we’re avoiding complex DIY projects, it’s worth mentioning that turning old crayons into new, multi-colored ones can be a fun activity. Even melted crayon art can be a delightful way to give old crayons new purpose.

5. Educational Workshops: Schools can integrate lessons about sustainability and the impact of waste on the environment. These workshops can culminate in students actively participating in crayon recycling efforts.

6. Awareness Campaigns: Spreading the word about crayon waste and its environmental consequences can encourage more responsible disposal habits among individuals and institutions.

7. Biodegradable Alternatives: Look for crayon options made from natural materials that break down over time. While these might not replace traditional crayons entirely, they can be a step towards reducing the environmental impact.

The Great “Cran” vs. “Cray-on” Debate: Schoolyard Amusement

In the midst of our efforts to conserve and recycle crayons, let’s not forget the delightful linguistic debate that often emerges when discussing this beloved art tool. Is it pronounced “cran” or “cray-on”? This seemingly straightforward word has sparked countless conversations and good-natured disagreements. It’s not just a matter of phonetics; it’s a cultural distinction that can vary from region to region. Some passionately argue for the single-syllable “cran,” while others assert the two-syllable “cray-on” with equal fervor. In school settings, this debate often transforms into a lighthearted classroom activity, showcasing the diversity of language and the playfulness of pronunciation.

Crayons and Conservation

As we revel in National Crayon Collection Month this August, let’s approach the festivities with renewed appreciation for the colors that crayons have brought into our lives. From childhood drawings to intricate adult coloring books, crayons have a universal appeal that transcends age and time. 

This year’s celebration takes on a more purposeful hue as we learn about the environmental impact of crayon waste. Educators and individuals alike are awakening to the importance of keeping crayons out of landfills. By embracing simple strategies like collection drives, donations, and awareness campaigns, we can make a significant difference in reducing the footprint of these colorful companions.

And in the midst of our conservation efforts, let’s not forget the “cran” vs. “cray-on” debate that continues to entertain and bring smiles to faces. It’s a reminder that even the most mundane aspects of life can spark playful discussions and connections.

As we continue to color our lives with crayons, let’s also color responsibly, considering the journey of these wax sticks from the paper to the landfill. By taking conscious steps to recycle, repurpose, and educate, we can ensure that the vibrant legacy of crayons remains, not only on our artwork but in the sustainability of our planet.