Ridgefield Academy Teaches Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Through Art

With faces and expressions obscured by protective masks, young students in a year of COVID-19 can have difficulty connecting with others. Ridgefield Academy art teacher Michelle Manning created a self-portrait lesson featuring the innovative art of Matisse and Picasso to inspire her students to learn about themselves and their classmates, and develop critical problem-solving and resiliency skills that will help them with future challenges of all types.

Students began the project with a mind-mapping exercise. Each student was asked to reflect on the things that make up their individual identities, such as their unique physical features and their passions. As projects began to take shape, students found it challenging to create artwork that was unique and personal to them.“There was considerable emotion,” commented Manning. “Some students told me ‘I’m not very good at art.’ There were some tears. I explained that art isn’t easy, and that I expected everyone to be original and take risks. I was there to help them follow their own ideas.”

Manning showed self-portraits by revolutionary artists Matisse and Picasso, both artists whose work was at first misunderstood and unappreciated before they were recognized for their artistic genius. When a student wasn’t happy with their work, Manning sat down and inquired as to what elements they were unhappy with. Was there a way that they could change it? Students became more adept at working through their frustration, critically evaluating their work, and finding solutions to change or enhance the areas that made them unhappy. Soon tears gave way to confidence and statements of “I don’t like the colors I used in this part. This is how I can change it to make it better.”

Once all projects were completed, the students reflected on their finished work in sharing circles. “Young students don’t get to make many decisions on their own,” said Manning. “During the sharing circle, they were able to talk about the decisions they made in creating their self-portraits, their challenges, and the changes they made during the process. “Not only are they better artists than when we started, but they are better problem solvers,” shared Manning. “And, they were genuinely surprised and pleased at how well the portraits came out!”

Manning plans to carry the lessons of experimentation, critical analysis, and problem-solving through her curriculum at the K8 private school for the remainder of the year. She hopes students will leave her class with the technical skills; how to mix colors, use scissors, etc., and understand that art is about innovation and problem-solving, risk-taking, course correction, hard work, and fun. “These are the lessons that will help them become better, more rounded people.”

For more information about Ridgefield Academy or Landmark Preschool, call Associate Head of School and Director of Enrollment David Suter at 203-894-1800 x112 or visit www.ridgefieldacademy.org (K-Grade 8) or www.landmarkpreschool.org (Preschool 2s - 4s).

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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