Participate in an immersive paper-making course at Ox Bow School of Art in Saugatuck, MI and create engaging school community paper-making workshops to strengthen the bond between staff and families so that students can thrive.
Through my innovation, I investigated how to strengthen student social and emotional well being, specifically interpersonal relationships with one another and perseverance in the face of challenge. I also aimed to address the gap between families and the school and to create positive spaces for connection and relationship building. I wanted to learn papermaking in order to integrate it with science and environmental studies, as well as have an opportunity to be a part of a creative community.
I learned new art techniques and skills and was challenged to learn a new process of making. The inspiring community that was created through artists and teachers making art, living, and eating together inspired me to think about how I can cultivate these spaces in other areas of my life, particularly my school. Through my Circle experience, I have been challenged to be curious and to allow myself to not jump at the first solution right away in order to listen, gather data, and truly innovate.
Inspired by a Weaving show at the local Black Mountain College Museum, I changed course and built a large, collaborative weaving loom for our Fall Festival. It was a huge hit, and afterwards, the loom lived in a first grade classroom and became a staple of their routines. Other teachers asked me for a loom, and I am creating 3 classroom “Weaving Kits” that teachers can sign up to have in their classrooms. I’m also planning Family Arts Nights to continue to grow community connections.
The Loom invited children and adults to participate in a low-risk, collective art process together. This allowed people to be together and spark informal conversations and comradery while also contributing to a larger goal. Students become calm through the tactile and repetitive process, and can regulate their emotions in a positive, constructive way. Peer relationships are strengthened because traditional social barriers are broken down, and students can prioritize process over product.
One of the beautiful things about fiber art is how intuitive and flexible it is. It is easy to undo and try again. Because it is non-representational, students do not judge it as they do other art forms. This allows for comfort and confidence which is essential to building students sense of autonomy and self. They are active participants in the creation of something exciting, collective, and fun, which gives them pride in being part of the process.
This opportunity was transformative for me personally because it challenged the way that I solve problems. As a teacher, we are so efficient at this that I’m so used to having everything all figured out. I opened myself up being curious and innovated a project that I was truly excited and passionate about. Professionally, it can feel overwhelming to try to solve all of the issues in education today. Focusing on just one challenge and solving it creatively was invigorating and exciting.
The first key moment for me from the Circle Sessions was when Carol and Liza challenged us to be open and to let the innovation unfold responsively. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to let myself explore other options. Another key moment for me was participating in the small group brainstorm sessions and both giving and receiving feedback. Finally, presenting at the Unconference was awesome!