LiveArts Studio

As we continue to navigate this new normal, we can all agree, that some things are going to have to change. For many of us, we're participating in e-learning or remote learning. While others engage in hybrid learning, a few are returning to the classroom full-time. Regardless of how you are learning or teaching, here are few tips to help make your learning lifestyle more adaptable. 

1.  Basic supplies to have on hand: crayons, watercolor paint, paper, markers, pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener, play dough, old magazines/newspapers/paper & plastic bags, scissors, glue stick & liquid glue, paint brushes, and an old cup. Other not so basic supplies are repurposed items such as fabric, twigs, bottle caps, yarn, tie-dye, etc.

2.  Stay inspired: Use current day issues to spark your creativity. For children, parents can engage in meaningful conversation by using present day issues to spark higher order problem-solving modes of thinking by realizing ideas in the form of a responsive art piece. For teachers, use present day issues as projects to help inspire a better future for the community, society or the world. Phrase issues as open-ended questions, or what if scenarios to spark students' imagination.

3.  Parental involvement: With so many children learning from home, parents have a front seat to the types of topics their children are learning. More important, this is a time for greater parental involvement, as well as a chance to engage as returning to parent as the first teacher. Difficult if parents or guardians would otherwise be away at their jobs. This new normal offers opportunities to create learning spaces where few people can gather in small numbers and be safe. This could be in the office, home, or in a park. Parents and children can engage in more learning activities together from virtually anywhere.

4.  Make the most of this time: Even though we're all engaged in very tough period of our lives, making the most of the opportunities we've been given is a great launching-pad for fresh ideas and a new start! Someone once said "necessity is the mother of invention." How true that is. The time for creativity is now! Make each day as productive and as meaningful as you can. Imagine ways to improve upon an idea and explore the possibilities.