Teaching Suggestions:
Strategies developed in the Human Context area primarily focus on broad commonalities, needs and concerns. Topics may express the universalities of artmaking, psychological and social dimensions of life experience, environmental considerations and concerns, and the search for meaning.
This context is designed to foster awareness and appreciation of human commonalities as they apply to and are expressed in art. Fostering individual growth through art, social awareness and cross-cultural comparisons is also encouraged. Experiencing how art leads to self awareness and emotional transformation, as well as acceptance of varied perspectives expressed by others, helps children.
The individual, interpersonal social and environmental aspects of the Human Context are meant to provide a framework for lesson and unit planning. Topics that primarily address human commonalities as they relate to art production and content would be categorized in this context area.
Art students can certainly look closely at themselves and through art experiences to self knowledge that can be thoughtfully connected by the teacher to understanding various dimensions of the lives of those different from themselves. From sustenance and basic survival and relationship needs to interactions with the world both of nature and of the human spirit, art explores, nourishes and reveals. Through viewing and creating art, students can grow to see and celebrate their own creative connection to life.
Teaching Suggestions