Monday, April 22, 2013

McDowell third-graders learn "Thinking Through Art" at the DIA


McDowell Elementary School third-grade teachers Michelle VanDerworp and Elizabeth Bochenek led their students on a field trip to the Detroit Institue of Arts on April 18. 

Students participated in a new program, "Thinking Through Art," which incorporates visual thinking strategies. These strategies develop critical thinking, communication and visual literacy skills.  

Children toured the museum with specially-trained volunteers who facilitated learner-centered discussions of visual art. The volunteers engaged the children in a rigorous process of examination, according to the teachers.  

The discussion enabled students to practice respectful, democratic and collaborative problem-solving skills used in the classroom and beyond.  

Through this participation, verbal language skills are nurtured, which then can transfer to written abilities.  

The students didn't realize all of this, right away, of course.

All student Angel Johnson said was, "It was awesome!"





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