Curiosity Killed the Cat...
There are many cliches I dislike because they are, well, cliche. They lose their meaning from overuse and they can convey confusing messages if people have been exposed to them in different ways. Really, they are often a lazy, uncreative way to convey what you mean. The cliche mentioned above is especially aggrieving to me now, because I think it sums up what we do as a society, or what we often fail to do: foster curiosity.
I have no special gift. I am only passionately curious.
-Albert Einstein
I hardly need to make an argument for the benefits of curiosity, as the usefulness of this trait becomes readily apparent when considering artists, scientists, historians, teachers, and many other walks of life. Curiosity is a powerful motivator, and helps students develop into deep ponderers and creative thinkers. In a strong arts program, as teachers, we need to let students know they do not have to fear curiosity, like our friend the cat. If they want to mix paint colours, let them (buy cheap paints for this). Having students experiment and play with their art materials will get them interested, and when they have some outcomes from their experimenting that look positive to them, or if others comment on something interesting they discover, the students will hopefully gain confidence in their art abilities.
Curiosity begets learning, as evidence here are some pictures from a nature walk I went on today with my sister.
I was curious as to what some functions on my camera do. By fiddling around with some settings I was able to get the lichen lit up while leaving the background darker.
I love taking pictures of small insects, plants, etc. I fondly remember my grade 6 teacher taking my class out on a field trip to find bugs. I would highly recommend going on bug or flower hunts with students, it sparks an interest in the world around them and can provide models for drawing activities. Integrated arts and science lesson anyone?
I saw a wasp and wanted to take a picture, then I noticed that it was being attacked by an ant that had clamped down on the its wing. They were both trying to sting each other, and I found it very interesting to watch. It took an initial bit of curiosity to get close enough to notice. So, to instill intrinsic motivation in your students during art, and other subjects, try to foster curiosity in your students!
Take home message: don't use cliches.
Or do use cliches and then explore and "debunk" them with your students! As you have so aptly demonstrated, that might be a great way to introduce the topic of curiosity and establish an alternative to the cliche as a class value for the year - hopefully a value that will also last for your students' lifetimes. Beautiful blog! The lichen photo is superb. Drawing accurately to observe is a good exercise that shows one of many reasons to draw. Yes, definitely integrate science and art. To add the context piece of the Visual Art PLOs, look at Audubon's original drawings.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos Michael! I love the one of the wasp and the ant :)
ReplyDeleteYou have peaked my curiosity enough that I am now wondering if other bugs try to simultaneously sting each other. I usually think of it more as a predator/ prey thing, but that little ant is a little fighter!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post about curiosity. It resonates with me because, as a child (and even to some extent now), I was very curious about things that I didn't really understand, particularly school subject such as art and science. However, I was always scared of getting something wrong or being made fun of for not understanding that I seldom explored my curiosities. I was more of a smile, nod, and let everyone think you know whats going on kind of a kid. Reflecting on it now, I think that it was a very unfortunate way to spend my time in elementary school. And I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only kid who was like that. So I think you really nailed it, Mike, when you said as teachers we need to make sure our students do not fear curiosity. Students who are encouraged to develop their curiosity and dig deeper into things that they find interesting will be more engaged in school, which in turn will lead to meaningful learning.
ReplyDeleteFunny, when you said we should let kids mix paint colours--I inwardly cringed!! I remember a day very clearly (I actually took some pictures of it) when I finally allowed Aidan to mix his play-doh colours. It took a very deliberate move on my part to allow him to do it and to zip my lip. I want him to be curious, but in an organized and tidy fashion. ;) Is that too much to ask?
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