Mistakes Welcome Here

One of the most rewarding lessons to teach children is the lesson that mistakes are okay! In fact some of the most significant discoveries have been created from mistakes- the discovery of America, Penicillin, even the cave of Lascaux in France. This less constrained way of thinking allows students the freedom to activity participate in their learning, without fear or ridicule and to engage in new and intresting dialog, and experiment and interact with their own learning.

English As a Second Language or ESL programs have steadily begun to promote this concept in hopes of giving students a way of developing, practicing on honing students skills so they gain comfort and confidence in their use of English.  Technology has been a huge help in promoting a fear free style learning.  Schools have been using programs like board maker and writing with symbols as a means of engaging students in learning in a visual and exciting way.

The ideology established by ESL programs is not just restricted to teaching English.  The concept of a fear free and engaging method of teaching is a huge component of any good art program.  As an art teacher one of the critical foundations of teaching art is teaching students how to take risks with their work and ideas.  In order to do this, teachers must engage students in activities that encourage and recommend "mistakes" or play as a means of discoving and learning the content.

Below are several really cool suggestions of mistake welcome art activities.  Click on the titles for more details.

Peach Pit Painting

Magic Milk Painting

No Paintbrushes Allowed

Marble Paper