With the exception of very young children, every creative person struggles to find inspiration on occasion. But finding inspiration at an arts-integrated school is comparatively easy.
Why?
Well, it’s tough to put a finger on just what inspiration is. But psychology defines it as motivation from an external source that sparks an idea and/or produces something creatively. And arts-integrated schools are rife with such motivation.
Inspiration At An Arts-Integrated School Is Everywhere
An arts-integrated school – be it middle school or high school – utilizes aspects of art as a means of teaching academic subjects. As such, arts educators are constantly developing new and interesting ways to inspire
their students and spark their creativity.
And that’s the beautiful thing about being in this environment. There is inspiration everywhere. Spending time around other creative souls allows students to connect and find inspiration from one another. The bonds and friendships they form with one another then become a continuous source of sharing ideas.
In addition, arts educators have the inside scoop on what works for their students and what doesn’t. We’ll take a look at the ways educators help their students to find inspiration by having them:
1. Create an Inspiration Collection
Helping students understand what makes them tick is a great place to start. Getting them to create an inspiration collection sets the wheels in motion. For visual artists, these may be objects that move them in some way. In the case of writers, it could be gathering quotes and writing passages from favorite stories.
By having this “collection,” they have access to it when they’re feeling uninspired.
2. Study an Inspirational Figure
Students can gain a lot by learning about the creative processes of their favorite artists, musicians, writers, etc. With the wealth of ways to access this information (TED talks, blogs, podcasts, or good old-fashioned books), they’re bound to find exactly what they need.
3. Keep a Creative Journal
There are so many benefits of creative writing. Sitting down to write freely and openly is a great way to open up the mind and see what comes out. Teachers may recommend that students attempt to free write one to three pages each morning without thinking about it and then take advantage of the free flow.
4. Embrace New Music
Much like studying an inspirational figure, there is a huge array of music available for students to experience. In addition, being at an arts academy school enables them to not only experience it, but maybe even play it. At the very least, they can listen to other students explore these new genres.
5. Change Their Routine
There is comfort in routine. But routine can also put the kibosh on inspiration and creativity. So teachers may opt to stray from the tried-and-true order of things to give the students a different perspective. This can create some discomfort – which is also good for inspiration.
6. Head Outdoors
Regardless of whether an arts academy school is in the middle of the woods, the suburbs, or a big city, just getting outside, taking in new scenery, and moving the body is truly inspirational.
7. Encourage Activities They Shun
Each student will have disciplines where they feel stronger than others. So having them switch gears can generate some fresh ideas. For example, an educator may encourage the amazing guitar player to try watercolor, or the skilled painter to give dance a try.
8. Meditate
Tapping into a higher level of consciousness can help us get into a creative state. When we say meditate,
we’re not suggesting sitting on a pillow for twenty-five minutes and attempting to achieve nirvana. It could be something as simple as taking one minute to carefully and completely observe something – like a lamp or a flower or even a coffee cup.
Attempting to see something in a whole new light can be very inspirational. If even just for that short amount of time.
9. Teach
One of the most effective ways to learn is to teach. So there may be occasions when an arts educator switches the roles and asks the students to step in and teach. By showing students how to paint brush strokes, do a pirouette, or play a set of chords, they begin to realize how much they know. It may also inspire them to approach their work in new ways.
Is Your Child Inspired?
If you have a child who thrives on creativity and is struggling with conventional education, contact us today to request a tour of our school.
He, she, or they will have no problem finding inspiration at an arts-integrated school like Arts Academy in the Woods. And by being around like-minded students with the same passion, you’ll find joy in seeing them flourish.