One of the main reasons we encourage belonging at Arts Academy in the Woods is that it makes for a less stressful and more productive learning environment. And who doesn’t want that from their school?
To be clear, when we talk about belonging, we don’t mean simply fitting in. Fitting in often involves being something you’re not. Belonging, on the other hand, is about acceptance for being completely yourself.
And this is one of the key advantages of an arts-integrated school. We celebrate quirky creativity rather than ridicule it.
What Makes AAW Unique
Arts-integrated schools go the distance to stress the importance of creating as a means to increase empathy, insight, and an understanding of themselves and others.
Students are encouraged to try alternative forms of creativity. A painter may take up dance, or a writer may go into the sculpture studio. Doing so helps to relieve anxiety about how others – and most importantly they – see their work and, by extension, themselves.
Finally, there’s strength in solidarity. To attend a school with other like-minded creative students who have a passion for the arts means that students are rarely singled out for being different. Authenticity is respected and not ridiculed. At AAW, you can bring yourself to the table with the confidence of knowing that you belong. Just as you are.
How We Encourage Belonging at Arts Academy in the Woods
One of the beautiful things about attending an arts academy middle school or high school is the valuable life lessons gleaned from an arts education.
All art – be it performing, visual, written, or otherwise – is developed over time with effort, hard work, commitment, and a willingness to be vulnerable. This is true of building a sense of belonging as well.
This is not to say, of course, that everyone loves everyone at AAW. That would be unrealistic. But we encourage students to find out who they truly are so they will naturally gravitate toward their tribe.
How do we do this? We help our students understand the importance of the following:
1. Practicing Authenticity
Feeling pressured to fit in at all costs can lead students to participate in unhealthy behaviors – such as going along with the crowd in the face of hurtful or mean-spirited actions. This is the root of bullying and it’s not tolerated at AAW.
We remind our students that practicing authenticity is hard work. But it’s well worth it. Because by working from a place of being genuine, they’ll find others who appreciate them exactly as they are. And they won’t have to compromise their authentic selves.
2. Being Kind
The act of being kind seems so simple. And yet, there are days when it feels inaccessible. We get this. So we help our students understand that it’s a practice. And by practicing simple acts of kindness, they will see a kinship develop with people around them. Simply put, it feels good to be kind. And kindness is contagious.
3. Staying Aware of the Inner Critic
Young people are less inclined to recognize the inner dialogue rattling around in their heads. As such, they’re more inclined to unconsciously believe the inner critic that tells them to stay in unhealthy relationships, engage in bad habits, or do any other number of things that are hindering their self-discovery. Focusing on mental health and wellness as part of our curriculum allows students to recognize this unhelpful inner drill sergeant.
4. Speaking from Your Heart
Arts educators teach that in the act of creating, there’s no room for being fearful. They emphasize to their students that they must be willing to speak directly from their hearts. Fear only hinders belonging. But sharing from heart freely enables them to find others who resonate with them and who can connect with shared experiences.
5. Trying New Things
At the heart of all creativity is the willingness to try something new. AAW teaches students that they must push themselves beyond what is their “normal” to discover new levels of their art. Pushing beyond what’s normal is also one of the best ways to learn about and come to know oneself. And the students at AAW learn this first hand… every day.
AAW Is Different from Other Schools
And that’s a good thing.
We not only encourage belonging at Arts Academy in the Woods. We give students the powerful tools of discovery to be the best and most authentic versions of themselves.
So if your curious and creative child is ready to experience the freedom to be themselves while learning in an open and accepting environment, contact us or schedule a tour of our school. It could just change your life too.