Four: Pouring out the Fun

This summer I am teaching various art classes at the Clemson Arts Center. When I decided to take the job, I realized in a logical manner that it would be new (not Camp) and so would be a learning experience. I did not realize how much, until four bubbly four year olds ran into my class room the first day. Here is a summary of the week: screaming, running, messes, stick on gemstones, and ninja masks. My kids sometimes like coloring more than anything, other times would not even pick out a piece of paper. Pretending to be puppies, complete with playing fetch with pipe cleaners and hiding under tables was an average day in my class. Lets just call it performance art. That was just week one.
Honestly, this week (week 2!) has not been much different, except different names and I am much better prepared. I have a new found patience for rhinestones stuck in the cracks of my Chacos and spilt paint-water drills. I also learned a bit more about collaboration. It is just as important and beautiful at age four as it is in university studios. Yesterday, we invented our own food like Dr. Seuss using construction paper and markers. But honestly the assignment became limitless. One girl wanted pizza, so then everyone was drawing pizza, which turned into flower pizza, plus a boot, which transformed into spaghetti with a side of green milk,  maybe a bit of pink and purple ice-cream for dessert. What about PINK and PURPLE Spaghetti!? another giggled.  All of which evolved into spaghetti soup on my lone boys plate. Wow what a full meal... and day. Wait. That was only 18 mins.

These two weeks in the preschool class have been exhausting, exciting and eye opening. I love watching the exploration of each one of my cuties as they learn how to use scissors and begin realizing that they too have the imagination and capabilities to do great things! My next class will be with 10 plus stars and will likely present new and different challenges.
To teach is to learn twice! -Jim Gensheer, shout out to one of my fav teachers and his favorite saying.