Outlet Through Art

Author: Jane Koelsch

This past month while serving at Diggs-Latham Elementary, I have been able to see how much of a positive impact music has on the students. The teacher, Mr. Sigler, says that children are very rarely acting out just because they want to - they are either not engaging with the material, or there is trouble at home and they aren't sure how to express it. Learning this has changed how I approach what I am teaching and how I am helping in the classroom. Specifically, this has helped me encourage students to use art as an outlet. I have one student who on multiple occasions has expressed his frustration in class and he shared that he is experiencing some tension at home. Over the past few weeks, and even today in service, I got to see him really connect with the music and express himself through dance. It's incredibly encouraging to see students find ways to show what they're feeling when they might not be able to find the words.