Students paint in Ms. Bluhm’s class.
Questar III students in Ms. Hallock, Ms. Wood and Ms. Bluhm’s class at Red Mill Elementary School have a new opportunity this year to participate in an art class. Marni Tessier, Questar III’s art teacher, spends a few hours one day a week visiting the classes and working with the students on various art projects.
Students in these classes are younger NYSAA (New York State Alternate Assessment) students, and many have multiple physical, social, and emotional disabilities. Tessier says she hopes to focus on basic skills and use of materials and encouraging the creative process.
“From current research as well as my past experience, students will gain beneficial experiences through the use of sensory and tactile materials such as clay, paper mâché and paints,” Tesser says.
Often for students with disabilities, stimulating the senses through touch or sound helps enhance learning in a way few other activities can.
She explains the art making process uses self-expression to allow students the chance to participate in creative, non-verbal expression through art materials.
Art Teacher Ms. Tessier explains an art project to students in Ms. Hallock’s class.
“The art making process communicates when words simply cannot,” she says. For some students in these programs, verbal communication is very difficult or impossible. Using art to help express feelings or thoughts enhances social skills and cognitive functioning, fosters coping skills, and increases skills like hand-eye coordination and sensory stimulation.
Tessier says that when students are able to express themselves, they achieve a true sense of self and identity. This helps them better evaluate choices, establish preferences and grow a sense of accomplishments. We know these feelings and experiences strengthen their ego and help them become who they are, but more importantly, it gives them the confidence to keep exploring.
You can see more photos of the classes on our Facebook page.
