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| About my course
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I love cartoon drawing and I love children. The combination of the two has come together in the course that I teach called 'Children's Art'.
These children are between the ages of 5 to 12 years old (K1 to P6). Every session, there are between 6 to 25 students.
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Children are constantly learning from everything around them. I help children express their understanding about daily experiences through art.
They are encouraged to talk about it in class to help them generate more ideas for their drawings.
The course gives them not only an early start in the learning of colours, shapes and lines but also the opportunity to socialize with their peers.
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Jin En Yu of Bedok CC at work! I always allow my students to progress at their own pace.
For instance, once I teach them the techniques of colouring and shading, I let them to explore on their own.
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I encourage some of the fast learners to draw and colour their artwork.
I teach them how to draw using different kinds of pen and pencil types.
Janae Tan Ying tries drawing with a marker pen.
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| Benefits of Children's Art in promoting overall development of child
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It is important that children acquire and develop artistic skills.
By engaging in Children's Art, it promotes overall children's development in areas such as:
- Physical Skills
- Sensory Awareness
- Communication and Literacy
- Cognitive Growth
- Social and Emotional Development
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I involve the children in the planning of the lessons. I also watch and listen to what captures the children's interest.
I also try to identify what the children might be able to tackle next, given their present ability.
While doing all this, I make sure that I use a safe and clean environment as well as safe materials for the respective ages that I teach.
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I am currently brainstorming ways to get parents involved in a fulfilling way.
As the lessons are rather short and there is a lot to cover, I get the children to do group work which allows them to learn from
each other while getting to know each other better.
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Art is not just about crayons and colour pencils.
Here Ling Ming Wei from Jurong Spring CC trying out paint from a tube for his drawing.
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An opportunity to impart important life skills
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Every lesson, the children share their daily experiences with everyone.
By doing this, they help me to better relate to them and 'fill in the gaps' of information that they have.
For instance, one child shared that his parent lost valuable items in the food court one day.
I used his experience as an opportunity to talk about crime prevention. I also use art to explain to children about racial harmony.
I talk about the various festivals celebrated in Singapore and centre my teaching around them when appropriate.
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Sivagnana Sampandan from Teck Ghee CC has drawn a dragon boat after learning about the Dragon Boat race which is associated with the Chinese culture.
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Lucas Teng of Bedok CC shows us the importance of racial harmony in this picture. If you look closely, he has drawn the Chinese girl wearing a 'cheong sam' while the Indian girl is wearing a 'pottu' on her forehead. It is good for children to learn to appreciate and be mindful of the various cultures in Singapore from a young age.
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This is done by a group of students from Yio Chu Kang CC for the Dumpling Festival Nite. Through this, they also learnt more about the Dumpling Festival.
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Despite my busy schedule, I try to help my students in their school art exam or when they are taking part in art competitions. They usually approach me for advice after the lesson or via email.
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I also make sure that my students get recognition for their hard work put. Students who can draw very well are appointed as a 'student helper', who will assist me in conducting the lesson. This way, I also nurture their leadership potential. Students who show improvement or creativity in their work are given stickers or cookies, depending on what I bring along with that day.
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| The Community Centres' resources and support help greatly in providing exposure to students |
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The CCs have helped me in administrative matters and publicity, which I am very appreciative of. Hence, word about my course has reached out to many people. For instance, the Yio Chu Kang CC staff takes great interest in promoting my course to potential parents. They also put up flyers, of a different colour, to attract attention. The CCs also let me know of any art competitions and suitable CC events that my students can attend. By doing so, they help me in providing exposure to my students. I strongly encourage all my students to attend their respective CC events because it gives them a good opportunity to form friendships with others their age.
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One such art competition recommended was attended by Low Oi Zhen of Cheng San CC who won first prize at the SMRT Collage Competition 2008. The theme was 'SMRT, My friendly transport' and you can see her winning entry at the top row on the wall behind her.
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Involving parents in their child's development is important
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I believe it is important to keep in touch with parents. I communicate with them frequently through my blog on the PA Trainers' portal or via email. I encourage them to keep me updated about the progress that their child makes through the lessons.
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It is important for both parents and teachers to work hand in hand. Clarice Teh who attends Children's Art at Yio Chu Kang Community Club recently went to Disneyland with her parents. Her mother Mrs Jennifer Teh posted this photo on my blog at the PA Trainers' Portal.
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One parent said: "Engaging art experiences enable individuals of all ages to learn through various media and strengthen their motor and thinking skills. Creative expression helps my child communicate their thoughts and feelings and can be extremely satisfying for challenged adults and children enabling them to more successfully thrive in families, schools, and communities."
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Over time, my students and their parents have built up support groups in helping each other with almost anything - from school to health issues. I know of parents who pass on their child's used books and worksheets to other parents who might find it useful. Some of my students and parents have become such good friends that they invite each other for birthday parties and outings. In this respect, I am glad to see that my students and parents benefit in such useful ways when they meet for art lessons.
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| Personal reflections about my course |
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On a personal note, I have learnt to become better observer of children. Children's imagination has also inspired me to instill knowledge in them and to guide them towards success through art.
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