Sem 3- Sess one Art Calligraphy

ART, CRAFTS AND CALLIGRAPHY Semester 3 UNIT 1: Introduction to the Art, Crafts, and Calligraphy course Week one Unit learning goals At the end of the unit, Student Teachers will be able to: l critically discuss the question ‘what is art’? l explain ways in which art and craft are similar and different from each other l analyse and discuss examples of children’s art with reference to children’s developmental stages in art l identify the attributes required to teach art in the elementary grades.

Essential questions • What is art? What is craft? • What are children’s developmental stages in art? • Why is art, crafts, and calligraphy education important? • What attributes do teachers require to teach art, crafts, and calligraphy in the elementary grades? • How can teachers interact with children to support their creative development?

Overview of the course This unit begins with an overview of the course and the question ‘what is art, what is craft’, as well as a consideration of the role of calligraphy. The two words (arts and craft) fit together—like cup and tea—and both require creativity. They might also use similar materials and the same elements and principles of design. However, a craft is an activity that uses specific materials with a certain goal in mind. Usually a craft has a set of directions and skills to make to a finished product, and when a child makes a craft, he or she learns to follow directions and solve problems while working toward a goal.

Art is generally much less directed and more creative—the goals of a piece of art are less well defined.

The difference may also be in the hands of the craftsman or woman and the artist: it depends on the purpose of the piece. There is no correct answer! In the second week of this unit, Student Teachers learn about child development and art, and the importance of art education. They will identify the attributes required for teaching these subjects in elementary grades and consider how teachers promote or hinder creative and artistic development through their interactions with children.