Continued: Because I'm Not Alone, There's a Place I Can Reach — A Chronicle of the Tortoise Kids Art Class Struggle
Hello. This is Ushijima, an instructor at Tortoise Kids.☺︎
The small-group art class that started in April. Before I knew it, half a year has almost passed.
<The Power of a Team That Expands by Sharing Roles>
At the beginning, I was solely responsible for everything from curriculum design to class management.
However, now it has evolved into a style where I am in charge of "curriculum design" and a senior colleague is in charge of "class management (main facilitator)," leveraging each other's strengths.
👉Click here for the situation at that time
https://note.com/kayotaka/n/nbe4d628182fd
Although there were conflicts at the beginning of the transition, the team's coordination is now well-established, and I have become comfortable with my own roles of "providing content," "guiding expression," and "presenting artwork."
Thanks to that, I have come to enjoy the instruction time with the children and teachers, and I am now able to offer encouragement and support for their expression in a natural way.
<Art and ABA, and What Lies Between Them>
Even so, there were moments when I worried, "Is this really okay?"
I studied art in graduate school and have been working on "art therapy" as my life's work.
That is why, for me, art is not something to be "evaluated by others," but rather "an existence that allows me to be myself, brings me joy, and guides me toward expression."
On the other hand, I sometimes felt that the creations in the Tortoise Kids art class were aimed at "making things that everyone evaluates." Of course, that is also an important experience, but I was conflicted, wondering if it contradicted my desire to "cherish the excitement and the sense of fun the children feel while they are creating."
At that time, Representative Takahashi said this to me.
"It is not a matter of whether Ms. Ushijima or Tortoise Kids is the 'correct' one.
However, here at Tortoise Kids, we are based on ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) and value the accumulation of 'I did it!' moments.
That is why what we value most is increasing the 'I did it!' and 'That was good!' experiences for the children. This is a common theme in the art class, individual sessions, and the Alpha class.
It would be great if we could find the overlap between the 'knowledge and passion for art' that Ms. Ushijima possesses and the perspective of 'increasing good behavior' that Tortoise Kids aims for. To connect to that, let's first create 'I did it!' moments for the children by accumulating small steps of knowing art, enjoying expression, and thinking 'I want to do more.'
Through those small accumulations, the significance of art and the range of expression for each child should naturally expand. I think there will be times when you feel confused again, but just as the 'fun' has increased compared to before, I am sure the 'good' moments will increase for both the children and you, Ms. Ushijima. What do you think?"
In fact, when we display works at events like the summer festival, we often get comments like, "That's wonderful! Did you make that in art class?" and when I convey those words to the children, they show proud expressions.
While experiencing the importance of both art and ABA, my conflict is changing from "A or B" to "things that overlap."
<The Wisdom of Teachers Supporting Each Other>
In creating the class, I am also helped by the presence of other teachers.
For example, the other day, when I suggested, "If we let them express themselves more freely, each person's creativity might expand," Ms. Iwasaki pointed out, "But if we do that, they might get up from their seats more often and become restless."
It is an interaction that looks like a conflict at first glance, but the goal is the same.
"Creating a stage where each child can shine in their own way."
From the combination of those perspectives, ideas were born that allow children to concentrate while having fun.
<There Is More Than One Path>
The sight of children expressing themselves happily.
The way their interactions with friends increase.
The moment when wonderful words of encouragement are exchanged.
Each one of those things teaches us.
There is more than one path. Try, think, and try again.
That accumulation nurtures the new buds of the children.
And I myself am also being nurtured by art and the children.
Such a Tortoise Kids art class is being nurtured for me as a "place I love and that guides me."
(I am someone with strong thoughts and obsessions, but...^^; Please continue to support me, including that side of me!)
*The Tortoise Kids Art Class, where Ms. Ushijima develops the curriculum, is a class where children with developmental unevenness nurture their "power to express themselves," "power to interact with others," and "power to turn 'I want to try' into reality" through art. Why not experience support that nurtures an exciting heart and the power to live through Art X Small Groups?
Click here for details on the art class
https://wonderforest.co.jp/information/?p=531
Start by observing the instruction.
We are waiting for your contact.
(For inquiries, please use the URL or QR code below.)
( Tortoise Kids Inquiry Form )
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A place of support that turns
"I'm in trouble..." into
"I did it!"
Tortoise Kids
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