Improving Creativity in the Education Sector
Planning & Preparation
Effective planning is crucial for any successful project. So with time considered, a 12 week GANNT chart was devised as an initial starting point. This helped to break tasks into manageable chunks so the overall project is less daunting. It is also a useful tool to manage time productively. The chart is adaptable at any stage and can be used as a checklist at various stages throughout.
With ideas brimming for Enrichment & Clubs such as: weaving, felting, pottery, etc... and also curricular ideas to enhance academic subjects such as: origami (maths), colourful onomatopoeia words (English) and colour theory experiments (Science), practicalities had to be considered and potential barriers identified. Due to a busy schedule of working two jobs, completing a degree and raising a family, time seemed to be the largest barrier as often it is restricted. Using the GANNT chart helped to focus on one area per week and collate the items altogether towards the end. Money restraints can also limit practical work as household bills prioritise over creations. However, with one more student finance payment due, some money will be put aside to purchase items for creations. Tasks have to be realistic as there is limited funding in the education sector for creative projects.
First Project: Weaving
Previous experimentation led to a love of weaving. Not the tradition fine weaving used to create scarves and throws, but textured weaving using various sustainable items from around the house such as ribbons, wool, belts, pipe cleaners, buttons, etc... The first loom used was made from a section of an old canvas wardrobe which was no longer in use. Made from wood, it was ideal to form the frame as the material is solid but various shapes and materials can be adapted. The 'warp' was added using twine as it was economical and the other materials created the 'weft' which was woven in and out to form this beautiful, colourful, wall hanging. The colours were chosen to represent the various seasons.
Completed Art Work:
When contemplating how to incorporate this into education, the sustainability option was perfect as it would be cost effective for schools/colleges. The establishment could request parents, carers, guardians donate any unwanted items such as those listed above to use for individual or larger group pieces. These could be displayed throughout the buildings for bursts of colour. They are also tactile so can be bring a sensory element to an exhibition as well. My initial thoughts swayed towards teaching this in primary schools as it would not only reinforce weaving methods but also develop the children's fine motor skills by threading and improve their sensory skills by touching/feeling different materials. Developing this further, the colour wheel could introduced and weaving pieces based on the three primary colours, as shown here.
Problems which need to considered are timing as it can be time consuming, pressure on the warp as you can see in the red version, it was pulled slightly too tight
and age/ability restrictions. These panels took approximately 6 hours each to complete so 18 hours in total. If time is restricted smaller cardboard frames can be made/brought and mini wall hangings or coasters could be created instead.
Lastly this week, a paint & create session was delivered in care home in Great Yarmouth based on 'Hearts & Flowers'. Card templates were handed out and paints arranged to allow residents to freely choose their preferred colours, and add paint however they wish to do so. Some residents were partially sighted so to aid their development I created laminated black backgrounds which made the white card easier to see. I ensured the shapes were rotated to dry and each resident was happy throughout the task. Towards the end I formed their work into a collaborative piece which could be displayed in the home for all to see. They were very proud of the outcome and I was proud to bring a smile to their faces.
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