The many languages of art

The top 3 reasons why I love to use art in Spanish class

 and a closer look at Seventh Grade's Autorretrato (self-portrait) unit.  

Número tres (#3):    "choose to or have to"  

When the need to communicate is real, linguistic fluency develops.   In Spanish class art-making translates into word-making.  Phrases such as, "Necesito aydua con el ojo." (I need help on the eye) or "¿Qué color uso?"" (What color should I use?) become "have to's" rather than "choose to's.  Art-making creates a need for real communication.   Students are encouraged to use simple phrases, gestures and questions to communicate.  Although I like to keep our vocabulary and phrases projected on our screen during class for easy access, there is an excellent question that helps maintain conversation especially when student feels at a loss for words.  The question is "¿Cómo se dice...en español"  (How do you say...in Spanish?) and it encourages communicative fluency which is an essential goal in the Spanish classroom.  

  

Número dos (#2):  "the mathematics of art-making"

Art-making is sophisticated puzzle work.  In art, one must create an illusion where there was none. Students problem-solve when they consider how to tear paper to create oval shapes for eyes and how to layer (capa) various tones of gray in order to create a three dimensional image.  Achieving an artistic goal takes thinking, testing, editing, readjustment and commitment.  These are not only the marks of a good artist and good mathematician, they are the marks of a good thinker.  Communication in another language develops good thinkers.    

Número uno (#1):  "reflection and expression"

To accompany their torn art self-portraits, seventh graders are writing a multi-paragraphed essay where they describe themselves inside and out.   The writing process is being developed in stages and the end result will be a beautiful essay where students reflect on who they are on the inside as well as what they look like on the outside.   Art-making in the Spanish classroom provides students the opportunity to express themselves and  think critically while developing linguistic fluency.  It creates an opportunity for real communication and reflection.  What am I like inside and out?  

“...Jehová no mira lo que mira el hombre; porque el hombre mira a lo que está delante de sus ojos, pero Jehová mira el corazón.” 

"...for the Lord does not see as man sees; for the man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Keep your ojos abiertos (eyes open) for the Seventh Grade Autorretrato exhibit in the near future.