The culture of the artist classroom highlights variety and uniqueness: of the ideas children have, the ways they express their ideas, and their work process. It is crucial to teach explicitly that differences are valuable resources in the classroom, and that children can learn from the different ways people work and think.
The experience of performing is integral to dance and theater. When the focus is on process over product, we call culminating events “sharing our work,” rather than “performances.” These sharings are structured to be safe, supportive environments to celebrate students’ learning and share their artistic creations.
