Teaching to Support Childrens Artistic Independence: How Childrens Creativity Can Inform Art Education, is a qualitative study of childrens personal stories, experiments and experiences. It describes for teachers the importance of teaching children artistic independence and the power of developing thinking, emotional growth and learning to value the importance and power of a childs thoughts and how this has a foundation in the art class room. This book is especially important because its a testament to children and their development and that they are the stars in the art classroom. The book gives a perspective on the importance of young artists as thinkers, and inventors. It goes further to discuss how young artists should be encouraged to develop their primary thoughts and be encouraged to search for meaning and ways to materialize their thoughts. Ultimately, Szekely states young artists need to value themselves and while doing this they will develop cognitive skills such as the ability to perceive and react, process and understand, store information, make decisions and produce visual images. The book gives rich examples of how making art in the art room can lead to a lifetime of unlimited rich thoughts and creative inventions.
-- Bernard Young, Professor, Arizona State University, USA
George Szekelys writings and teachings radically challenged my beliefs about Art Education by simply reminding me what it felt like to play, to imagine, to create - not in a way that pleased adults, but in a manner that honored my eight-year-old self. This book pushes me yet again. Szekely's conviction that learners are independent thinkers and makers worthy of respect and support is in conflict with much of the normative thinking that dominates art classrooms across the country. So many young artists have been left behind. When our notions of art conflict with their curiosities, wonderings and aesthetic preferences, we send a clear message: art is not for you. In a Szekely classroom, we dont teach, per say, but rather, collaborate. We are granted a gift of insight. Through the artists in our midst, we experience the world not as it is, but as it can be.
-- Cindy M. Foley, Executive Assistant Director, Director of Learning and Experience, Columbus Museum of Art, USA
Drawing on a lifetime of experience in engaging young learners, Szekely shows a profound respect for children as competent, imaginative visionaries who are ready, with strategic prompts from their teacher, to joyfully explore and manipulate their own worlds. Anyone entrusted with the creative development of children will appreciate his lively practical guidance and insightful pedagogical tips.
-- Richard Siegesmund, Professor Emeritus, Art and Design Education, Northern Illinois University, USA
The publication a new book by George Szekely is cause for celebration in the community of art educators who support student choice and agency. He writes passionately about the gifts, abilities and ideas of even the youngest students. He challenges teachers and schools to notice and embrace these gifts so children can grow as independent makers. Incorporating play and surprise to engage his students he offers them the stage to share what fills their pockets and their imaginations.
-- Katherine Douglas, co-founder Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), Massachusetts College of Art and Design TAB Institute, Massachusetts, USA
