http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-580923.mp3
Albany, NY – CHILDREN ARTISTS ALL: A STUDY IN CREATIVE GROWTH -
Sometimes lost in the national debate over standards and accountability
in American classrooms is the curricula. Sure, we talk about the
importance of math and science and global competitiveness. But many educators also want to be certain the arts are not left out of the discussion.
They feel the creativity that art provides, is just as important as literacy
or math. Our first guest on today's show is doing her part to try and
emphasize the importance of arts. Judy Mayer is a teacher, an artist,
and now, producer of a brand new DVD entitled, Children Artists All:
A Study In Creative Growth. Judy Mayer believes that school
curriculums are being narrowed all across the U.S. She says teaching
to the test (in math and English) is decimating not only the arts in our
schools, but also many other subjects. Mayer thinks this lack of art
contributes to students being bored and discouraged, and is one reason
why the drop out rate in high schools is so high. Mayer was in our studios recently to speak with TBOOK about arts in education and her new DVD.
Glenn Busby reports. (14:25)
**(Attention Program Directors. The website mentioned at the conclusion
of the above story for listeners interested in finding out more about the
DVD is: www.childrenartistsall.com)**
ARTIST TEACHES CHILDREN ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS -
And speaking of children and art, as we were in our first story today,
a children's book illustrator is taking his art to schools around the
Midwest. Through his illustrations, Gijsbert van Frankenhuysen is
teaching students about respecting the environment, and he hopes
they also get excited about learning in general. Van Frankenhuysen
has already illustrated children's favorites like, Adopted By An Owl ,
The Legend of Sleeping Bear and 16 other books. This report is
from the Great Lakes Radio Consortium at the University of Michigan.
Chris McCarus reports. (4:21)