Towell/Smilan & Hellman article response.

I think the biggest challenge for a teacher in the classroom is to provide opportunities for students to really get creative, and relate to what they're learning about. It can be especially difficult to create lesson plans that will engage all students because each student comes from a different background, culture, and a different set of experiences. Multicultural/postmodern picture books are a great way to engage students without even having to do much yet (if you choose the right book) because the book does the work for you at first. A book can spark feelings in students through color, through content, and there is something new on each page that can hopefully spark some creativity or inspiration in each student. I loved that In the Towell, and Smilan article they talked about honoring what is important to students. Popular culture is constantly changing, and if teachers always keep the same lesson plans they are slowly losing more and more of the classes interest. The teachers should be using symbols of current culture as well as references to a multicultural learning. I am thrilled at the idea of using these picture books for a lesson plan because I remember absolutely loving story time in the library, and I even remember reading the Stinky Cheese man. My favorite books were always the ones that gave you more to think about than just the main story. Hellman was definitely right in say that, "you don't read a postmodern picture book, you experience it."

Your Place Or Mine. Reading Analysis

I thoroughly enjoyed this reading because children’s books are a passion of mine. My mother and I have been collecting them since I was a child, and though we haven’t added as many to the collection lately, very few artists can take my breath away like a good children’s book illustrator and author. I think children’s books are a great way to develop student’s knowledge of their own heritage, and the culture of others around them. I believe it is important to remind/inform students that their way isn’t necessarily the right way. Growing up in a rural town in upstate New York where nearly every person in my school was of the same hue I wish there had been more multicultural education weaved into the curriculum. Everyone is different in innumerable ways, and what better way to express than than through place, critical pedagogy, and art.

My Artwork

Artist Statement

I am interested in people, and that comes through in much of my artwork. I think that art is something that everyone can benefit from or at least relate to on some level. Lately I am very into ceramics, and painting though I enjoy almost all mediums.

Keith Haring

Keith Haring is my favorite artist. He felt strongly about making art available and accessible to everyone, and I couldn't agree more.