About C.H.O.I.C.E. Art

What is “C.H.O.I.C.E.-Based Art”?

C.H.O.I.C.E. stands for Children Having Original, Individualized, Creative Experiences. This Visual Arts program at KES is based on the principles and practices of the nationally recognized and research-backed “Choice-Based Art Education”, and “The Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) Partnership”. The idea is simple: Students are artists and the classroom is their studio. Children are offered real choices for responding to their own ideas and interests through the making of art. When given the chance to explore their own ideas, passions, and interests, children often find greater meaning and relevance in their work.

How is a C.H.O.I.C.E. Studio Different?

In many typical Art Rooms, it is the teacher who develops an idea, choosing both materials and subject matter. The student follows step-by-step instructions to complete the “project”. This leaves very little room for independence, creative thinking, problem solving, and exploring. As a result, students may become bored, frustrated, or even develop a lack of confidence in their own abilities, believing they are “just no good at art”!
In a C.H.O.I.C.E. Studio, there is no prescribed “project”. Instead, the teacher offers guidance, suggestions, resources, and demonstrations for supplies and tools. The students are regarded as artists, and are free to make their own choices concerning subject matter and materials. Independence and responsibility are encouraged, and students are taught and expected to: Set up their own workspace; Explore, experiment, and create original works based on their own ideas and interests; Take care of the space and supplies available to them.