‘But I’m not artistic’: how teachers shape kids’ creative development
Having preschool educators with the confidence and skills to help their charges express themselves visually is critical to children's development.
9 Jan 2015 12:00
Gai Lindsay
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Writing and Publishing
Many adults believe they are not artistic and feel nervous about visual art. They vividly recall the moment when a teacher or family member discouraged their efforts to creatively express their ideas through drawing or art-making. Such early childhood experiences can affect developing confidence and learning potential throughout a child’s education and into adulthood.
If preschool educators lack the visual art knowledge and confidence to provide valuable art experiences, children’s potential to creatively express their ideas using visual symbols may be restricted.
Currently completing PhD research, Gai Lindsay previously served as a preschool teacher and director for 22 years. She has also worked as a project officer designing and delivering resources and professional development support to the early childhood sector in New South Wales. She lectures in the Early Years Degree at the University of Wollongong and lives on the beautiful South Coast of NSW with her husband, cat, and sometimes-at-home adult children.
Her research interests focus on early childhood visual arts education, John Dewey’s philosophy and the Reggio Emilia educational project. Awards received include: IER NSW Best Applied Research Project (2014); Jean Denton Memorial Scholarship (2011); ACE award for Outstanding Achievement in Education (2008); REAIE scholarship (2008); CeeCees Advocacy Award (2007).
