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Unit Paper 4

Zachariah Amelio

Sacramento State University: ART 133

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Play

The whole unit for this paper, discusses the benefits of play and creativity, and how it can

enhance the learning experience for all involved: student and teacher. Play and creativity are

explored when utilizing the choice-based approach in education because, introduced at an early

age, children will naturally be drawn to subjects of great interest. Introducing subject matter and

curriculum through means of the childrens own interest and art will make learning not so

rigorous, but more engaging. Choice-based approach is broken up into three different veins: no

choice, teacher lead curriculum only; full choice, child driven learning only; and modified

choice, somewhere between no choice and full choice (Douglas & Jaquith, 2009). It is up to the

teacher on which choice-based approach to use; however, teachers need to keep in mind the

childrens artistic opinions, encourage play, and foster joy and happiness. According to Pink

(2005), a child without play can be left depressed because play, humor, and joy is what helps

individuals with emotional intelligence, productivity, exploration, and a feeling of fulfillment.

I believe that the modified choice-based approach is the best suited for success because

children, given the right materials, will automatically start to play; however, it is up to the

teacher to make sure the mode of playing being used has a positive impact on that childs

learning in a specific discipline. On my Memo 4, I proposed a question If one more practice

was to be added after Practice 5 (Assessments), what would it be?, and you (Professor Ward)

responded by asking what I thought. I think the additional practice would be based in

reflection because assessments can leave a child feeling less than they should. Reflecting on

their feelings and development can make the assessments more of a positive status building step,

rather than simply a TEST. I will have play, humor, games, and joy fully immersed into my
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teaching curriculum because personally that I how I found my love for education; and I hope to

pass that on to the 21st century of teaching and learning.

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REFERENCES

Pink, D. (2006). A whole new mind: Why right-brainers will rule the future. New York, NY: The
Berkeley Group.
Douglas, K. M., & Jaquith, D. B. (2009). Engaging learners though artmaking: Choice-based
art education in the classroom. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.