THE TEACHER


 The classroom teacher must recognize and understand the creative process as a basis for edu-
cation. She is the one who understands the child at the various levels of maturity and can best
relate art to his total experiences.


* The teacher, by experiencing herself the thrill of creating, through
in-service workshops, can have a better understanding of what to
expect from the children, and at the same time find personal satis-
factions that will benefit her.


* The special art teacher or consultant needs to function as a re-
source person who can encourage the teacher and children. She knows
how to make use of a greater variety of materials; can demonstrate
some of the more effective teaching processes; can contribute help
in class projects which are benefited by the application of good
design.


* The teacher can set the stage for art experiences through appro-
priate materials, good motivation, and sympathetic encouragement
and guidance. Even though she has had little or no training she can
teach art in her own classroom if she understands children and
makes it possible for them to create.


* She can gain the cooperation of the parents also. One way is to
send home a letter similar to the following which was used in one
school:

"Dear Parents of First Grade Children,
 Papers (art work or any written work) will be sent home only
once a week. They will be stapled together so as not to get scattered
or lost. Please make it a very pleasant event when papers are brought
home, so that your child will feel happy and secure in sharing his
work with you. The papers are naturally crude at the beginning of
the year, but there is always something about which to make a pleas-
ant comment, i.e., a bright color used, the largeness of his pictures,
his fine story idea, etc. If pictures are criticised or laughed about,
one may be sure that satisfactory growth will not follow. We must
remember that a six year old child is just beginning to manipulate
his tools. Your interest and understanding, as well as ours, will do
much to spur on greater effort and originality. Sit down with your
child each week and listen to him as he goes over each paper. His
pictures have interesting stories. Encourage him to do creative work
and let him know that you are especially pleased when he uses his