By Eliana Hudson, UMKC communications intern

In the art room, about twenty kindergartners crouched on the floor. Mrs. Clayton, the arts coordinator, stood above them with her arms wide and said, “Now, it’s raining. What happens to plants when it rains?”

“Grow!” The kindergartners replied.

“Rise little seeds!” Mrs. Clayton said in a booming voice, twinkling her fingers over her students.

The students wiggled upwards, mimicking the growth of plants, and blossomed when they stood up. They reached their hands high in the air, stretching like petals towards the sun.

This was the beginning of their art lesson. The class then gathered in front of Mrs. Clayton to learn about drawing a flower in a vase from a still life. Mrs. Clayton continuously made connections from their drawings to things they were learning in class, such as asking them what shapes they saw and what letters the petals reminded them of. When the example was over, Mrs. Clayton let their creativity run and they painted.

At AFIA, art isn’t just a “special” like most schools. It is an essential part of the curriculum and central to the school’s identity. Students still learn math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Art is a vehicle for deepening learning. Art also helps the scholars articulate ideas in a variety of ways. Mrs. Clayton explained that students learn new information and show what they know through art. 

AFIA is proud to support their students. With art, we know students can be themselves and express important ideas. Through art, students can share their ideas…their voice…and when you listen, you can learn from their great ideas.