What are children interested in?

The language, or literacy behind art is the text that lets us share our ideas. What the artwork gives in relation to time, place, and in some cases reason speaks to us. It gives us the opportunity to discuss art in relation to our lives and the world around us, and how we as individuals evaluate and comprehend the world and our place in it.

Children are usually most interested in artworks that they can interact with, that is something that they can relate to in their daily life or something they can do, touch or have the opportunity to be involved in. By sharing their thoughts through an art form like painting, music or sculpture they can immerse themselves in the literacy of art. Giving students the opportunity to respond in this way contextualises the artistic work and creates opportunities to be exposed to the messages behind it. Art can be used in any curriculum area such as learning about society, environment and languages. Art can be introduced through multi-modal forms such as dance, video and music.

A case study of teaching contemporary aboriginal music found that, 'Music is more than just sounds. It is invariably an expression of the culture of different societies and peoples within societies.' (Sinclair, 2009) In this case study students are encouraged to create their own artworks that respond to key Indigenous artworks, such as songs by artists The Wilcania Mob, Local Knowledge and Little G. The students were then asked to make their own performances, songs and music video that would demonstrate an understanding of the social, cultural and political aspects of Indigenous society.

Sinclair, Christine. & Jeanneret, Neryl Christine. & O'Toole, J. 2009, Education in the arts : teaching and learning in the contemporary curriculum / edited by Christine Sinclair, Neryl Jeanneret and John O'Toole Oxford University Press, South Melbourne, Vic.