Arellano University

Apolinario Mabini Campus

Elementary Department

PRE-SCHOOL: ART-BASED TEACHING

MS. MIA VILLAVICENIO

Last May 31, 2019, the preschool teachers from all branches were separated from the
elementary teachers for their respective trainings. For the preschool teachers for the Art-Based
Teaching was held at the preschool classroom of the Legarda Campus, while the elementary
teachers held their own trainings at different venues.

The speaker for the preschool teacher's training is Ms. Mia Villavicenio. She first asked us
questions regarding our stand for doing art or if we were even comfortable doing art in the
classroom. Some would answer yes but the majority of the teachers’ answers were no. For some
teachers, they weren’t comfortable for the simple reason that they are not artistic nor creative. For
that, Teacher Mia prepared an art activity. She said it was an instructional art activity. There were
paint palettes, paint brushes, and Manila papers covering the table. First instruction was to paint
a dot on the paper, then rotate with our groupmates’ places. Paint a circle, small circle, big circle,
dots around the circle and many more. As we continued with the activity, there were specific
instruction per rotation of the teachers. When we were done, the outcome of our art activity was
really fascinating. She said everyone can make art just as simple as painting a dot, a circle, or
even a line.

She discussed to us that art is an experiential learning activity for children. They can
express themselves freely, not just thru paint but also in other creative ways like loose parts and
many more. Art for children can develop their decision making skills, sensory exploration and it is
also an opportunity for them to improve their problem solving skills.

Art activities for preschool students shouldn’t be controlled by teachers; on what or how
to do things, what color to use, what or how to draw. Instead of doing the norm for art, we should
allow the students to explore and express their creativity. For the second activity, Teacher Mia
brought a lot of loose parts for teachers to use to make their own “self-portrait”. Self-portrait art
activities are one of the many examples that challenges students to make art according to their
own image. Teacher Mia brought feathers, shells, beads, buttons, small colored stones, acorn,
twigs, lids, bottle caps, etc.

She mentioned that it wasn’t hard for them to have loose parts. It can be recycled or
teachers can ask the parents to bring for their art areas in the classroom. She even brought art
related books, and lent them to the teachers to read. Books that can motivate and inspire children
to do art.

As we end this training, teachers truly enjoyed the art-based teaching training. Teacher
Mia inspired the preschool teachers to also expand their means and hone their skills to teach the
young kids, even if it is on the outside of the teacher's comfort zone.

Prepared by: Noted by:

Janet Salvatierra Ms. Cheenie Curato

Teacher – Elementary Department Principal, Elementary Department
 Arellano University
Apolinario Mabini Campus
Elementary Department

PRE-SCHOOL: ART-BASED TEACHING

MS. MIA VILLAVICENIO

Teacher Mia explaining art-based Paint, paint brushes, and Manila

teaching Paper on the table

Instructional Art Activity

Prepared by: Noted by:

Janet Salvatierra Ms. Cheenie Curato

Teacher – Elementary Department Principal, Elementary Department
 Arellano University
Apolinario Mabini Campus
Elementary Department

PRE-SCHOOL: ART-BASED TEACHING

MS. MIA VILLAVICENIO

DOCUMENTATION – MAY 31, 2019

Self-Portrait Art Activity

using Loose Parts

Prepared by: Noted by:

Janet Salvatierra Ms. Cheenie Curato

Teacher – Elementary Department Principal, Elementary Department