Entering a Child's World

<p>Drawing inspiration from the mobiles of artist Alexander Calder Pamela Krakowski explores the challenges of balancing her normative and narrative pedagogical aims. As Dr. Krakowski recounts <span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)>When I first began thinking about normative and narrative pedagogies I bordered on presenting a false dichotomy between the two. Over time however I began to see a dynamic tension between them because I value </span><em style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)>both</em><span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)> the narrative and the normative. What my students have to say is important and I have a body of knowledge skills and concepts that I believe are important for them to learn. </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)> </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)>Throughout the book Dr. Krakowski explores narrative sensibilities that allow her to listen to her students' thoughts feelings interests and concerns. With curiosity caring and respect she is able to enter the children's worlds of imagination and play interweaving lessons of art and art-making into what matters most to her young students. </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)>The book explores teaching art in both the classroom and museum setting and in a year-long collaboration with a science teacher. </span></p><p><span style=color: rgba(0 0 10 1)> </span></p><p><br></p><p>  </p>