Although we’ve done it before, this week our exercise is inspired by two research studies that struck a chord. The first one is:  “Why Preschool Shouldn’t Be Like School”, by Alison Gopnik, which answers the question: Does direct teaching make children less creative? (Direct teaching is defined as a demonstration by the teacher that students follow.  Spontaneous learning is where the student is left to discover “what happens if?”—one of my favorite concepts.)

“… spontaneous learning is more fundamental….it’s more important than ever to give children’s remarkable, spontaneous learning abilities free rein. That means a rich, stable, and safe world, (sic), and lots of opportunities for exploration and play…..”

(Complete article click: http://www.slate.com/id/2288402 )

The second inspiration came from a clip sent to me by Nancy—A very humorous TED talk about Bonobos play in the wild.  To watch, click:

http://www.ted.com/talks/isabel_behncke_evolution_s_gift_of_play_from_bonobo_apes_to_humans.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2011-03-22&utm_campaign=newsletter_weekly&utm_medium=email

In the individual studios in the ArtHouse we will give our “spontaneous learning abilities free rein” with opportunities for exploration and play. We will play a game of “chess”. (Not have free-rein sex as with Bonobos—no titillation other than creative energies, please.) We will work in teams of 2. Partners make moves on the page in response to what their partners do ahead of them.

This is another investigation of composition.  It exercises visual response and collaboration.  Bring clean paper (not too small—at least 16’”x20”) and all your stuff. We will meet in the “library” at The Big Yellow (Art)House.