BHES Visual Art

Sarah Gilchrist, Visual Art Teacher at Bedford Hills Elementary School

sgilchrist2880@bcsdny.org

Bedford Hills Elementary School

Enrichment, "Suesibration", play design and construction

My love for art and instilling a sense of creativity and wonder in children, made teaching art a perfect fit for me. It is wonderful to gain a window and perspective into how kids see and make sense of the world. To be able to help them find their voice through the arts is truly rewarding. I believe that teaching choice helps us get back to our roots. One of the first things we do as human beings is to make marks and draw, before we learn how to write. It is our first communication medium. Choice allows children to create and communicate authentically instead of simply mimicking what adults think children should express. Providing choice for our students allows for more creative ownership, giving them the skills to direct and value their own learning experiences.