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ERIC Number: ED555255
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2013-Aug
Pages: 57
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Art Education for Children and Youth Living in an Emergency Housing Shelter
Morasco, Kara
Online Submission
The purpose of this study was to determine the benefit of an art program to children and youth living in an emergency housing facility. Factors leading to homelessness are explored and examples of the positive influence of art for children experiencing crisis and trauma are presented. Through action research, an art program was implemented where children worked with ceramics, drawing, and writing, twice a week for three and a half weeks. The participants ranged in age from six to fifteen years, with classes conducted as part of their after-school program. Data collected through observations, interviews, and the students' work was used to adapt the lessons for diverse ages, abilities, and attendance of the participants. Findings showed the students were able to express themselves through their art visually, by making clay projects that reflected their interests, and verbally, by writing or telling what they were thinking or feeling. The students displayed enthusiasm for making art and exhibited a great deal of pride in what they had accomplished. The results showed that students demonstrated characteristics that have been identified to help foster resiliency in individuals. Helping to develop the joy of learning, creativity, and self-worth are important tools for every child's growth; however, the use of art as a pathway to develop such characteristics may be even more critical to a child experiencing trauma. Art lessons can provide a positive impact on the lives of children and youth in the fight to break the cycle of homelessness. Note: The name of the facility and participant names have been changed to ensure confidentiality.
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Pennsylvania
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A