Reflections 2016-2017 ‘What is your story?’

The theme for the 2016-2017 Reflections season has already been announced and students can start working on their projects now and through the summer months. Projects will be due in October 2016.

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16-17 Reflections Themed Poster

There are 6 categories to choose from when deciding on a project or projects (students can submit more then one)!

Dance Choreography
Film Production
Literature
Music Composition
Photography
Visual Arts

For a full list of rules for each category, please review the following documents. Each entry also requires a submission form, those have not been released yet, but once they are we will update this post.

16-17 National Rules Packet

Parents, as you work with your students on their entries, please keep the following in mind:

1. Be thoughtful.
Encourage your artist to talk about what they are doing well and what they want to continue to work on.

2. Don’t take over.
Let your child find their own way and wait for them to invite your participation.

3. Get beyond yes and no.
Try asking “Tell me about your sculpture” rather than “What is that?” Questions such as “What was your inspiration for this song?” encourage young artists to articulate their artistic thinking and process. The arts offer a valuable opportunity for children and teens to practice self-reflection.

4. Teach to learn.
Ask your young artist to teach you about the arts concepts and skills they learned to create the artwork. Teaching is a great way to reinforce learning and build mastery.

5. Encourage the process.
The artistic product is what you see at the end of your child’s hard work. The process of creating the work is as valuable as the product—and, for many kids, more so. When producing a piece of art, student artists must create, revise, polish, and persevere. All of these experiences are useful both in and outside of the arts. Music, dance, and theater rehearsals are great opportunities for your artist to practice not only the art form but also collaboration, compromise, and patience.

6. Effort counts.
Not every artistic product will be perfect (or even “good”). Interestingly, it may be the effort put into creating it that matters more in the end. In each of the arts, there are technical skills that need to be developed. Not every child may be artistically gifted, but with education and practice, every child can develop artistic skills.

7. Let their light shine.
Entering in PTSA Reflections, for example will showcase their accomplishments.

Remember, the arts are valuable ways for kids to make sense of life and the world. You can further illuminate the way for them.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Art Ed Chair at artedu@stillwaterptsa.org.