Diversified Learning Project for Placed Children

On a Friday afternoon, several elementary students in Agape Children's Home were expecting their favorite after-school program—art class. They were waiting for the teacher's arrival and looking forward to what project she would provide today.

The children put their aprons on as soon as the volunteer teacher arrived and listened carefully while the teacher said, "For today's lesson, we're painting with acrylic." The announcement created a vibrant discussion between the children. "Acrylic painting? What's that?"

The teacher introduced the children to acrylic painting by presenting a video. After viewing the video, children were thrilled at how fun it was and could not wait to explore it.

"First, we're practicing mixing colors," the teacher said. "In order to create the color we desire, what color combinations should we mix up?"

"I think…this color should go with that soft one…" Charlotte whispered. The teacher encouraged Charlotte to try out her idea. Charlotte added the colors together and bingo! It worked. The teacher praised Charlotte for being able to mix accurately, which made Charlotte happy and gave a boost to her confidence. All the children soon mixed and created their own colors.

"Dip the chain in acrylic paint, then drape the chain onto the board and pull the chain horizontally off the board." The teacher demonstrated for the children. "Dip the chain in different colors one by one and repeat the previous steps, then you'll create floral like forms."

Being accompanied by the teacher, children moved their tiny bodies to pull the long chain again and again. They were hugely excited in the process and said, ''Amazing! How fun it is!"

At the end of the class, everyone created his or her own beautiful painting with fluid acrylic. To the teacher, the greatest reward in teaching art was seeing children smile and hearing all the oooh's and ahhhh's from them. Each classroom experience was full of pleasure and great memories for both the teacher and the students on a learning journey.

When asking children what they had learned in art class, all of them replied, "We had a great time and learned a variety of drawing and painting skills!"

"I used to paint skies simply with white clouds, but teacher taught me to add some light blue and white paint on it, which made the sky scene more enjoyable," a child added.

In the leisurely afternoon, children demonstrated unlimited creativity and were capable of applying what they had learned in their work. Children had different personalities and character traits, which created unique moods in their paintings—some were vibrant and others were implicit. The teacher was delighted to see the children gain confidence and a sense of accomplishment in their own work. Teachers at Agape Children's Home tried to use drawing and painting as a form of therapy to help heal kid's inner world in hopes that there were more fond memories they could carry throughout their life's journey.