Reading Takeaways - 3/3

Martinez reminds us of the importance, and often dismissed seriousness, of tinkering and learning through making. As art educators, it’s imperative that we imbue our lessons with this ethos - one that prioritizes exploration and experimentation over some final, marketable product. Many of the makers mentioned in this paper were keen on expanding their ways of making into the classroom, and largely, making them accessible to anyone. These makers were more concerned with spreading a way of thinking than a specific invention. While we are so accustomed to using computers in our classrooms, we have strayed away from using these machines to their full potential - through creation, coding, collaboration, and innovation. 

Gasek unfolds the history of stop-motion, taking us through the many phases and modes of visual storytelling that have existed throughout time. Through use of materials such as clay, paper, and fabric, storytellers have utilized the technology of stop-motion to create beautiful and tactile films. My generation grew up on films such as Coraline, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Chicken Run, and more. There are endless possibilities in this art form that can be brought to the classroom, inspiring children to learn with their hands and develop their craftsmanship.