ABSTRACT
Art should not be equated with school, but instead should be something that just so happens to exist as a class at school. Students are themselves when they are at home, creating on their own. If school tries to stifle them, students may feel that the only place they can be creative and play is at home. Instead, play should become an important part of the art class, reminding students that they can create in class as they do at home. Students should feel comfortable bringing art to and from school, working on it outside of class and not feeling that they’re making art solely for a grade or to complete an assignment. While art can sometimes be difficult, teachers must remind them that art is also one of the most fun things they can do, and is an easy way to create toys with which to play. Students who do not feel that they are only students in the classroom will be much more likely to make art a permanent part of their lives, especially if they feel they can play while doing it. Art teaching for creative independence is teaching students that art transcends the classroom, and is something they should carry with them throughout their lives.
