Studio Thinking

The Studio Thinking philosophy emphasizes the development of critical artistic behaviors and thinking skills through engagement in eight key “Studio Habits of Mind,” fostering deep learning and creativity in the arts and enhancing problem-solving and innovative thinking across all areas of learning.

Studio Habits of Mind

The Studio Habits of Mind encompass eight key practices—Develop Craft, Engage & Persist, Envision, Express, Observe, Reflect, Stretch & Explore, and Understand Art Worlds—that guide learners in developing artistic skills and cognitive abilities essential for creative and critical thinking.

Develop Craft

This is where your child learns how to use different art materials and tools properly. A process grounded in experimentation. Think of it like learning to use kitchen utensils - starting with a spoon and working up to, or contrasting with what happens when you use a whisk!

More Than Just Making Art

Technique: Learning the Tools of the Trade

Studio Practice: Creating Good Artistic Habits

This is about learning to take care of materials, set up a workspace, and develop routines that support making art. It's like learning to clean up after dinner or knowing how to organize your desk for homework.

This habit is split into two important parts that work together:

Together, these skills help your child become both skillful and responsible in their art-making. They learn not just how to create, but how to be artists who respect their tools and space.

Engage & Persist

This is the "don't give up" habit! Your child learns that it's okay if their art doesn't look perfect on the first try. They're developing the super-important skill of working through challenges - something that'll help them in everything from homework to future jobs.

What you might see: Your child erasing and redrawing something multiple times, determined to get it just right.

Sticking With It When Things Get Tough

Envision

Your child learns to picture things in their mind before creating them. It's like having a mental sketch pad where they can try out ideas. This skill helps with everything from planning a science project to solving math problems.

Imagination Station

Express

Art becomes your child's way of telling stories and sharing feelings without always using words. Sometimes it's easier to draw happiness than to explain it, right? This helps kids develop emotional intelligence and communication skills.

Sharing Thoughts and Feelings Through Art

Observe

Your child learns to notice details others might miss. This keen eye for detail can help them in reading, science, and just understanding the world around them better.

Looking - really looking!

Reflect

Reflection in art happens in two different but equally important ways:

Thinking About Thinking

Question + Explain: Becoming Art Detectives

This is where your child learns to talk about their artistic choices and processes. They develop the ability to explain their thinking and ask thoughtful questions about their own work and the work of others.

Evaluate: Learning to be Art Critics (in a Good Way!)

Here your child develops the skills to look at artwork (their own and others') and think about what works, what could be different, and why. It's not about saying something is "good" or "bad," but understanding the choices and effects in artwork.

Bringing it together: These reflection skills help your child become more thoughtful about their art-making process. They learn to both explain their choices and think critically about how to improve - skills that are valuable in many areas of life!

Your young artist learns to step back and think about their work. They'll start asking themselves questions like "What could I do differently?" or "What do I like about this?" It's like becoming their own thoughtful art coach!

Stretch + Explore

This is the "what if?" habit. Your child learns that mistakes can be opportunities and that trying new things is exciting, not scary. They're learning to experiment and be brave in their choices - skills that go way beyond the studio.

What you might see: Your child using materials in surprising or unexpected ways.

Brave Art Adventures

Understanding Art Worlds

Your child learns that art doesn't exist in a bubble. They discover how art connects to history, different cultures, and the world around them. It's like joining a big, creative club that spans the globe and goes back centuries.

Connecting Art to Life

What Can Parents Do?

• Ask about their art process, not just the final product.

• Display their artwork.

• Provide simple art materials and a space to create.

• Share your own creative experiences.

• Visit museums or look at art books together.

Want to support these habits at home? It's easy!

ArtSpark is the best! My 8 year old daughter loves the camps and after school programs. The freedom to create with no rules is her jam. The instructors are amazing and work so well with the kids. We highly recommend for your creative kids!

Tami V.

★★★★★

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