The American International School of Lagos, Nigeria, Grade 5 students embarked on a student-driven ceramics unit rooted in the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) methodology. Grounded in the National Core Arts Standards, the unit provided structured skill-building in ceramic techniques while empowering learners with full voice and choice in their creative direction.
Through the design cycle, students took responsibility for their artistic growth—moving through stages of ideation, experimentation, creation, and reflection. Their self-directed projects showcased both technical proficiency and personal expression, embodying the values of inquiry-based learning.
To build reflective practice and digital fluency, students documented their creative journey on Toddle, using process photos, artist statements, and self-assessments to demonstrate growth and critical thinking.
This unit highlights the power of choice-based learning in developing confident, capable, and globally minded young artists in international school contexts.
Artist: Veronika is a Grade 5 student at the American International School of Lagos.
Artist: A Grade 5 student at the American International School of Lagos.
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Building blocks, playdough, crayons, and stickers – as soon as a child develops motor skills, we ask them to communicate through art.
Art provides a unique insight into student voice, allowing us to reflect on the human condition by seeing the world through the lens of the student. Art asks both the creator and the viewer to be vulnerable and open to empathy, new experiences, ideas, and viewpoints. It encourages analytical, as well as creative thinking, and inspires conversations about the world around us, our perceptions, reflections, change, and beauty.
By showcasing student artwork from around the world, we have the opportunity to connect our international school community through a portrait of global perspectives. We invite students of all ages and experiences to participate in this visual network by sharing their voice through art.
To contribute student artwork to A Portrait of Global Perspectives, please contact [email protected].
Regina Maniaci teaches elementary visual arts at the American International School of Lagos.
