At The American International School of Lagos, we believe every child is an artist. Rooted in the National Core Arts Standards and guided by Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB), our elementary art program offers students voice, choice, and authentic ownership over their creative journey. Through skill-based mini-lessons, students build confidence in techniques, media, and visual storytelling while exploring ideas that matter to them.
Beyond the classroom, our Open Art Studio invites students to drop in during lunch for self-directed exploration, turning free time into meaningful creative expression. Students take risks, problem-solve, and reflect on their work through discussion, nurturing independence and lifelong creative habits.
Our mission is to ignite curiosity and cultivate a culture where student agency thrives—where learners see themselves as artists not just in class, but in the world.
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.
