This video was filmed in Ms. Elias' art classroom at Gannett Peak Elementary, a K-3 school in Lander, Wyoming. Thanks to Ms. Elias for sharing! A centers-based art curriculum can have many names: Centers-based art, Studio art, Choice-based art, or Teaching for Artistic Behavior. Whatever the title, it is a philosophy of allowing students to 'discover' art elements and principles while creating meaningful experiences with as many art materials as can be provided in multiple centers. The teacher guides their progress on an individual basis, because each child has different interests, needs and skill levels. Students are allowed the opportunity to fail, and are taught how to use their failures to explore new and unexpected ideas. Children's explorations can be pretty messy, and even seem silly on the surface. But, kids have a great need for sensory input and finding out just what the many materials can do. A choice-based teacher must trust that children are capable of being self-regulated and can do meaningful, creative work in a studio environment.

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