Combining art and motor skills

For many students, art class is a time during the school day where they can express themselves creatively. Collierville teachers are always thinking outside the box, especially art teachers who design innovative lesson plans each year. Two unique art grants CEF granted this year were new pottery wheels and origami kits. Both of these art styles are not just creative – they also help students with their fine motor skills. Molding pottery and folding paper contribute to both dexterity and hand-eye coordination. 

Origami kits

At Tara Oaks Elementary School, students of all ages explore Japanese culture and art through the practice of origami. Origami is a perfect combination of art, math, science and motor skill utilization. Students use angles, symmetry and shapes along with the mechanics of folding and engineering. The kits include pre-cut paper of traditional colors and designs for older students to use and pre-printed introductory lines and images for younger students.

Pottery wheels

West Collierville Middle School received five new pottery wheels for students to use. With these new tools, students are introduced to a traditional art form and the history behind it. Once they master the history behind the tools, they get to work on crafting utilitarian pieces like bowls, plates and mugs. Handcrafting these dishes builds upon the students’ motor skills. When you think of learning motor skills, middle school students may not come to mind. Fine tuning these skills can happen at any age, and they just get better with practice! 

Interested in learning more about the inventive grants entering Collierville Schools? Read more grant stories or visit our Facebook page.