The Magic of Mark-Making

How do we unlock the joy of meaningful mark-making for every child? This week, we host Dr. Gai Lindsay, Senior Lecturer and long-time early childhood expert, whose research is dedicated to empowering visual arts learning.

Drawing inspiration from John Dewey and the constructivist Reggio Emilia approach, Dr. Lindsay explains how mark-making is far more than just art—it's a powerful visual language and a key to children’s cognitive development. We explore the connection between the Reggio Emilia concept of the 'hundred languages of children' and the visual arts, discussing how these rich experiences foster a child’s sense of agency and contribution as a citizen culture-maker.

Dr. Lindsay challenges educators to protect mark-making as a joyful and child-led process in the face of pressure to focus solely on literacy and numeracy outcomes. We discuss concrete ways to ensure visual arts learning is meaningful and empowering, not just a product-focused activity.

Tune in to understand the deep philosophical underpinnings of quality arts pedagogy. You'll gain practical insights into giving children the confidence and tools to use their marks, lines, and textures to communicate, research, and express their developing ideas about the world.

Find out more:
https://drgai-lindsay.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/gailindsay/?hl=en

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