How can teachers encourage pupils to value the ‘beauty of the work’ they produce?
When we create work that we invest and graft in – work that makes us proud – it sends a strong message to ourselves and the world around us: my work has value.
What is beautiful work?
Beautiful work is more than just ‘neat handwriting’. It is the craft, care and consideration pupils bestow to create work that makes them shine with pride. The work that makes you say, ‘Wow’ and mean it! Beautiful work brings happiness to the creator and the audience, inspiring thought or evoking emotion.
What does beautiful work look like?
Beautiful work varies in how it looks, after all, ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’. Often, beautiful work contains stunning content and visuals that support the piece. These visuals might include sketches, illustrations, decorations, cuttings, and parts that lift or boarders.
How can I encourage pupils to create beautiful work?
With practise, any pupil can create beautiful work! Here’s how to get started:
- Inspire: Use beautiful resources, equipment and images to inspire the pupils.
- Model: Live modelling helps to show pupils ‘how to beautify’ a piece of work
- Autonomy: Allow pupils to use their own creative flair = motivation and varied outcomes.
- Celebrate: Allocate time and space to celebrate the stunning work created.
Read the inspiring book ‘The Curriculum: Gallimaufry to coherence‘ by Mary Myatt for more ideas and further suggestions on creating beautiful work …
