Theoretical Foundations

As a concept of utilized tools, the modality of poetry has several theoretical orientations of expressive therapy. The ones that I find most relevant to arts education are cognitive, meta communication, and humanistic schools. With the understanding that student behaviors play a considerable role in their ability to learn, the incorporation of poetry as a Cognitive expressive therapy in the lesson will provide learning opportunities for self-reflection, focus and attention to tasks. Meta communication is an essential component in the creation of an all inclusive learning environment. The ideal of “being interconnected with others and the environment”, appeals to how I see my students work collaboratively when mediums such as clay and paint are applied. Lastly, I view Humanistic expressive therapy as being a vital element to the growth and development of children through their primary and secondary stages of education. As students endure changes and challenges, and learn to distinguish reality from fantasy, their imagination will be what fuels their future.