CEDAR CITY — If you love sharing art with youth, you can learn some new art projects and acquire unique teaching skills while doing fun, family-friendly and educational learning activities with Southern Utah University’s Community Education program.
This spring, three distinctive classes are being offered for parents, grandparents and home teachers who love teaching children engaging activities that expand their knowledge and awaken their creative skills through a partnership between SUU artsFUSION and SUU Community Education.
“We know that learning takes place in the home as well as the classroom,” Alisa Peterson, assistant professor of elementary arts education, said in a press release from the university. “For this reason, we are excited to offer these artsFUSION workshops to all members of the community. Now parents, grandparents, homeschool educators, or anyone else can learn how to provide joyful arts experiences for children alongside traditional classroom educators.”
SUU’s artsFUSION classes bring movement, color, rhythm and expression into the lives of students and teachers in Southern Utah through quality arts integration programs and services, the press release continued.
On Feb. 27, participants will learn how one of the world’s oldest instruments, a simple drum, can be used to foster teamwork and cooperation, facilitate communication and provide insight into multicultural traditions around the world.
The earliest drums were made using alligator skins during the latter part of the Stone Age in China, with some remains dating back to 5,500 B.C. Throughout history in Sri Lanka, drums have been used as a form of communication between state leaders and community members.
On March 27, shake the night away by creating a West African “shekere,” using dry gourds, string and beads, and learn how to use this percussion instrument for a variety of rhythm-based activities to share with children.
And on Apr. 24, experience a variety of textiles from around the world and make three sample projects using fabric, paper and inexpensive materials. These textile projects will show educators how to connect youth with subjects such as social studies, language arts and math through fabrics.
“We are excited to partner with SUU artsFUSION to offer the southern Utah community more fun, engaging and affordable adventures for those who love to learn,” said Melynda Thorpe, executive director at SUU Community Education. “Anybody can become a teacher in their own home with these exciting new classes.”
For more information on SUU Community Education and SUU artsFUSION classes, visit the Community Education webpage, call 435-865-8259 or stop by the SUU Office of Community and Academic Enrichment at 136 W. University Blvd., Ste. 003, in Cedar City for help registering.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews