If…Then I Create

Role: Project Organizer

Archived: 2016

THE CHALLENGE

Middle school students are a sensitive group that are going through dramatic changes physically and emotionally, and thus need tremendous support/positive role models as well as unique approach to teaching. In Bennington, there are not as many projects focused on this age group as with the high school students. Empowerment through creativity could impact the middle school students significantly during this period of life.

THE SOLUTION

If…Then I Create is a social practice project that uses the scenario game “If…then” and collage art to encourage young girls to voice their opinions, launch their ideas, and alleviate daily stress through creativity.

The project was built by these main methodologies:

• Qualitative research and interviews on the behavioral patterns and areas of support needed for the age group 11-14 (both regional and national)

• Designing, prototyping and reiterating workshop with students focus groups based on the principles of expressive art therapy and scenarios-based game playing

• Implementing and documenting the after school workshop of collaging, game playing and conversation for students from Mount Anthony Union Middle School 

THE IMPACT 

• Cultivating a safe space for middle school students to think about their hopes and dreams, make art collectively, and share with each other about what they go through in their daily lives

• Garnering interest and increased communication between students, families and educators at Mount Anthony Union Middle School about the design and methodology of the workshop, which can help children develop positive social behaviors

The final collage was displayed at Mount Anthony Union Middle School.