Georgia State University ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University Art and Design Theses Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design Summer 8-12-2014 A Catalyst Toward Caring: Middle School Art Lessons that Embrace the Value of Compassion Lauren Ashley Stovall Georgia State University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/art_design_theses Recommended Citation Stovall, Lauren Ashley, "A Catalyst Toward Caring: Middle School Art Lessons that Embrace the Value of Compassion." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2014. https://scholarworks.gsu.edu/art_design_theses/164 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Ernest G. Welch School of Art and Design at ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Art and Design Theses by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks @ Georgia State University. For more information, please contact
[email protected]. A CATALYST TOWARD CARING: MIDDLE SCHOOL ART LESSONS THAT EMBRACE THE VALUE OF COMPASSION by LAUREN STOVALL Under the Direction of Dr. Melody Milbrandt ABSTRACT This study discusses the importance of theories of care that are especially relevant to students in middle school art classes. Middle school students are going through an increasing number of changes emotionally, mentally, and cognitively that can be explored through an art curriculum that teaches them the value of caring for themselves and others, while also meeting their developmental needs. In this thesis research, teaching strategies are discussed that will cultivate an environment of care in the middle school classroom. This information will be used in the construction of developmentally sequenced art lessons that put these caring attitudes, strategies, and practices into action through art studio and criticism lessons incorporating the national art education standards.