Create Your Own T-Rex!

                                                               *Hello there!*
I am Amber or Miss/Ms. Amber - she/her pronouns - a young, creative adult from California in the United States. I joined Outschool in October of 2020, and teach art classes - mostly drawing - to younger age groups (ages 3-8). 

                                                    *Education and Experience*

I am a first generation college graduate, with a BFA or Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the University of San Francisco (USF) - go dons! During my undergrad years, I dipped my hands in a variety of classes - as I am a curious, explorative learner myself - but ultimately focused on drawing, illustration, and painting development. I had interned with a community art and education non-profit as well and was able to learn a bit about mural painting, community art, and mosaic work. 

I have always enjoyed working with children, and have done so since I first started working, babysitting some family friends' kids. I have always admired the curiosity, honesty, courage, and openness kids have, and I have always enjoyed working with them. They inspire me just as much as I inspire them! 
 
                              *My Values and Philosophies, and How My Classes Run*

Nurturing our children's curiosities - whether they stick with their interests to adulthood or not - enables the mentality that they have options, and are not tied down to a single hobby/passion/career option. I believe that when kids are interested, participating on their own will, they learn the most and enjoy learning. I aspire to create those fun, safe spaces for my students! 

Most of my classes are one-time drawing classes, showing students how to draw something and completing it in the same course. Some examples include: "Create Your Own Princess," "Create Your Own T-Rex," and "Make Art with Posca Markers!" I hope to add painting classes and other arts/crafts classes in the future!

I typically start my classes on time and greet each student. I offer students to introduce themselves and share if they'd like to, and once we get through our introductions, our class will start. I show students each step, check in with each student on their progress, and try to make it as engaging and fun as possible. 

I also try to be honest, but encouraging with my students. Mistakes in art can be taken to heart for many - myself included - and I don't want to steer kids away from art because they're not perfect - none of us are! In my classes, I tend to tell students what has happened with their drawing, but I always try to frame their "mistakes" as something unique in their pictures.

                                  *My Time with Outschool and What's on The Horizon*

When I joined Outschool, I realized I'm getting the best of both worlds - I get to share my passion with kids - how fun and rewarding! I have learned so much since joining Outschool, and am excited for the continual learning for us all.  I am thinking about returning to school for an art education degree so that I can be as equipped as I can be to teach. Thank you for checking out my profile, and I hope to work with you soon!