The Artisan Child

I often found a strong link between any of the great thinkers of the 20th century and Unani Tibb, sometimes not the medicine practice itself but the framework behind it, the Mandala Blueprint.

When it comes to children's education, understanding the child's temperament becomes imperative. This is what Rudolf Steiner, at least, included in his writing on educating the child completely, and holistically.

The Artisan Child is one of the frameworks of the 'types' of children you will certainly come across - as a parent, grandparent, teacher, or educator. In comparison to Unani Tibb, this child is what we would refer to as the sanguine child.

Characteristic of this child is the following - light-heartedness, communicativeness, and adaptability. Like the Air, these children flow in and out of interests, hobbies, routines, etc.

How would you educate an Artisan Child?

First and foremost, it's, important to remember that all the elements reside in all of us. We all have a bit of air, earth, fire, and water in us - simply in different ratios thus molding our uniqueness and individual personalities. For the Artisan Child, their Air Element holds strongest and so the followinga are two of the most important aspects to hold strong in an Artisan Child's education.

1. Artistic Integration:

Incorporating hands-on artistic activities and storytelling allows the Artisan Child to engage with the material in a way that aligns with their creative nature. This approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also taps into their imaginative capabilities, enhancing overall comprehension.

Example: In a history lesson, instead of a traditional written assignment, ask the Artisan Child to create a visual timeline using drawings, colors, and symbols to represent key historical events. This allows them to express their understanding artistically.

1. Flexibility in Learning Spaces:

Providing adaptable learning spaces, including outdoor education, caters to the Artisan Child's need for a dynamic environment. Allowing them to choose their learning spots and incorporating nature into the learning process fosters a conducive atmosphere for creativity and exploration.

Example: Designate a corner of the classroom as a flexible learning space with cushions, bean bags, and floor seating. Allow the Artisan Child to choose this space when working on individual projects, providing them with a comfortable and adaptable environment.

These two elements, artistic integration, and flexible learning spaces, synergize to create an educational environment that resonates with the Artisan Child's temperament, promoting both creative expression and a sense of autonomy in their learning journey.

Other factors worth mentioning are the following

Individualized Projects:

• Personalized Projects: Encourage independent research and projects aligned with their interests. This empowers them to take ownership of their learning and pursue topics that ignite their passion.
• Open-Ended Assignments: Design assignments with open-ended elements, allowing room for the Artisan Child's creative interpretation. This flexibility fosters a sense of autonomy and original thinking.

Example: For a science unit, allow the Artisan Child to choose a specific topic of interest and design their own experiment or research project. This personalized approach encourages them to delve into areas that captivate their curiosity.

Interactive and Collaborative Learning:

• Group Projects: Incorporate collaborative projects that involve teamwork. This helps balance their independent nature with valuable social interactions, promoting both creativity and cooperation.
• Interactive Discussions: Facilitate discussions that encourage the Artisan Child to share their perspectives. This not only enhances their communication skills but also allows them to contribute their unique insights to the learning community.

Example: Initiate a group project where students collectively create a play or presentation about a historical event. This collaborative effort balances the Artisan Child's independent nature with valuable social interactions, fostering teamwork.

Customized Assessment:

• Varied Assessment Methods: Implement diverse assessment methods, including projects, presentations, and creative assignments. Traditional testing might not capture the full range of an Artisan Child's capabilities.
• Feedback Sessions: Provide constructive feedback positively. Recognize and appreciate their creative contributions while guiding them toward refining their ideas and skills.

Example: Instead of a traditional written test, assess the Artisan Child's understanding of a literature text through a creative project, such as a diorama, where they can visually represent key scenes and themes from the book.

Emphasis on Curiosity:

• Encourage Curiosity: Foster their inquisitive nature by posing thought-provoking questions and encouraging them to explore topics beyond the curriculum. This cultivates a love for learning and fuels their natural curiosity.

Example: Introduce a "Curiosity Corner" in the classroom with intriguing objects related to the current topic of study. Encourage the Artisan Child to explore these items during designated times, sparking their curiosity and prompting questions for discussion.