From Clay to Change
Explore how artistic expression can deepen cultural understanding, challenge biases, and inspire advocacy in social science education. Using poetry’s ability to convey diverse lived experiences and pottery’s metaphorical resonance with breaking and renewal, the workshop below demonstrates how these mediums amplify marginalized voices, foster dialogue, and build community. Grounded in historically and culturally responsive teaching, this session highlighted the transformative potential of humanizing pedagogies. Also available below is a resource for creating and reflecting through art and children’s literature. By integrating art-based methodologies, social science educators can foster inclusive, liberatory classrooms and reimagine their teaching as a vehicle for both personal and societal renewal.
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From Clay to Change: Artistic Tools for Social Science Education Renewal
An arts-based workshop led by Susan Patterson and Patricia Crain de Galarce
Using Children’s Literature and the Arts to Teach Social Studies
This handout provides suggested children’s books and integrated arts activities that support conceptual understanding in social studies through creative expression.
“The intersection of creativity and culture inspires socially just teaching and meaningful change.”
