The Art of Discovery

Our Teachers

About Abby: I am a certified teacher with a masters in Art Education, licensed to work with preschool aged children. I received my BFA in visual arts, with a minor in social work, as well as my MA in Art Ed, through NYU. After teaching for 4 years full time in the public and charter school system (PreK-8th grade), I am excited to work with young children with the goal of using art, exploration, and discovery to expand on socio-emotional skills. (More information about my background in socio-emotional learning can be found in the philosophy section!). Before teaching full time, I worked as a teaching artist, substitute teacher, summer camp counselor, and afterschool teacher in various starting in 2010. I have also been babysitting preschool aged children for 13 years. Apart from teaching, I am passionate about art (in particular, public/interactive art!) and social justice. I am working on expanding my own artistic practice, love reading and playing the piano, and am slowly teaching myself guitar. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to work with you and your child. My artistic and teaching portfolios are available on my website: https://abbywurtele.wixsite.com/art-ed-collab

About Linnea: I had the privilege to attend an amazing early childhood program when I was young that was cooperatively founded by several mothers in my rural community who were looking for holistic education for their children. Inspired by their can-do attitude toward creating child-centered education and having developed a life-long love of learning about educational philosophies, I was inspired to start my own program in my community. It has always been my dream to help design and support creative school where children can blossom and grow. When I’m spending time with my preschool-aged child, you can find me working in sustainability and energy efficiency engineering for real estate or singing folk songs. It is a joy to be able to provide the space for a creative, child-centered school.

Philosophy

The Art of Discovery: an arts-based, socio-emotional approach to learning lead by Abby Wurtele

Program philosophy from Abby Wurtele:

For a long time, I thought of art as a voice, but my belief has shifted: art is a language. Every person already has a voice and a point of view. Art provides us with a vehicle for communication–a way to make our voices heard. For young children still developing advanced vocabulary and language skills, art can be an especially powerful source of expression.

I believe that students learn best in joyful and challenging environments, and I do my best to create that environment in the classroom, while allowing students space to experience and move through whatever emotions may come up during the art making and discovery process. All student experiences are encouraged, and I use my coursework and experience facilitating socio-emotional/art therapy based pull out groups to support children and give them tools to help themselves. Art is fostered in a way to both acknowledge and celebrate differences, as well as to expose, strengthen, and build connections among individuals.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions (https://www.cfchildren.org/what-is-social-emotional-learning/, https://casel.org/what-is-sel/). While SEL is proven to be extremely successful in helping students with emotional, social, and behavioral struggles due to mental health issues or trauma, research shows that ALL children benefit! From finding beauty and opportunity for growth in our mistakes, to celebrating differences and uniqueness, the lessons learned in art are intentionally offered for students to make connections to their real lives and quality worlds.

In Art of Discovery children are given space to experiment with materials, and are encouraged to take risks and learn through mistakes. In fact, mistakes are not only accepted but encouraged, as they help us learn and grow. Children learn that there is no single “right way” to accomplish a goal, both in the art room and in the real world. Aiming for progress, not perfection, empowers children and builds confidence and resilience.

At The Art of Discovery, art empowers children because the language of art is a tool in itself. As students use art to express and depict their own experiences and worlds, they are developing the skills to do more than show the world as it is: they are discovering that they have the ability to create it.

Family Involvement: I work closely with families to ensure that social, emotional, academic, and artistic goals are met, and am always open to collaboration and feedback. I believe that being a teacher means constantly learning, and consistently to seek out professional development to expand my skills as an educator.

About my background in socio-emotional learning and teaching: My interest and background in social work influences the way I view art education. In social work, the approach is one of “person-in-environment,” meaning that the emphasis is on the biological and psychological state and needs of an individual, in addition to the effects of the larger social and political systems that each person is a part of. My teaching methods are informed by the theory of Social and Emotional Learning and by the social justice approach that was emphasized in my post-graduate education and professional development since entering the workforce.

More Information on Socio- Emotional Learning (SEL):

https://www.cfchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/research/EL\_Review\_Research\_SS.pdf

https://www.cfchildren.org/about-us/making-the-case-for-sel/

http://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/sel.html

https://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/leaders-link/social-emotional-learning-defined/

Location

The Art of Discovery is located in a warm, bright apartment in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, in a safe, family-friendly co-op environment.

We’ve designed our care environment with play and learning areas that allow children to explore various developmentally-appropriate activities based on their interests. Some of our favorite areas include reading / cozy area (for literacy, relaxation, and respite), art area (for expressing emotions and ideas), and nature discovery. Whenever possible (weather permitting), children will have the opportunity to play, create, and explore outdoors.

At The Art of Discovery, we provide an environment that supports the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of each child.

About our program

The Art of Discovery is a unique program with a focus on socio-emotional learning through art. We are a child-centered school, tailored to the needs and interests of children, as well as the goals of families. More information can be found in our philosophy section. Please feel free to get in touch with any questions!

Admissions

Join the The Art of Discovery community in four easy steps:

1. Explore our website

We’ve provided information about our philosophies and offerings to help you decide if our program may be right for your family.

2. Learn more about Socio-Emotional Learning

I have some helpful links provided, and am more than happy to provide additional information and talk to you about your child’s needs, interests, and any goals you have!

3. Submit an Enrollment Application

If you would like to enroll, please submit an application at www.wonderschool.com/the-art-of-discovery-2499/apply –

4. Enroll

After reviewing your application, we’ll send an enrollment invitation. Upon accepting your invitation you’ll pay your enrollment fee, fill out enrollment documents and review our Parent Handbook.

4. Schedule an Optional (but recommended!) Family/Teacher meeting

I find it is helpful to meet with families prior to the child’s first day. This can help alleviate anxiety for the child, gives us a chance to get to know each other, and provides an opportunity to discuss goals for your child.

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