Art is a powerful tool for cultivating health and well-being. Students can explore complex issues, express emotions, and advocate for positive change by creating, performing, and responding to art. This process fosters critical thinking, health-enhancing behaviors, and effective communication, essential skills that support our health and wellness.

Analyzing Influences

In a world of constant connectivity, understanding the influence of technology on our lives is more crucial than ever. That’s why in our health class, we’ve been utilizing a powerful thinking routine called “See, Think, Me, We,” developed by Harvard’s Project Zero, to delve into the complexities of social media’s impact on our relationships.

Project Zero: Fostering Deeper Thinking

Project Zero, a research center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, is known for its work in developing thinking routines that promote deeper understanding and critical thinking.¹ These routines encourage learners to move beyond surface-level observations and engage in meaningful reflection.

The “See, Think, Me, We” routine, in particular, provides a structured framework for exploring complex topics. It encourages individuals to:

• See: Carefully observe and describe what is present.
• Think: Interpret and analyze the observations, forming hypotheses and explanations.⁴
• Me: Reflect on personal connections and experiences related to the observations.⁵
• We: Consider the broader implications and connections to the larger community or society.

Analyzing “Removed”

To put this routine into practice, our class examined Eric Pickersgill’s photo series, “Removed.” This collection visually depicts individuals seemingly engrossed in their smartphones, with the devices themselves digitally removed. The resulting images are striking, highlighting the physical presence of people while emphasizing their emotional absence.

Through the “See, Think, Me, We” lens, we were able to:

• See: We described the subjects’ postures, facial expressions, and the empty spaces where their phones would typically be.
• Think: We discussed the potential meanings behind these images, exploring themes of isolation, disconnection, and the pervasive nature of technology.
• Me: We shared personal experiences with social media and reflected on how it has affected our relationships and interactions.
• We: We considered the broader societal implications of our reliance on technology, discussing how it shapes our communication, social norms, and overall well-being.

Deeper Thinking, Meaningful Connections

By using the “See, Think, Me, We” approach, our class was able to move beyond simply viewing the photos to engage in a deeper, more meaningful analysis. To support the discussion, I provided sentence stems adapted from a resource created by Dr. Caitlin Tucker.  This routine facilitated open and honest discussions, allowing us to connect with the material on a personal level and consider its broader relevance. 

Healthy Behaviors & Mental Health

Art offers a versatile tool for managing stress and improving mental health. Engaging in creative activities, whether drawing, painting, or crafting, provides a much-needed distraction from worries and stressors. In my class, during our mental health and healthy behaviors unit, we have increased our art-based options for students to try. Grounded doodling, drawing your breath, origami, and creating mandala stones have been new additions that students have enjoyed. Check out my presentation for more details!

Advocacy

Art serves as a powerful tool for health advocacy campaigns. Students can create visually striking posters and buttons to raise awareness and spark conversations. Paintings and spoken word performances can evoke emotions and inspire action. By exploring different art forms, students can find the most effective way to communicate their message and engage their audience, ultimately contributing to positive health change.

Ultimately, integrating art into health education not only enhances learning but also empowers students to become more thoughtful, expressive, and proactive advocates for their well-being and the health of their community.

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Ian Lacasse the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this post with the following:

Using Sketchnotes in the Health Classroom by Ian Lacasse

EIEIO – Graphic Medicine in Old McDonald’s Classroom by P.F Anderson

How to Draw Health by Danielle E. Grant

A Quick & Easy Guide to Consent by Isabella Rotman (great example of graphic medicine)

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?