At-risk Youngsters and Folk Art

    As much as we like to hop around the subject, socioeconomical status plays a great part in a student's self-esteem growing up. It affects both the student and how others react to the student. If one gives off the impression that the at-risk student is nothing but trouble and is not capable of doing the work because of the child's predefined lifestyle, then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. A teacher must facilitate these needs and incorporate work that invites themselves into the life of the student.

    Introduce folk and urban art. It incorporates the most important aspect of encoding knowledge; elaboration. These lessons will provide culture for the students. Even students of different cultures then the art being taught, will gain an understanding and respect of the other student’s values, beliefs, and culture. This also empowers and allows the student, who sees this culture in their everyday life, to shine and want to involve themselves into the lesson.

    In conclusion, there are ways to deal with at-risk students. Teachers cannot simply give up on a student because they are heading towards a bad path. It is the teacher’s job to facilitate the needs of every student. Incorporating folk arts, urban arts, and modern culture into the lessons can provide an impact in an at-risks student’s life. It can persuade a student to elaborate and see the project as meaningful to them.