This week, our Be the Voice of Girls (BVG) participants embarked on an exciting journey into the world of critical thinking and art critique with our special guest, Jessica from All Ears English. This session was a beautiful blend of art, language learning, and self-expression, reinforcing the core mission of BVG—empowering girls through English and the arts.
Starting with a Reflection
Jessica opened the session with an engaging discussion, prompting the girls to recall lessons from their previous class with Aubrey from All Ears English. This reflective approach encouraged participants to retain and apply what they learned. One key takeaway from this conversation? The importance of note-taking! Jessica emphasized how keeping track of insights can transform fleeting lessons into long-term knowledge.
What Does It Mean to Think Critically?
Diving into the heart of the session, Jessica introduced the concept of critical thinking—a skill essential not just in education but in everyday life. Through engaging dialogues and student participation, the girls explored how critical thinking involves logic, reasoning, and evidence-based conclusions.
From simple daily decisions (like choosing an outfit) to major life choices (such as selecting a field of study), the discussion highlighted how we all engage in critical thinking more often than we realize. One student shared her decision to pursue a challenging academic path, exemplifying how careful thought and self-awareness shape our futures.
Art as a Tool for Critical Thought
Art provided the perfect medium to put these lessons into action. Jessica guided the participants through a structured critique process, encouraging them to describe, interpret, and judge various pieces of artwork. This method allowed students to analyze art deeply, consider different perspectives, and express their thoughts confidently.
From discussing color symbolism to analyzing facial expressions in paintings, the girls honed their observational and analytical skills. One particularly insightful moment came when a student described how a painting’s color palette made her feel a sense of chaos and anxiety—showing a keen understanding of the artist’s emotional intent.
Engaging Conversations and Personal Expression
The session also included a fascinating conversation about murals and their impact on society. Students shared their interpretations of different mural artworks, tying them to cultural and historical contexts. One participant linked a mural’s colors to the Bolivian flag, sparking a discussion on how art can reflect national and indigenous identities.
In the latter part of the session, students had the opportunity to describe their own favorite artworks. One student shared her love for The Great Wave off Kanagawa, describing how its swirling motion and towering waves evoke emotions of both struggle and resilience. This personal connection to art reinforced the power of visual storytelling and self-expression.
A Lasting Impression
As the session came to a close, Jessica encouraged the girls to continue practicing critical thinking in all aspects of life—not just in analyzing art but also in their studies, personal choices, and communication with others. The girls left the session with a new appreciation for observation, interpretation, and articulation—skills that will serve them well in their journey as future leaders.
At BVG, we believe that combining English language learning with the arts creates a dynamic and meaningful educational experience. This session with Jessica was another step forward in our mission to cultivate empowered, thoughtful, and expressive young women.
We look forward to our next adventure in learning! Stay tuned for more enriching experiences with BVG!
