Welcome back to Episode 25 of Let’s Chat Creative Pathways!

This week, we are sitting down with Kristina Junco, a local artist and elementary special education teacher who beautifully blends her passion for creativity with her work in the classroom.

In this episode, Kristina takes us back to her childhood in Lancaster, PA, describing what it was like growing up with a mother who made creative play a part of their daily routine (including some legendary Halloween costumes). We discuss how that foundation influenced her path and how she now brings that same spirit to her students.

We also dive deep into "The Sketchbook Project." We look at the "Pizza Sketchbook" and Kristina shares how she used a sketchbook in her special education classroom to teach social skills like turn taking, patience, and the idea that art doesn't have to be "finished" to be beautiful.

In this episode, we cover:

• Kristina’s journey from a creative childhood to becoming an artist and educator.

• The philosophy that "kids do well when they can, not when they want to."

• How The Sketchbook Project originated from Beth's experience with her daughter.

• Practical ways to use sketchbooks in the classroom for diverse learners.

Follow along with Kristina and her art on Instagram at @kjunk_co

Support ⁠Creative Pathways Inc.⁠, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by donating. All donations bring art programming to Brockton youth.

Follow on Instagram: ⁠@creativepathwaysproject⁠

 ⁠@bethbaileystudio

__________________________________________________________

Music by ⁠⁠Greg Loftus⁠⁠, find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠⁠ in Falmouth for live shows.

Intro/outro song “Dog Days" by Greg Loftus used with full permission of the artist.

Licensor name: Greg Loftus

Licensor organization: Independent artist (self-owned copyright)

Licensor email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Music by ⁠ ⁨@gregloftusmusic⁩ , find his work wherever you stream and visit ⁠The Lounge at the Brew⁠ in Falmouth for live shows. @theloungeatthebrew