Alt text: A young blonde student stands facing a large colorful painting with text overlaid that says “A Day in the Life of a mosaic Student: Exploring Creativity and Connection”
It’s 8 a.m. on a cool morning in downtown Columbus, and the mosaic classroom is already alive with energy. As students filter in, the sounds of laughter and lively discussion fill the basement of First Congregational Church. The walls are adorned with artwork, poetry and projects— a visual testament to the creativity that thrives here. We’re joining the classroom to document a day in their life as mosaic students in celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month.
Mosaic, a program offered by the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to cultivate the joy of learning and an attitude of discovery through an exploration-based curriculum. Students deepen their intellectual and critical thinking skills through deep research, authentic problem solving, encounters with diverse perspectives, and intellectual autonomy that allows for student self-direction and accountability.
Circle of Ideas: Where Projects Take Shape
Alt text: high school students sit on the floor in a circle while the teacher speaks
The instructors begin class with students seated in a circle, eager to get started on the day’s tasks. Their teachers introduce their first project: putting a modern spin on or creating a complete reinterpretation of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, which they were tasked with reading over summer break. The project challenges students to reimagine the book’s themes of self-discovery and empowerment through a contemporary lens, offering fresh perspectives on the timeless narrative.
Hear from Taylor, a mosaic year 2 student, about the project’s goals.
Bringing Ideas to Life: The Project Begins
With instructions in tow, the students break off into their groups. They scatter into the various alcoves of the church’s basement, which serves as their creative workspace. One group rehearses their modernized dialogue, while another debates stage direction and visual elements that will underscore the play’s themes in new ways. Whether discussing character motivations or experimenting with modern props and costumes, the students' collective creativity brings new life to Chopin’s novel, transforming it into something reflective of today’s world.
Alt text (image 1): students stand in the church basement in front of sticky notes scattered along the wall behind them while discussing stage direction
Alt text (image 2): students lounge in chairs while brainstorming on their project. School supplies are scattered on the table in front of them.
Alt text (image 3): Two students are playing out a scene on a stage in front of a velvet green curtain.
Alt text (image 4): Six students sit in chairs facing each other in pairs to practice a scene on stage in front of a large velvet curtain.
Hear from Destiny as they describe their project and their group’s approach to reinterpreting The Awakening through a modern lens.
The students are also creating artwork to amplify their performances. Hear from Hannah as she describes her groups process for the art pieces.
Closing the Curtain: A Day of Creativity is Complete
After a morning filled with creative expression—practicing scenes from The Awakening and crafting artistic interpretations—students wrap up their work at mosaic. With a sense of accomplishment and new ideas buzzing, they gather their belongings and prepare to transition back to their respective high schools. There, they’ll shift gears from the world of art and performance to more traditional academic subjects. Despite the change in environment, the creative energy from mosaic lingers, often fueling their approach to learning throughout the rest of the school day.
Alt text (image 1): life-size mosaics of a groom’s suit and a bride’s dress made of paper scraps.
Alt text (image 2): students stand in the church basement in front of sticky notes scattered along the wall behind them while discussing stage direction.
Alt text (image 3): Large pieces of paper attached to the wall with colorful doodles and sticky notes to illustrate the brainstorming and creative processes of the students.
Alt text (image 4): A wide view of large pieces of paper showcasing all the colorful notes written by students while brainstorming for their projects. The large pieces of paper are covered in sticky notes too.
Mosaic is more than a classroom — it’s a community where students are encouraged to explore their identities, challenge their assumptions and create work that matters. This National Arts and Humanities Month, we celebrate programs like mosaic, that empower students to harness the transformative power of the arts. Want to learn more about the program? Click here.