Elementary Art

With just a little research and preparation, you can provide a creative art program for your child or children’s group. At the grade school level (grades one through four), emphasis is on the basics, which are line, shape, color, value, texture, form and space. These concepts are reinforced through age-appropriate projects that can easily be found online or in books from your local library. You can prepare activities based on theme (animals, holidays), colors (primary, secondary), or material (watercolors, collage).

Begin by researching appropriate art projects. Use books from your local library, research online sites and visit local craft stores and museums for materials. Reputable sites will give you suggested age ranges for the individual projects. A good book to start with is “How to Teach Art to Children” by Joy Evans and Tanya Skelton.

Gather supplies in a plastic tub or box dedicated to art. In this box collect crayons, paints, brushes, water-soluable markers, school glue, stamps, stencils, and papers, anything that can be used in art projects. Having all these supplies in one place makes it easy for clean up and teaches organization. Read all the product information before you buy art materials. You’ll want to make sure that art materials are age-appropriate and non-toxic.

Set aside enough time for projects. This is time for creative play and it can be scheduled just as easily as band or soccer practice. Art lessons in schools last from 35 to 45 minutes. Go over the activity details with your child, but do not do the project yourself. It is important that the child use his own creativity. Avoid “helping” too much. It is okay to explain how to use a crayon on the tip for fine lines and on its side for thicker lines. It’s not okay to draw the entire project for him. Don’t ask, “What is it?” when your child hands you his masterpiece. Instead, ask non-judgmental questions like “Can you tell me about it?”

When your child is finished with the project, display the art. Attach it to the refrigerator with a magnet, or frame it in an inexpensive frame and hang it on the wall. The point is to encourage the child that what he has done is important and something to be proud of.

If you feel that your child isn’t getting enough art instruction due to school budget cuts or for any other reason, remember you can help your child by doing art projects at home.

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