HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN’S ART

Art vs Craft ART is an opportunity for children to explore art media with no

product goal or samples of what the product is to look like when it is finished. Child Directed = they are given the supplies and told an idea and then let

loose to create. • Ie: create an elephant out of these materials.

It is the Process NOT the Product that is the focus Developing fine motor skills vs making a turkey

CRAFTS require that the children produce something that is similar or exactly the same. They are showed an end result, told what materials to use, what to do, and how to do it. • Teacher Directed = Child wants theirs to look like the one you showed

them instead of creating their own unique product.• Black line (ie: coloring books) copies

Creativity is the art of putting something together in a new and different way.

Children are often very creative; however, we sometimes teach

children that it is unacceptable.

WHAT CAN ART DO FOR CHILDREN? It is therapeutic and can be an expression

of strong feelings. A means to express self – interest,

perceptions, and style. Children are not yet under the constraints of

realism. They feel free to represent in their art what

matters to them. Shows the uniqueness of child’s identity.

WHAT CAN ART DO FOR CHILDREN? Cont’d Visual thinking shows growth in cognitive

(intellectual) development. Art is a record of growth and the child’s unique way

of relating to the world. Develops fine motor skills and hand eye

coordination. Develops positive self concept and a sense of

accomplishment. So, what if they ask you to do the project for them?

HOW IMPORTANT ARE THESE ASPECTS?

Following directions and copying a model Focused on a theme or idea Neatness Realistic The product

HOW TO TEACH ART

(and every other task

area):

No lessons, just let them develop their own creativity. Picasso said, “We all should learn to draw like a child –

it teaches us to be free and spontaneous.” Avoid the use of models and patterns. It

inhibits creativity and free expression. Coloring books (black line paper) VS. Blank paper

Avoid constant adult interference, supervision, and control.

Expect a mess. These are great as long as they know that they must

help clean up.

RULE #1 = Children do their own work soRELAX THE CONTROLS

It is the Process not the Product that is important.

RULE #2: Tolerate Differences Each child should feel that his art is taken

seriously, understood, commented on, and appreciated. The process or final product may seem funny but

remember that the child’s intention is serious. Don’t judge or inhibit spontaneous expression.

Encourage children to try using materials in different ways. “I wonder if the bottom of the crayon will work the

same as the top?” Get excited about their discoveries and share your

own discoveries, too.

RULE #3 Inspire Perseverance Never interrupt a child deeply involved in their

work. Albert Einstein said that he actually had no specific

talent, but that it was just his, “obsession and dogged endurance” that helped him arrive at life-changing ideas.

Encourage the children to see their product through to the end.

Support and encourage by responding appropriately to their words, their actions, the process, and the product. Active Listening, respond, and question (5 W’s) Specific positive reinforcement and comments

“I like the way you put those buttons close together” vs “Nice Job”

“Tell me about it. “ VS. “What is it a picture of?” Describe what you see = “You used all of the colors.” Talk about the process

“How is it organized?” “Where does the idea come from?” “What did you enjoy doing in this picture.”

Talk about their actions = “Look how fast your arm moves”

RULE #4 = Respond to their work

Paint On Paint With Draw On Draw With Cut with

Put things together with

Mold Construct Whatever you plan

to throw away. Clean up With

RULE #5 = Art is Open Ended

The Art Center Organization of the area affects the kids

ability for inspiration, creativity, and self-expression.

Easels act as a room division Shelves with clear containers Away from traffic and activity Near a sink and tables and chairs Usually free play / centers– choose to

participate Place to Display the children’s work!

RAINBOW FISH

1. Draw this basic mug picture with your mouth. (2-3 yo)

3. Draw with your opposite hand. (5-7 yo)4. Draw with your strong hand. (7+ yo)

2. Draw with your toe or eyes closed. (3-4 yo)

DO WE LEARN TO DRAW A LANDSCAPE?

STAGES of ART

STAGES OF ART Scribbling:

Begins at 18 months, usually zig zags, by age 3 uses shapes in scribbling.

STAGES OF ART: Cont’d Pre-schematic:

4 year olds try to represent things, colors not realistic.

STAGES OF ART: Cont’d Schematic:

About age 7 – like to represent forms.

STAGES OF ART: Cont’d Schematic continued:

Sex differences at this age. What do boys draw? What do girls draw?

STAGES OF ART: Cont’d Realism:

About age 9, smaller, more details, don’t want to show work, often get discouraged. Why?