HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN’S ART

1. HOW TO TEACH CHILDREN’S ART

2. Art vs Craft • ART is an opportunity for children to explore art media with noproduct 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 • CRAFTSrequire 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

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

4. Children are often very creative; however, we sometimes teach children that it is unacceptable.

6. 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.

7. 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?

9. 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):

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

11. It is the Process not the Product that is important.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. RULE #4 = Respond to their work • 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”

15. RULE #5 = Art is Open Ended Put things together with Mold Construct Whatever you plan to throw away. Clean up With Paint On Paint With Draw On Draw With Cut with

17. 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 Displaythe children’s work!

18. RAINBOWFISH

19. 1. Draw this basic mug picture with your mouth. (2-3 yo) • 2. Draw with your toe • or eyes closed. (3-4yo) 3. Draw with your opposite hand. (5-7 yo) • 4. Draw with your strong hand. (7+ yo)

20. DO WE LEARN TO DRAW A LANDSCAPE? STAGES of ART

21. STAGES OF ART • Scribbling: • Begins at 18 months, usually zigzags, by age 3 uses shapes in scribbling.

22. STAGES OF ART: Cont’d • Pre-schematic: • 4 year olds try to represent things, colors not realistic.

23. STAGES OF ART: Cont’d • Schematic: • About age 7 – like to represent forms.

25. STAGES OF ART: Cont’d • Schematic continued: • Sex differences at this age. • What do boys draw? What do girls draw?

26. STAGES OF ART: Cont’d • Realism: • About age 9, smaller, more details, don’t want to show work, often get discouraged. Why?