Art

Written By Will Dodd

One characteristic that sets humans apart from animals is communication. No other animal has the range humans do. That is because our creativity and self-expression are truly astonishing. These are not innate skills. They must be cultivated to reach their highest potential. Let’s look at some ways to develop these abilities in children. (Estimated Costs: $[.01-50], $$[50-100], $$$[100+]; Supplies)

Art Appreciation

  1. (Free+; tickets) Visit an art museum. Discuss the artwork displayed, possible meanings behind each painting, and the artists who created them. Talk about different art styles and the historical events that influenced these styles. Dissect the elements in the paintings (color, movement, space, form, etc). How do these elements enhance the artwork? What influence do they have on the artwork’s message?

  2. ($$; printer connected to computer with wifi) Print out a variety of images of art pieces to study. Remember to follow copyright laws. Usually, one piece every one to three months is sufficient, depending on how deeply you want to delve into each piece. Conversely, you may center each quarter/semester/year around an artist, showing only their works. For each art piece, see the first bullet.

  3. ($+; art pieces) Place beautiful works of art throughout your home/classroom. Amazon and other online stores sell reproductions of famous art pieces. For each art piece, see the first bullet.

  4. (Free) Point out any posters, signs, artwork, or graffiti you see around your city. What message are they trying to display? How do you know (using art elements)? Are there any words? If so, what font is used? Who is their audience? Some graffiti is not age-appropriate. Discretion is advised.

  5. (Free) Point out any buildings you come across. How are they shaped? What materials are they made out of? How do their shape or materials serve the purpose of the building?

Creative Expression

  1. ($+; art supplies) Have students create their own paintings with various media, such as crayons, pencils, and watercolors. Remember to have them draw a frame on the painting first and sign their artwork at the bottom for an added touch. Display them for a few months on the refrigerator or on a wall.

  2. ($; molding clay, paint with brush) Building their own sculptures with molding clay will help children distinguish between 2D and 3D objects. They can even paint these sculptures if they so desire.

  3. ($-$$; jewelry or other craft kits) Give your children supplies to design their own jewelry or complete other craft projects (building a rocket or a volcano…). These can be purchased wherever sewing materials are sold.

  4. ($+; sewing kits, fabric, crocheting or knitting needles, yarn) Speaking of sewing materials, assign sewing projects to your kids based on their abilities. Younger children can start simple projects (for example, sewing buttons and making repairs). Older children can begin sewing their own clothing or making blankets. Use measurements to teach math concepts (aka, adding [with or without fractions]). Crocheting, knitting, and embroidery are also worthy skills for kids to master.

  5. ($$$; wood-cutting machinery, wood, measuring tape, pencil) Teach them to use wood to build items like birdhouses, jigsaw puzzles, shelves, and furniture. Always Supervise Children With Tools. Make sure they have the knowledge and supplies to use each tool safely. Again, measuring strengthens math concepts. Painting their projects allows children to customize their creations. A cheaper alternative is buying a pre-cut kit at a craft store. Planes and other statues also come in kits.

    This is not an exhaustive list. If there are any ideas for teaching art I missed, share them below!

Will Dodd
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