- Take a brain break. Search the internet for an art image--it can be a specific work of art or a type of art, such as "wood sculpture." Have kids brainstorm everything they notice about the image. Each kid who responds can call on the next child to speak.
- Teach kids to observe closely: color, shape, size, line, tone (light and dark), texture, and pattern. You'll find their vocabulary flourish--they'll describe things that are teal instead of green, and humongous instead of big.
- Respect each unique viewpoint. Kids will surprise you with their observations, if you accept all responses--from serious to humorous.
- Ask kids what they wonder about the art work. "I wonder..."
- How long it took to make this?
- What materials are there?
- How this would look if it were made with different materials?
- Help kids to use accountable talk to evaluate their experience. They can use phrases like:
- I think...because...
- I like/dislike this because...
- I agree/disagree with you because...
- I want to add to what s/he said.
- That reminds me of...
- Let kids free-associate, to think like a poet. Ask them what else is the same color, shape, size, motion, or mood as the art? Their answer will be a poetic simile: "This is like a..."
- Roller coaster
- Bird's nest
- Skate boarder
- Atom
- Bowl of spaghetti
- Jazz dancer
- Seed pod opening
- Stormy sky
- Kids can learn to think like an artist, drawing pictures of their favorite images--either exact copies, or with new colors, shapes, sizes, textures, or moods. Display these side-by-side with the originals for a fascinating art gallery.
Want to stretch kids' experience? Why not take a class trip to visit a local artist in their studio or gallery?
- Meet a real live artist! It puts a human face on art. Kids can ask questions, like:
- When did you start creating art?
- How do you get ideas for your art?
- What's your favorite piece?
- What kind of art do you want to create next?
- Kids can take photos of art works from different angles using tablets, phones, or cameras; and use these for discussions or displays in the classroom.
- For super-engagement, why not find a favorite piece--a sort of class mascot. You might even have a fund-raiser to buy the piece. Imagine that--real, live art in your classroom. How inspiring is that?!
Art is not stuffy. It's not supposed to be walled up in a museum. It's alive in each of us. When we help kids appreciate art, we're helping them to appreciate every small moment in life.
Let's face it: Earth without art is just eh!
All artwork by Jeff Linenkugel
Photo Credits: Jeff Linenkugel, used with permission
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