How to Teach Art to Elementary Students

Teaching art to elementary students can be terrifically rewarding: not only do students have the opportunity to create something beautiful, they can explore their creativity. Elementary school students often appreciate the chance to step away from textbooks and work more freely during art lessons. With adequate preparation, teaching art to elementary school students can help teachers connect with children in a fulfilling way.

Things You'll Need

  • Art cart or cupboard
  • Paper
  • Crayons
  • Markers
  • Pastels
  • Tempera paint
  • Watercolor paint
  • Clay
  • Glue
  • Paintbrushes
  • Sponges
  • Newspapers
  • Paper cups
  • Pre-completed art project

Instructions

    • 1

      Stock your art cart or cupboard with appropriate supplies. You̵7;ll want supplies for creating art, and also for cleaning up. Cupboards have the advantage of neatly storing supplies so that elementary school students can̵7;t easily access items without permission. Art carts can be easily wheeled to different parts of the room, or to different classrooms.

    • 2

      Discuss art safety with elementary school students. If you haven̵7;t chosen nontoxic paints and supplies, remind students to keep items away from eyes and mouths. Very small items, such as beads or sequins, may not be appropriate for younger-aged children to handle.

    • 3

      Encourage active learning and participation by asking elementary school students to help distribute supplies. For example, one student can distribute paper while another student distributes paint boxes and a small team of students fills paper cups with water for rinsing brushes.

    • 4

      Post an already completed art model (for example, a finished painting) somewhere where all students can see it. Remind students that they are not to replicate the model, but can reference the model to better understand relevant techniques.

    • 5

      Guide elementary school students through the process of the art project, demonstrating each step so that students can follow along. Some students may follow closely, while others may choose to work more freely with the assignment. Students may be at different comfort levels with art ability and experience, and art lessons can be a wonderful time for students to take creative risks.

    • 6

      When students have completed their project, ask assigned students to collect each project and double-check that students have signed their names on the back or front. If projects are wet, place them in a designated place to dry.

    • 7

      Ask assigned students to collect art supplies, and give each student some time to clean her work areas. If students have been working with messy supplies (like paint, glue or clay), also give them time to wash up.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How to Make Money - Odd Jobs for Kids
      Looking for something to keep your kids busy and to keep them from draining your wallet? Here are some ideas to help your kids become more independent and help them earn money and responsibility at the same time! Instructions 1 Who
    • A Parent’s Guide to Screen-Free Activities for Kids
      Teens in the United States are spending nearly nine hours a day using a digital device, according to a study conducted by Common Sense Media. For children between the ages of 8 and 12, the average screen time use is nearly six hours per day.As a pare
    • Jobs for Kids Age 14
      Encouraging your child to get a job when she turns 14 is a great way for her to develop a work ethic. He will also be able to earn money to spend on desired items and start learning about saving. In a survey by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2000, 5