| 1.
What are the fundamentals?
Art is not just a "fun
time," it involves a learning process just like all other
academics. Therefore, the best program for students is one that
teaches the fundamentals, whether it is in drawing, color theory,
lettering, etc. The fundamentals are the basic building blocks in
art. For instance, to learn color theory, some of the fundamentals
to be learned would be: the color wheel, primary and secondary
colors, complementary and analogous colors, and so forth. Learning
the fundamentals requires a "structured program" with
lessons that have specific learning objectives. However, the younger
the student, the less structure should be given. With a
four-year-old, you may only be able to teach a few of the basic
fundamentals, and then allow the child the liberty to be
self-expressive for the remainder of the class time. As the student
matures, you can offer a more structured program.
2. What is beginning
drawing?
There are many levels for teaching
beginning drawing: a very basic level for ages 4 through 7, a more
structured level for ages 8 through 12, and a comprehensive and more
advanced program for ages 13 and older. Older children have
developed their motor skills to such a degree that they can learn
many more of the fundamentals and effectively apply them to their
artwork.
3. How do I evaluate my
children's artwork?
Evaluating children's artwork
takes confidence and practice. One way to evaluate is to see if the
students fulfilled the specific objective(s) of the lesson. Did they
follow the instructions? Another way is to hold the drawings up to a
mirror to see a reverse image of the picture and point out many of
the mistakes. Finally, when evaluating, balance praise with
constructive criticism.
4. What do I do when my
student becomes frustrated with art?
Every student becomes frustrated
at one time or another. Refocus their attention on having a good
attitude and doing the best they possible can. If they are having
difficulty, assist them with the art lessons. You can also go on to
another assignment and return to art at another time. Mood has a lot
to do with art. Don't insist on art time. This is a subject that can
not be forced on most students.
5. What about a student with
low self-esteem in art?
There are many students who have
little confidence when it comes to doing artwork. However, every
student has ability to one degree or another, and this should be
nurtured. Select a curriculum that complements the student. Do not
obtain something that is too easy or too difficult. But remember,
the best teachers state the main reason for their success is having
high expectations for their students. Select a curriculum that is a
little above their expectations instead of below them. It is up to
the teacher to inspire, encourage, and direct the students, having
them believe that they can do anything they set their hearts to.
6. How do I inspire and
encourage my children in art?
Inspiration is very important.
Our main source is God. Pray over the works of your children's
hands. Invite the Holy Spirit into your classroom. Also, play
classical music during art time. Visit the libraries and get them
interested in works by the great masters. Take them outside
sometimes to draw in God's creation. Finally, be enthusiastic as an
educator.
7. How many hours a
week should we spend doing artwork?
Generally speaking, you may want
to start with one or two hours a week for the beginning student,
three hours a week for a student who seems to show a real interest,
and five hours or more for the really serious art student.
8. How long is each lesson
in the art texts?
Most of the lessons have been
created to last a class period, anywhere from thirty minutes to an
hour. However, this will vary greatly from assignment to assignment
and from student to student - some students are impetuous and others
meticulous. As a teacher, I would insist that students take their
time. Also, make sure they fulfill the specific objectives for each
assignment. If they finish ahead of time, have them add more detail
or color to their artwork and always have a back-up lesson for them
to do. Finally, learn to broaden the lessons by adding your own
creativity into the curriculum.
9. Can they do the
art lessons on their own?
Generally speaking, the
younger the student, the more quality time you will have to spend
with them while they are doing their artwork. You may even have to
do parts of a lesson for them when they become frustrated. Children
love it when you sit next to them and do your own artwork. As they
become older, they can work more independently. Review each
assignment before beginning so that they know what the specific
objectives are and be nearby to evaluate and encourage them as they
do their artwork.
10. What can I do for
art appreciation?
Use your library. Find out the
different periods of art, i.e.: Byzantine, Renaissance, Reformation,
Baroque, etc., and have the students do a written summary of each
along with an illustration of a piece of artwork from that period.
Also, have the students do a summary comparison of different artists
from the same period, i.e.: Charles Russell and Frederick Remington
(the American West artists); Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh (the
Impressionists), Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci (the Renaissance
Period), etc. Finally, inquire with museums about art appreciation
packets.
11. How do I preserve my
children's artwork?
Have a sketchbook for each student
and have them put their best artwork in it. When they do something
of good quality, have them do it again in their sketchbooks. They
may not want to do this right away; however, request that they do it
sometime later. Hold their sketchbooks so that they will respect
them and make them a portfolio of their best work. An art journal is
also highly recommended as an effective means of preserving artwork.
For younger children, have them do their best work on poster board.
You can cut it into different sizes, and it will provide a more
durable surface for bold colors to preserve their artwork from
wrinkling.
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