Learn How to Teach Art the Right Way
If you’ve ever wondered how to teach children art, you’re not alone. Many parents, caregivers, and educators feel unsure where to begin. In this blog I want to give you the Art Teaching 101 information you need to get started on the right foot!
So, you may be asking:
- What should I teach first?
- Do I need to be an artist?
- How do I make art meaningful—not just an activity?
Art Teaching 101 was created to answer these questions. This guide will help you understand the foundations of teaching art so you can support children in a calm, structured, and creative way.
👉 Start with the Basics
Browse Art Teaching Books
Explore Beginner Guides (Early Childhood, Elementary)
Why Teaching Art Feels Confusing (and How to Fix It)
I want to start off with the things that are important to foucs on first. And teaching art becomes difficult when it is treated as random activities instead of a structured learning process. Art lessons are not just crafts or projects. They should include three core areas:
- Visual Language
- Skill Development
- Creative Thinking
Just so you know when these are understood, art becomes eaiser to teach, more meaningful for your students, plus more enjoyable for adults!
The Foundation of Teaching Art: Visual Arts Literacy
Art Teaching 101 begins with understanding what visual arts literacy is. This means understanding how children learn through different areas like painting and drawing to start with.
These are areas supports a different way of thinking. When introduced thoughtfully, children:
- build confidence
- stay engaged
- develop real understanding over time
The 3 Core Areas of Art Teaching
1. Visual Language
Visual language is how children learn to see and communicate about their art. Before children can explain what they observe, they begin by noticing. Through art experiences, they recognize art elements. This is not about copying—it is about awareness.
Over time, children:
- learn to “read” visual information
- express mark-making
- start to understand the foundation of art literacy
2. Skill Development
Skill development begins in the hand. Children need time to explore how materials respond to movement. Through repetition, they build:
- hand control
- hand coordination
- artful confidence
These small physical actions support creative thinking. When children feel capable using materials, they engage more deeply in the art process.
3. Creative Thinking
Creative thinking develops through doing. When children are not focused on a final product, they begin to:
- make choices
- test ideas
- adjust and respond
This is real problem-solving. Creative thinking in art is not taught through instruction—it develops through the artistic process experience.
👉 Want Structured Lessons?
How to Start Teaching Art (Even If You’re Not an Artist)
You do not need to be an artist to teach art. You need:
- clear structure
- simple materials
- understanding of what children need
Start small:
- one material at a time
- simple, repeatable experiences
- no pressure for outcomes (process art)
This creates a calm learning environment where children can explore and grow.
Art Language: Helping Children Express What They See
Art language gives children the words to describe their visual world. Learn some key element concepts:
- line
- color
- texture
When introduced naturally, children:
- build confidence
- communicate more clearly
- connect visual experience with understanding
Art Resources That Support You
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Art Teaching 101 includes all the resources and links you need to learn from:
- books for guidence
- blog articles for ongoing learning
- structured step-by-step curriculum for deeper support
You can move at your own pace and build confidence over time.
👉 Free Learning Resources
Read the My Art Blogs
Download Free Art Terms
Books to Help You Get Started
If you are just beginning, start with one focused resource.
Recommended titles include:
- The Way Children Make Art
- Defining Visual Arts
- Kids Painting
- Kids Color Theory
- Art Guides – Early Childhood, Elementary
- Clay Play
- These books are designed to:
- simplify art teaching
- reduce overwhelm
- give you clear direction
👉 Shop Books
When You’re Ready for More Structure
If you want a complete system, curriculum provides step-by-step support.
Art Teaching 101 curriculum:
- organizes learning progression
- saves planning time
- supports consistency
- builds real understanding
You can follow lessons weekly or monthly depending on your schedule.
👉 Explore Curriculum
Who Created Art Teaching 101
Spramani Elaun is an international art educator, author, and curriculum developer.
She has:
- taught tens of thousands of children
- trained educators worldwide
- developed the Science Art Method™
Her work focuses on:
- clarity
- accessibility
- respecting how children naturally learn
How Art Teaching 101 Supports You
Art Teaching 101 is not about doing everything at once.
It is about:
- starting with strong foundations
- building confidence step by step
- creating a calm, meaningful art experience
When adults feel prepared, children thrive.
Continue Your Learning Journey
Whether you are just starting or ready to go deeper, there is a clear path forward:
1. Start with Books
Build understanding and confidence
2. Use Curriculum
Apply structure and consistency
3. Advance with Certification
Learn the full method and deepen your practice
👉 Take the Next Step
Start with a Book
Explore Curriculum
Learn About Certification
About the Instructor
Spramani Elaun is an international art trainer, professional artist, and the author of 10 books on early childhood visual arts education. Over the past two decades, she has developed the Science Art Method™ and certified thousands of Montessori educators, school teachers, and independent guides globally, empowering them to deliver structured, joyful art programs with total developmental clarity.
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