I get questions every day on how to teach age appropriate art activities. I’m going to share some tips in this blog to get you on the right track. I’ll also be sharing lots of resources. There’s only four important things you should consider when learning how-to teach children age appropriate art activities daily.
- Use only safe non-toxic children’s art supplies
- Focus on discovery exploratory type of activities
- Keep steps very minimal
- Focus on introducing the basic 7 elements
Early Childhood Art Activities
Very young children from toddler to six years can not plan art ideas out yet. So their art activities should be very exploration and discovery in style. They should only do process based style art activities. These lessons should generally introduce art mediums and art tools. You should only be introducing the very basic elements of art like line and colors etc. If you want to understand what art programs should consist of you can order:
Defining Visual Arts. This book explains what art literacy is for children and what you should be focusing on teaching. If you want to learn all about early childhood art programming you can order: Early Childhood Art Guide, this book shows you how to design an age appropriate art program.
Elementary Art Activities
Elementary age students can plan and create with intention. They are able to imagine an idea and plan it out. They can also follow one to six step instructions. These ages should also work in an exploratory discovery fashion. Allow children full freedom to express their own ideas. This means you should allow them to change the final outcome of their creation and not insist they follow an exact example.
Safe Age Approriate Materials
Another way to consider teaching children age appropriate art activitiesis is to start with choosing the right materials for children only. Choose art materials for you classroom can start with getting safe non-toxic supplies meant for kids. recommend children under the age of 12 years old not use adult grade fine art supplies. Many artist grade supplies may contain hazards pigments like cadmium, lead, formaldehyde, solvents. Some paints may add additives, mildew resistance or other chemicals. Or also have special instructions for handling. These chemicals could be harmful to children not aware of special handling instructions. Pick non-toxic kids products that bare the ASTM D 4236 on them. This is a U.S. labeling law to protect children from dangerous chemicals.
If you start with these four suggestions you will be starting out on the right foot. If you need more guidance I have many training videos, books and professional development.
Appropriate art summary
Teaching age-appropriate art activities starts with understanding the needs of each age group. Again, for toddlers to six-year-olds, focus on process-based, exploratory activities that introduce simple art elements like lines and colors. And for elementary-aged children, encourage creativity by allowing them to plan their projects while still emphasizing exploration and freedom to adapt their ideas. Keep instructions minimal and centered on discovery to support creativity and give children the freedom to express themselves. And finally prioritize safety by using safe art supplies labeled with ASTM D 4236.
Warmly,
SpramaniE laun
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Montessori Early Childhood Materials List
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