Elementary Art
Learning to create art involves getting information and then practicing it. The backbone of artistic production lies in the elements and principals of design: the understanding and use of line, shape, color, texture, space and also balance, rhythm, movement, pattern, contrast, emphasis, and unity. Many of these concepts and skills weave throughout the elementary years and are introduced in the first grade.
For example, in first grade a student will begin to understand proportion of the human face by making a clown picture. A fourth grade student will construct a statue of the human body. A fifth grade student will make a realistic drawing of a figure in motion while capturing a 3-D effect with pencil value.
Skills are introduced using a variety of media such as chalk pastel, oil pastel, watercolor, pencil, charcoal, and printmaking. Observation is emphasized. Students learn to observe the world around them, whether physical or emotional. They then learn to express their observations in an art form.
Students regularly experience creating from their memory and imagination.
Every art unit involves history, taught through a variety of games. For example, any grade may match a detail with a full painting, talk about great paintings and practice visualization.
Each year also introduces a multi-cultural component, allowing students to connect with other cultures through their art. Fourth grade, for example, will study the fiber basket making from California Native Americans.
In every case, the goal is for students to believe they are artists, taking pride in their creations and confidence in their skills.