The Best Art Projects for Kids
Don’t be afraid to teach art! Yes, it’s messy, takes a lot of prep, and you might not feel comfortable doing it. BUT, it is SO good for kids. I can think of many students who weren’t typically known as high-flyers in math or reading, but man were they good artists. All the other kids would compliment them and you could just see their self-esteem rising. Here are some good ideas for art projects you can do with your class or your homeschool and some tips for teaching art that I’ve learned along the way.
So my advice is, spend some time looking at websites and blogs that focus on art with kids. Print out some art projects you like. TRY THEM FIRST! You’ll be able to teach them so much better if you know ahead of time what issues or problems might come up. I always did art on Fridays so the kids had something to look forward to at the end of the week. And then try and do a variety of projects. Don’t just do all painting, or all drawing for example.
My final, and most important piece of advice is, PLEASE do not choose art projects where every. single. kids’. project. looks the same. Kids need creative freedom to make their own choices about colors, shapes, sizes, placement, etc. So those crafts that look really cute, but all the students just copy the teacher’s example? Yeah, kids aren’t getting much from that.
Here are some good websites that I have liked for art inspiration: artsonia.com, weareteachers.com, and projectswithkids.com
How do I teach art?? Here are 10 ways!
Inspire – spark ideas and enthusiasm.
Guide – provide direction while leaving room for creativity.
Encourage – build confidence in self-expression.
Demonstrate – model techniques and processes.
Challenge – push students to think beyond the obvious.
Cultivate – nurture artistic growth and imagination.
Facilitate – create opportunities for hands-on exploration.
Empower – give students ownership of their artistic choices.
Motivate – fuel persistence and excitement.
Transform – help turn ideas into finished creations.
Here are some art projects done by my third graders over the years! Let me know which ones are your faves and if you have any questions about them I’d be happy to answer.
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