Elementary and Middle School Art Curriculum

The art curriculum encompasses the instruction of extensive categories of art applications as well as art history awareness and appreciation. Students are taught basic principles of art through the use of hands-on applications using multiple mediums. Each lesson is based on grade-appropriate skill sets and cognitive understanding. Mobile dexterity, problem-solving, visual understanding, and the ability to comprehend instructional demonstrations are all used to assess student performance and knowledge. Student portfolios are maintained to track progress and provide an opportunity for growth. Students are given tremendous freedom in creative thinking and problem-solving strategies. Students are encouraged to work with others to gain perspective and insight into alternative perceptions and approaches to problems.

Using technology is crucial to providing students with visual samples when studying artworks from numerous genres and various masters. History is provided to gain insight into creative thinking and period-relational development. Students learn how masters achieved certain styles and the impact of their work on other artists during various periods. Identification of styles, genres, techniques, and alternative mediums is discussed to ascertain methods of creating art. Students take the information shared and may then devise personal methods of imitating various pieces of art about which they have learned. All students at every age are allowed to experiment with multiple tools and gain an extensive introduction into working with multiple mediums. Some of these include: pencil, pen and ink, crayons, oil pastels, watercolors, acrylics, tempera, chalk, paper, metal/copper wire, polymer clay, ceramic clay, glazes, rubbing tools, stamping tools, sculpting tools, and found objects. Students begin with basic color theory, line, shape, texture, perspective, balance, symmetry, positive and negative imagery, still-life, landscape, portrait, human figure, realism, impressionism, abstract, cultural contribution, historic impact, and many more principles that encourage engaging in dialogue and performing exercises in the classroom. More importantly, students are encouraged to enjoy the experiences by developing personalized works of art. They are free to lose inhibitions and create according to individual desires and interests. By directing a faith-based art program that includes the message that God is the greatest artist of all, children can better appreciate their environment and the gifts with which they have been blessed. Picasso said, "All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." *

An Artist - " He who works with his hands is a laborer. He who works with his hands, and his head is a craftsman. He who works with his hands, and his head, and his heart, is an artist." St. Francis of Assisi

Art Room Volunteers NEEDED!

If you have the time and would like to assist in art class, please notice the class times and grades listed in the chart above for your convenience. Also, you are not limited to any specific grades—you can come join us any time!

More importantly, you need NO experience to help, but ongoing interaction with children requires a screening through the Diocese in which you attend the VIRTUS training. Please inquire in the office.