Art making is a staple in every child’s education. And though art is typically an unstructured activity, there are a few ways to ensure the experience is fun for students and seamless for you.
Banish Boredom (now sold via Gryphon House) by Rebecca Green includes a variety of engaging activities that you can try with your students, including art, science, and sensory projects as well as outdoor activities and field trips. Rebecca also provides guidelines for approaching an art project so that it’s a good experience for both you and your students. We’ve summarized them in seven steps:
Before gathering materials, spend some time thinking about what kind of art you’d like to make with your students. To come up with project ideas, research ideas online, peruse art blogs and books, and tap into your own interests and experience. You can also find inspiration from everyday things - like a trip to the store or a walk through the park. Keep a running list of art projects you’d like to try that you can refer to.
Based on your project ideas, find ways to purchase art supplies cost-effectively. You can save by buying in bulk and reusing the same materials for different projects. Once your art supplies are pretty well-stocked, it’s easier to set your students up with simple activities, like just coloring with markers.
Consider the age of your students and their particular personalities before choosing a project. Choose projects that every student can participate in, even if it’s in a slightly different way. For example, a spray-painted coffee filters project is well suited for older students with enough motor skills to physically squeeze a bottle full of watercolors. But younger students can still participate by using a paintbrush to achieve a similar effect.
Students may enjoy some projects more than the other, but encourage them to try them all. You can also provide options that best suit students’ personalities. For instance, one student may prefer painting over coloring with markers. There may also be times when a student decides not to participate, and don’t force them. But they will have a hard time not joining once you start the project.
It’s helpful to keep a laid-back attitude toward art and mess (which doesn’t always work). Find a project that is creative and fits your comfort level. It’s not going to be fun for anyone if you have to obsessively sweep the floor throughout the whole project.
Once you have the materials and an idea of what project you and your students would like to do, make sure you think through how much time you’ll need for the project. This keeps you from rushing students to complete their projects.
If possible, set up the art project area, gather the materials, and then spend some time talking to students about what you’re going to do. If a project needs to be done in stages, don’t put out all the materials at once. This way you can control the pace and flow of the project. You can also show examples of a finished project, but try to keep their minds open and not make them feel like they have to create in a certain way.
Sit with students and talk about what they’re doing or wherever else the conversation leads. You can also join in on the fun, but discourage students from imitating what you do or asking you do things for them.
In addition to providing a step-by-step process for making art, Banish Boredom also shares art project ideas that you can do with your students. Try these activities and apply the steps above for a fun and seamless art-making experience.
This activity develops gross and fine motor skills, teaches about restraint (in terms of how much paint to use), and stimulates creative storytelling.
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Collage can be one of the best open-ended art projects for students. This activity gives students an opportunity to explore shapes, textures, and three-dimensional art as well as repurpose old art.
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