Applied Art Pedagogy: Elementary

The Elementary Applied Art Pedagogy class gave a lot of insight on different approaches and structures for teaching art to elementary aged children. There were ideals on developmental stages of children that I had not considered before. Nancy Smith offered a wealth of information and guidance on observations of what the children are thinking and doing at different ages. Whether the phase of just getting a feel for the paint or noticing the beginning phases of observational drawings and implementing details in their work, it was nice obtain more understanding from the class especially this is my first time teaching at the Kindergarten level.

Because I tend to be more goal and project driven, the class assignments were also helpful as well as writing the reflections to take the time to process the materials as well as how I could approach certain projects and introduce certain mediums to young children. For example, maybe allowing time to explore certain mediums before beginning the project. In Elliot Eisner’s chapter on The Role of Art and Play, he mentions how exploring or playing with the mediums allow the children to see what the materials are capable of. (Eisner, n.d) This also gives the students to process the mechanics of the medium as well before applying it to their finished work.

I do see how it is important to allow time to explore the materials, but in addition to the exploration it is important to lay a strong foundation. As educators, I also feel the importance to equip the students with knowledge in the fundamentals of art. There is freedom in learning at a classical level. In the classroom, I often have many students ask how to do something. I teach them the fundamentals, so that when they ask me the how-to’s, I can refer back to the principles that I had already taught them and ask them how they can use that tool to accomplish their goal. It is teaching them to be problem solvers. As artist, we all have our own styles and passions, and as educators we do not have to teach that. We can however teach the fundamentals which equips the artist to express themselves in the style that naturally comes out and create an environment where the student can perform the task. I have seen many students apply a principle to their own work. By showing the students techniques, they have had their “aha” moments and used the technique to create their own art.