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Visual Literacy- 1.V.3 Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.

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Visual Literacy- 1.V.3 Create art using a variety of tools, media, and processes, safely and appropriately.

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1.V.3.1 Use a variety of tools safely and appropriately to create art.
1.V.3.2 Execute control of a variety of media.
1.V.3.3 Use the processes of drawing, painting, weaving, printing, stitchery, collage, mixed media, sculpture, and ceramics to create art.

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- creativity
- self-expression
- properties of materials
- color
- critical thinking
- textures
- lines, colors, and shapes
- imagination

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- What if you paint without a paint brush?
- How can you use natural materials to create artwork?
- What if you painted the clay? Or added other materials to the clay?
- What are the many shapes that can be made out of clay?
- What if you only had construction paper to create art?
- How many different art materials can you use in one design?

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Washable paint can be used to create original work, or combined with other materials to create original artwork. They can be used to explore a variety of concepts, including shapes, lines, color mixing, and more.

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A variety of paint brushes and sponges can be used to create different patterns, shapes, lines, and more. Colors can be mixed on the same brushes/ sponges in order to further creativity.

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Colored clay can be used to create more 3D shapes, designs, and artworks. Materials can be added to the clay to change the texture and structure of the clay.

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Students can collect a variety of natural materials from their surrounding outside environment including rocks, leaves, pinecones, sticks, sand, flowers, and more. These materials can be used by themselves, or combined with other art materials to create original artwork.

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Construction paper can be used in a variety of ways to curate original artwork. Construction paper can be used as a background to create work on top of, torn up or cut to create shapes, and more.

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Markers can be used to create art on a variety of backgrounds or combined with other materials. Markers can be used to explore lines and shapes.

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Pattern scissors can be used to cut a variety of the materials provides to create different patterns along the cuts as well as create different shapes. Pattern scissors can be used to explore a variety of concepts, including lines, patterns, shapes, and more.

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Colored pencils can be used alone or in combination with other materials to create original artwork. Colored pencils can be used to explore a variety of concepts, including shapes, lines, shading, color mixing, and more.

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Water can be used in combination with other art materials provided, like clay, paint, and even markers or colored pencils. Students can explore critical thinking and creativity when using water with other materials to create unique designs and artwork.

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Buttons of different size, color, shape, and texture can be used to curate creativity and self-expression. Buttons can be used to explore a variety of different concepts including size, shape, texture, color, pattern, and more.

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Glitter can be used alone or in combination with many of the other materials provided. They can be used to enhance designs or mixed in with materials, like clay or paint, in order to create unique colors, textures, and appearances.

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Pattern tape can be used as a border around designs, as a background, to enhance designs, or in combination with other materials to create original artwork. The concepts that can be explored using pattern tape include shapes, colors, patterns, lines, and more.

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The Importance of Art Integration in the Elementary Classroom

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The Importance of Art Integration in the Elementary Classroom

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https://blog.schoolspecialty.com/the-importance-of-art-integration-in-the-elementary-classroom/

In this article by School Specialty LLC, techniques and different strategies to promote learning and creativity in elementary aged children by using art integration in the classroom are discussed. This article explores promoting creativity and learning by allowing children to use a variety of art materials in ways that they choose in order to curate self-expression, creativity, learning, and creation of artwork unique to themselves and their learning environment.

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Schoolyard Blog | Teacher Resources | School Specialty

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21st Century Learning School Specialty *

The integration of art into the curriculum for subjects like math and science has been shown to increase understanding and retention, and aids in the development of creative problem-solving skills. The art integration concept introduces tactics that teachers have known for a long time, namely, that bringing creativity into the classroom keeps students engaged. Read on and learn more about what is involved in art integration and examples of how it's possible to integrate art concepts into lesson plans.

What is Art Integration?

The term integration means combining one thing with another to create a new whole. Art integration is an approach to education in which lessons are taught and assessed through naturally-aligned art concepts. Students are given the opportunity to construct and demonstrate understanding through various art forms that readily align themselves to the given objectives.

The integration of art does not replace valuable lessons but edifies them by offering an alternate perspective from which to view and grasp key concepts. Not only has art integration been shown to have a positive effect on standardized test scores but has made a dramatic difference in student attendance where it has been implemented.

Art Class vs Art Integration

The separation of classes in elementary school makes it easier to highlight the distinction between subjects and ensure that the foundations of each subject are covered. For example, before art and math can be integrated, both the foundational concepts of the art and the math lesson must be taught and understood before the two subjects can then be extended through an integrated project or task.

Adding to the curriculum by integrating two subjects like math and art requires planning, however, the added benefit is student engagement in a way not explored with other methods. Applying the knowledge learned in science in an art integrated project could help students to fill gaps, and it can allow time for educators to see which students have a need for intervention. It can also serve as enrichment for students who need more than the general curriculum.

Why Does Art Integration Work?

Art integration curriculum is developed so that the math concepts, for example, are strengthened through the partnering of the creative element. When the math concepts can be applied to a creative project or activity, it works as a reinforcement. The creative work gives students an additional connection to the material in their minds, helping them to remember and apply the information.

A recent test in six, Los Angeles Title I schools reported a significant 24 percentage point increase in the number of students who scored proficient after using Learn It By Art® Art Integration Math Kits that target specific math skills. These gains occurred in the most challenging math domains and against the most difficult core standards for students in Grades K through 5.

Integrating Art When You're Not an Art Teacher

The best part of art integration is that educators don't need to be talented artists to offer their students the benefits of integrated lessons. As a primary role model, teachers can show students that the arts are for everyone, and that the diversity in method and mindset are what makes the arts an important addition to STEM subjects, turning STEM into STEAM!
See Sample Art Integrated Lesson Plans
Specialized, comprehensive Learn It By Art® Art Integration Math Kits are developed with ease of use in mind, and designed for busy teachers. The innovative lesson plans offer hands-on activities and all the necessary materials. Ready to use right out of the box, the K-5 art integration math kits include additional research, informational resources, and more. Download sample activities and lesson plans online and see how art integration could improve your students' educational experience.

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The Importance of Art Integration in the Elementary Classroom

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The integration of art into the curriculum for subjects like math and science has been shown to increase understanding and retention, and aids in the development of creative problem-solving skills. The art integration concept introduces tactics that teachers have known for a long time, namely, that bringing creativity into the classroom keeps students engaged.

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5 Essential Consumable Art Supplies for the Classroom

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5 Essential Consumable Art Supplies for the Classroom

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https://artsintegration.com/2017/01/20/5-essential-consumable-art-supplies-classroom/

In this article written by Lauren Hodson, she lists essential art supplies for the classroom setting for elementary students and ways those art supplies can be used to create unique projects and designs. One type art supplies that she discusses are colored pencils. She explores possible uses of the materials, like colored pencils being used to color on construction paper (even dark colored paper) and even blending to create new colors.

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The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM

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Lauren Hodson | January 2017

We all know that school budgets can be tight. One of the major reasons that teachers are hesitant to fully embrace Arts Integration, is because they lack supplies. When purchasing art supplies for the classroom, priorities need to be made. I know this all too well, being an art teacher. I have often walked into stores and asked for scraps, snatched empty boxes from recycling bins around the school, and begged the maintenance staff to save any interesting junk for art supplies in the art room.

Art supplies or materials can be broken down into two categories: Consumable and non-consumable. Non-consumable art supplies are things like scissors, paper punches, staplers, etc. Consumable art supplies or materials are items such as crayons, markers, pencils, etc. In this article, I will give you my list of 5 Essential Consumable Art Supplies for the Classroom.

1. Black Permanent Markers - Sharpie:

If you can swing it, try to get the ultra fine tip, fine tip, and chisel tip.
What Makes Them Great: They are perfect for...
They cost more than other companies, but worth every penny. Because of their broad range of colors and smooth lead, they help students create amazingly colorful works of art.
What Makes Them Great:

Add bright, rich, thick, color to a range of projects with a smooth lead that coats paper easily

They show up on construction paper, even dark colors and black

Can be blended easily to create custom colors

3. Watercolors: Liquid Watercolors, Watercolor Pencils, or Watercolor Crayons

: There are many paint options available. Liquid watercolors are the best pick for classrooms.
What Makes Them Great:

They are budget-friendly and versatile

Can be used with other art media easily, including crayons, permanent markers, and oil pastels.

They can be easily mixed to create custom colors

Many tools can be used to paint with, such as toothbrushes, marbles, straws, and string.

and : These tools are perfect for no-mess classrooms. Use them to color in artwork and just add water to turn them into watercolor masterpieces.
What Makes Them Great:

They are perfect for detailed drawings. Work like pencils or crayons, but act like paint.

Can also be dipped in water for a different effect.

Can be used for a many Arts Integration lessons

Easily stored and managed

These are a fantastic addition to any classroom, especially to supplement a crayon collection that you might already have.
What Makes Them Great:

They come in bright colors

Perfect for blending and layering

Show up on black and colorful construction paper

Can be used with watercolors for wax resist and other Arts Integration lessons.

5. Air Dry Clays

It is important for students to have the ability to express themselves using sculpture. This is also a material that students rarely use and it always causes great excitement. Additionally, some students demonstrate their learning better in 3D.
What Makes Them Great:
Bonus

Have some Extra Money? Buy something metallic or glittery! This could be paint, permanent markers, colored pencils, or crayons.
Why?

Every student likes metallics, in particular, and they are fun additions to any project. They should be used sparingly and should be introduced near the end or midpoint of a lesson. The reason for this is that students should be concentrating on what they are making before the materials they are using.
Arts Integration Connection:

Bring some sparkle to the star constellations or lunar phases. Give your Egyptian gods and goddesses some real gold looks.

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5 Essential Consumable Art Supplies for the Classroom

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Lauren Hodson | January 2017 We all know that school budgets can be tight. One of the major reasons that teachers are hesitant to fully embrace Arts Integration, is because they lack supplies. When purchasing art supplies for the classroom, priorities need to be made. I know this all too well, being an art teacher.

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The Complete Elementary Art Room Started Supply List

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The Complete Elementary Art Room Started Supply List

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Jessica Balsley designed this starter supply list for art materials that pay be useful to have in the classroom. This picture has different sections that breaks down supplies to different categories of use and purpose. This list aligns with many of the supplies that I chose to use when designing my virtual pop-up studio. These items help to promote creativity because when children are presented with a variety of different materials and allowed to explore those materials, it leaves more room for creativity and self-expression.

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How to Set Up Your Preschool Art Learning Center

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How to Set Up Your Preschool Art Learning Center

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https://www.kaplanco.com/ii/preschool-art-learning-center

In this article by Kaplan, there is a section that discusses possible materials to include in a preschool classroom setting (this information can also be used for elementary students as well). The article explores the importance of choosing a variety of art materials for students to use. One example of suggested art materials and tools are adhesive materials, like glue or tape. The article explained that this helps children keep their projects together and allows for furthering self-expression and creativity.

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How to Set Up Your Preschool Art Learning Center

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Plan, design and create a preschool art learning center that fosters creativity in young children with these tips from Kaplan Early Learning Company.

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How to Set Up and Plan for Your Art Center in an Early Childhood Classroom 

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How to Set Up and Plan for Your Art Center in an Early Childhood Classroom 

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https://pocketofpreschool.com/how-to-set-up-and-plan-for-your-art/

In this article by Pocket of Preschool, the author discusses the importance of having a variety of materials present to students when encouraging them to express creativity and self-expression through artistic creation. The author also provides some good examples of questions to ask yourself while students engage in open ended art. Some of the suggested questions include what do students love? What art media interest them? What skills do they need to develop? What materials are they asking for? These questions can help guide teachers to pick out materials that better suit the interests of the students in the classroom to help better facilitate creativity, expression, and learning.

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The Art center is a place where students can go to express their feelings, ideas, and be creative! Every child is an artist in the Art center! It is a place that promotes high level thinking, problem solving, and is rich in vocabulary. Students can learn and develop skills in all learning domains (language, literacy, math, science, social studies, fine motor, gross motor, and social skills) through art. It is an amazing place in your classroom if you are intentional with the materials and experiences you plan and set up for your students.
This post contains affiliate links.

We all know students learn by doing, exploring, and getting messy. Having a variety of materials and rotating materials in your art is SUPER important! I add or remove items from my Art center based on student interest and what we are learning about (theme). Some materials are always in my center. These materials are: construction paper, white paper, grid paper, crayons, markers, glue, scissors, paint, play dough, stencils, dot markers, tape, paper shapes, paper/foam letters, feathers, tissue paper and trays. Some of the materials I rotate are oil pastels, watercolors, sand, clay, Model Magic, paint sticks, various collage materials, items from nature (ex: leaves, pine cones, shells, rocks, flowers, sticks), buttons, crepe paper beads, yarn, ribbon, recycled items (ex: bottle caps, cardboard, newspapers), wood pieces, pom poms, stamps, playdoh tools, playdoh scissors, playdoh manipulatives, and painting tools (ex: marbles, cotton swabs, tooth brushes).

Label everything you can in the center to make clean up easier and to help students find the materials they need. My rule is that anything students see on the art shelves, they can use at any time. The things I don't want them use, I put away in a cabinet. Labels show students (and teachers) where the items belong. It makes clean up easier and helps students become independent in your classroom so they won't have to ask you for what they need. Instead they will be able to find it themselves in the center. Don't forget to have the words paired with a picture on your labels! Grab my Classroom Labels HERE with real photographs!

Post student artwork in the center to inspire other artists! Create an art gallery for the art center. You can use real picture frames, paper (like I did), or hang 3D art from the ceiling (if you are allowed to).

Every Art center needs an easel. When students are creating art at the easel, they are strengthening their upper arms and core muscles! I took my easel apart to make the two sides sit side by side. This way students can share materials, have conversations about their art, and observe their friends creating art at the easel which allows students to practice and develop their social skills! These no-spill paint cups are perfect for the easel and the students can match the color brush to the color paint lid.

At the beginning of the year, I introduce and model our art easel routine and read the book You Ain't Gonna Paint No More. Posting the art easel routine helps students work independently at the easel. Be sure to read to the end to find your Art Easel Routine FREEBIE!

Every Art center needs a drying rack too. I have trays by the drying rack to hold all the tiny treasures my students create. If you do not have room for a drying rack, you can hang a clothes line or use a clothing drying rack with clothespins.

Don't only use paint at your easel. Give students the opportunity to explore a variety of media at the easel (plus it can be less messy). Crayons, markers, dot markers, water colors, stamps, and sticky paper with collage materials are some of my students favorite media items to use at the easel.

BOOKS about art and famous artists! Having books in every center shows students how meaningful and important books are. Books are a fabulous way to infuse culture into your art center and inspire your little artists too! These are my favorite fiction books about art and various art concepts. Who doesn't just love Harold and the Purple Crayon! Some of my other favorites are The Shape of Things, Mouse Paint, Mix it Up, Too Much Glue, Not a Box, Cassie's Colorful Day, I Ain't Gonna Paint No More, Bear Sees Colors, Little Blue and Little Yellow.

Non-fiction books are important too! These books are just right for Preschool, Pre-k, and Kindergarten artists. Julie Merberg wrote a fabulous series of board books on famous artists. Love her! Some of my other favorites are To be an Artist, The Art Box, Andy Warhol's Colors, Museum ABC, and Colors.

Playdoh, clay, or Model Magic are items you can have in your center that provide students with the opportunity to sculpt and create 3D art. Playdoh of different kinds are always in my Art center. I make homemade playdoh and sometimes buy playdoh. Playdoh strengthens students hands, wrists, and upper arms. Plus it is relaxing for students! If you have a student who doesn't like to touch playdoh, just put it in a baggie. Then they can take part in the activity too!

The manipulatives, tools, and types of playdoh I have in the center correlate to what I am teaching in class. As you can see from the above image, I put out colored jewels, ocean animals, fake seaweed, blue playdoh, and yellow playdoh for our ocean theme.

Each week you probably have to plan art activities or add something new to your art center. Be intentional when you plan! You know your students. Think about and reflect on your students. What do they love? What art media interests them (what do they always pick)? What are they talking about in class? What are they observing? What materials are they asking for? What skills do they need to develop? Observe your students in the art center and examine their artwork. Let students take the lead, they are showing you through their play and art what they are interested in. Don't just plan an activity because you did it last year. Plan an activity because your students will love it and grow from it!

I could write an entire post on why open-ended art is so important! So to say it quickly, open-ended art allows students to be creative, plan, problem solve, express their emotions, focus, explore, develop self-regulation, strengthen fine motor skills, and just be artists. Process art is just that.....it is about the process not the product. It is about students enjoying, exploring, and creating art!

Plan art experiences using items from nature. Bring items from nature into the classroom. Paint and stamp with sticks, shells, leaves, flowers, fruit, veggies, sand, and dirt. Dirt finger painting is amazing! The above image is a pumpkin still life art experience I set up last fall.

Help students develop a love of art by studying famous Artists and Illustrators. Students will be exposed to different cultures, art techniques, and many types of art media as you study various artists and kinds of art. You can see my students creating art like Eric Carle in the picture. First, we painted and printed various colors on construction paper. Then they cut the beautiful paper to create their art.

A few of my favorite artists to study are Jackson Pollock (splatter painting), Michelangelo (painting under the table), Pablo Picasso (face collages), Andy Warhol (coloring photographs), Piet Mondrian (straight line designs), and George Surat (pointillism). If studying famous artists is intimidating to you, just search my Pinterest art board HERE.

Exploring colors, color mixing, and experimenting with colors is beautiful and magical for students! Plus you are integrating science and STEAM into your Art center. BONUS! I put out colored water, tiny pie plates, paint samples, and pipettes for students to experiment with color mixing. If you want to take the color mixing experiments to the science center, check out All About Colors and Color Mixing unit HERE.

Paint. Sometimes I forget how important it is to just let students paint to explore types of lines, textures, and shapes. Add flour, sand, or oil to paint to change the texture. Paint at the table, at the easel, under the table, or outside. Just paint!

Put photos and real objects in your center to inspire and support your little Artists. If you read my blog, you know I LOVE using wall calendar photos in my classroom because they are beautiful and inexpensive. Photos allow students to see things they have not experienced or to examine them in greater detail.

Loose parts is amazing if you haven't tried it yet. Basically put out tiny, interesting materials and students just create with them. Super simple, meaningful, and completely open-ended. It is also amazing fine motor work.

Embed math experiences into the Art center! When we learn about shapes, students print circles using paper towel tubes. This gives students an opportunity to create circles, notice circles, feel circles, and talk about circles. Patterns are also super fun to explore in the Art center.

Discover and explore science concepts and STEAM through art! When we are learning about ramps, students paint ramps by dropping watered down paint down a ramp. Students can actually see the path the paint made and notice the speed of the water. Our conversations are full of rich vocabulary during this activity. One time a student said " If they dropped a big drop at the top it went fast and if they dropped a little drop it went slow!" AMAZING!

Plan and set up art experiences related to what you are learning about. We were learning about winter and snow and it actually snowed, I was super excited! I brought snow inside and students painted it! Super messy and super fun!

Now go to my TPT store and grab your Art Center FREEBIE! Just click the image below.

If you want to know how my TOP 12 Art tricks (and secrets) go read this post! I share how and what I cover my art easel with. It will change your life, not kidding.

Love these art center ideas? Pin this image!

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How to Set Up and Plan for your Art Center in an Early Childhood Classroom - Pocket of Preschool

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The Art center is a place where students can go to express their feelings, ideas, and be creative! Every child is an artist in the Art center! It is a place that promotes high level thinking, problem solving, and is rich in vocabulary.