How to Teach Art to Children: Inspiring The Little Ones

Art plays a critical role in children’s lives. It shapes young minds by promoting social, cognitive, and emotional development.

Teaching art to children presents a unique opportunity. You’re cultivating a new mindset, one that encourages innovative problem-solving. Through art, children learn to appreciate diverse cultures, fostering empathy and social harmony. It enhances their confidence and teaches them to navigate challenges with self-assurance.

It can be a fulfilling experience, but you have to know the right way to execute it. This article provides insights on delivering impactful art classes to kids.

Let’s dive into effective strategies and tips on how to teach art to children.

How to teach art to children

There is no universal way to teach art to children. Just as with adults, it’s essential to tailor your approach. Some children may thrive in structured lessons, while others may prefer open-ended activities. However, certain principles can help you build a sound foundation.

Here are the ABCs of teaching art to children to foster self-expression:

Build the basics

Get essential art supplies for young artists

Stock up on the necessary art supplies tailored to young artists. Choose simple art surfaces like sketchbooks, drawing paper, watercolor paper, and poster boards. Include a variety of drawing tools to suit diverse preferences. These include crayons, markers, colored pencils, watercolors, and oil pastels.

To add more variety, include modeling materials like clay or playdough. Provide sculpting tools, such as rollers, stamps, and cutters.

For collage-making, include construction paper, glue sticks, and scissors. Add decorative items like fabric scraps, stickers, and buttons to your arsenal.

Carry a range of brushes, including broad brushes for washes and fine ones for detailing. Stock up on non-toxic tempera or acrylic paints in vibrant colors. Consider adding printmaking supplies like foam printing plates and washable ink pads. Most importantly, ensure you have the supporting materials to make it a smooth experience. These include aprons or smocks to protect the kids’ clothing, gloves, storage containers, and cleaning supplies.

Set up an inspiring art space

An inspiring, imaginative environment can significantly enhance creativity and engagement. Choose bright and colorful décor to energize your art space. Display children’s artwork prominently on walls or bulletin boards to celebrate their creativity. Rotate it regularly to showcase a variety of styles.

Stock art tools in colorful, labeled baskets for easy accessibility. Designate different workstations for different activities. Equip each with the tools needed for that specific activity. These measures can help you create a stimulating environment for the little ones.

Create a safe and inclusive environment

Beyond the visual appeal, it’s important to ensure that the space is safe and inclusive. Keep it free from hazards and obstacles to prevent accidents. Stock safety equipment for protection in case of spills, splatters, or other mishaps.

Foster an environment where all children feel welcome and valued. Encourage everyone to participate and express themselves. Promote active listening, open communication, and teamwork. Make accommodations for children with special needs, ensuring no one feels left behind. Establish clear guidelines for respectful behavior. Most importantly, let children make creative choices based on their preferred styles.

Encourage creativity without judgment

Art is all about self-expression. A key principle in teaching art is to inspire creativity without judgment. Acknowledge the children’s curiosity and willingness to try new things. Encourage experimentation and exploration, and avoid putting too much focus on the results. Offer positive feedback and praise their efforts to nurture a supportive atmosphere.

Understand children’s perspectives on art

Many children view art as a form of exploration and discovery. They seize this unique opportunity to experiment with shapes, colors, materials, and textures. Some may use art as a means of self-expression and storytelling to share their ideas. Others may prefer to embrace the fantasy aspect of art, creating new worlds and creatures. 

Listen to their interpretations and respect individual preferences. Adapt your teaching methods to meet their interests.

Teach the principles of art education

Introduce elements of art

Introduce various art elements to children by incorporating hands-on activities. These interactive tasks engage their senses and improve their understanding.

Here are some examples:

• Teach them about mixing primary colors to create different hues. Play color-matching games to promote color recognition and categorization. 
• Create basic shapes using playdough to teach form.
• Practice drawing simple lines (straight, curved, or zigzag) using crayons or markers on paper.
• Explore different textures by touching and describing objects with various tactile surfaces.
• Arrange objects in different spatial relationships (e.g., near/far or big/small) to explore perspectives.

Introduce design principles

Introduce the basics of art design principles. Teach children about symmetrical balance by folding a piece of paper in half. Ask them to create matching designs or shapes on each side.

Gather images with contrasting characteristics, such as light and dark objects. Point out their differences. Ask children to spot contrasting colors on a color wheel.

Portray emphasis through sizes, colors, and lines. Ask children to choose one item from their drawings to be the focal point. Use bold outlines, vibrant colors, and large size to make it stand out.

Explore basic drawing and painting techniques

Introduce children to fundamental painting techniques — finger painting, sponge painting, and color-mixing. Teach them the proper way of handling art tools such as pencils, crayons, and paintbrushes. Practice by creating basic lines and shapes to build a foundation.

Move on to creating different textures and effects. Try including cotton swabs, straws, and natural materials like leaves. Encourage them to experiment and discover their unique styles.

Teach simple art history and famous artists

Incorporate stories and picture books to introduce children to famous artists. Talk about what makes each artist unique. Create simple art projects inspired by these artists.

Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a great example of a masterpiece in a fascinating style that will capture their attention. Discuss the swirling patterns and bright stars. Ask them to make their own versions with crayons. This approach inspires young artists to explore a variety of possibilities.

Develop their observation skills

Encourage children to observe their surroundings. Observational games like “I Spy” help children notice shapes and colors of objects around them.

Include simple exercises, such as drawing objects they use every day. Training children to have a keen eye can translate into more accurate and inspired art.

Focus on creation, not just the final product

Emphasize the importance of the creative journey over the final outcome. Encourage children to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Celebrate effort, creativity, and progress rather than perfection.

Nurture artistic confidence

Use positive feedback and constructive criticism

Use words of affirmation to maintain positivity throughout the sessions. Provide constructive criticism using the sandwich method. Compliment their artwork, highlight what can be improved, and then praise their progress.

Encourage self-expression and individuality

Cultivate a nurturing environment where children feel free to express their true selves. Celebrate everyone’s unique strengths to create a sense of belonging. Promote open-mindedness and empathy, creating a space where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

Age-appropriate art for children

Toddlers (1-3 years)

• Finger painting: This activity offers an immersive, sensory experience. As toddlers feel the paint and explore its texture, they develop sensory awareness.
• Scribbling with crayons: Creating art with reckless abandon comes naturally to toddlers. Allow them to explore the vibrant colors and textures of crayons without restraint.
• Collaging with large paper pieces: Offer pre-cut shapes and pieces of paper to glue onto a surface. This activity promotes the use of fine motor skills and spatial awareness in toddlers.

Preschool (3-5 years)

• Watercolor painting: Introduce the kids watercolor paints and brushes. Encourage them to explore color mixing using primary colors.
• Clay modeling: Manipulate clay into simple shapes. This activity can foster creativity and tactile exploration.
• Simple crafts with glue and paper: Guide children to create simple crafts. Include glue, paper, glitter, yarns, and other decorative materials to develop creativity.

Early Elementary (5-8 years)

• Basic drawing and sketching: Nurture foundational drawing skills. Provide children with a shape and ask them to create designs or objects inspired by that shape.
• Introduction to acrylic paints: Compare acrylic paints with watercolor paints. Highlight their thickness and layering capabilities. Practice basic color mixing in palettes and teach them about brush strokes.
• More complex crafts: At this age, you can engage children in more intricate crafts. Beadwork and simple weaving projects can cultivate patience, focus, and fine motor skills.

Older Elementary (8-11 years)

• Detailed drawing techniques: Incorporate basic sketching activities. Teach shading, proportion and scale, contour, textures, and gesture techniques.
• Exploring oil pastels and mixed media: Introduce kids to the vibrant medium of oil pastels. Encourage experimentation with blending, layering, and combining other media to create rich artwork.
• Beginning sculpture and pottery: Introduce basic sculpting techniques using air-dry clay. Teach kids hand-building techniques such as pinching and coiling to create 3D forms.

Age-appropriate art for children

Toddlers (1-3 years)

• Finger painting: This activity offers an immersive, sensory experience. As toddlers feel the paint and explore its texture, they develop sensory awareness.
• Scribbling with crayons: Creating art with reckless abandon comes naturally to toddlers. Allow them to explore the vibrant colors and textures of crayons without restraint.
• Collaging with large paper pieces: Offer pre-cut shapes and pieces of paper to glue onto a surface. This activity promotes the use of fine motor skills and spatial awareness in toddlers.

Preschool (3-5 years)

• Watercolor painting: Introduce the kids watercolor paints and brushes. Encourage them to explore color mixing using primary colors.
• Clay modeling: Manipulate clay into simple shapes. This activity can foster creativity and tactile exploration.
• Simple crafts with glue and paper: Guide children to create simple crafts. Include glue, paper, glitter, yarns, and other decorative materials to develop creativity.

Early Elementary (5-8 years)

• Basic drawing and sketching: Nurture foundational drawing skills. Provide children with a shape and ask them to create designs or objects inspired by that shape.
• Introduction to acrylic paints: Compare acrylic paints with watercolor paints. Highlight their thickness and layering capabilities. Practice basic color mixing in palettes and teach them about brush strokes.
• More complex crafts: At this age, you can engage children in more intricate crafts. Beadwork and simple weaving projects can cultivate patience, focus, and fine motor skills.

Older Elementary (8-11 years)

• Detailed drawing techniques: Incorporate basic sketching activities. Teach shading, proportion and scale, contour, textures, and gesture techniques.
• Exploring oil pastels and mixed media: Introduce kids to the vibrant medium of oil pastels. Encourage experimentation with blending, layering, and combining other media to create rich artwork.
• Beginning sculpture and pottery: Introduce basic sculpting techniques using air-dry clay. Teach kids hand-building techniques such as pinching and coiling to create 3D forms.

How to write a lesson plan to teach art to children

Lesson planning provides students with a roadmap. They can get a clear understanding of what each lesson aims to achieve. It also helps teachers maintain pacing and ensure that each aspect of learning is covered.

Choose an art style or technique to focus on

Set a specific art style or technique to guide your lesson plan. Gauge the interests and abilities of the children to select a suitable focal point. Impressionism is a good example; it focuses on self-expression rather than precision.

Set clear, achievable objectives for the lesson

Define specific learning outcomes you aim to achieve by the end of the lesson. They should be age-appropriate and attainable for the children. In this case, creating impressionistic scenery is a viable objective for children.

Gather necessary art supplies

Prepare all the required art materials and supplies in advance. Ensure that they are easily accessible and appropriate for the chosen art activity. Choose a variety of paints and brushes for creative exploration.

Develop a step-by-step activity guide

Outline the sequence of steps involved in the art activity. Include instructions for each stage of the process. Break the lesson into manageable tasks to maximize understanding and engagement.

Include an inspiring artist or artwork to discuss

Introduce children to the work of a renowned artist related to the chosen style or technique. Claude Monet is considered one of the most prominent figures of Impressionism. Choose one of his paintings and discuss its key aspects for inspiration.

Plan a warm-up activity to spark creativity

Begin the lesson with a brief warm-up activity to stimulate creativity. Take the students outside and ask them to observe the scenery and then draw what they saw, for example. Allot 10 minutes at the start of each session for such activities.

Designate time for main activity and individual expression

Allocate sufficient time for children to engage in the main activity. Give them opportunities to explore, create, and express themselves freely. Provide open-ended prompts, such as “paint a scenery” instead of “paint a tree” to encourage individuality.

Allow time for sharing work and group discussion

Reserve time at the end of each lesson for children to share their artwork with their peers. This leads to collaborative discussions and improves the children’s social skills. Encourage reflection and appreciation of each other’s work.

Prepare a quick review or recap of the lesson

Conclude the lesson by reviewing the key concepts and techniques covered. Reinforce learning objectives and encourage children to reflect on their experiences.

‍

Safety tips for using art materials

Choose safe supplies

Use non-toxic paints when working with children. Choose plastic or silicone clay cutters with blunt tips and rounded edges. Check the labels to ensure all supplies are free from harmful chemicals.

Secure sharp tools

Keep sharp tools away from young kids. Store them in a separate, locked cabinet and ensure that only adults have access. Older elementary kids must only use sharp tools under an adult’s supervision.

Supervise

Oversee the use of hot or powered tools, such as glue guns and electric pencil sharpeners. Swap tools for age-appropriate substitutes where applicable.

Ensure proper ventilation

Ventilate well when using paints/adhesives. This prevents harmful fumes from accumulating in the air. Use exhaust fans and keep windows open for fresh air.

Prioritize protective gear

Have children wear protective gear, such as smocks, goggles, and gloves. These come in handy while dealing with splatter, spills, and potentially harmful materials. Require attendees to wear closed-toe shoes to protect from sharp objects or debris.

Educate on safe practices

Teach children how to properly dispose of art supplies. Stress the importance of washing hands before and after art activities. Teach them how to handle different supplies to avoid accidents.

FAQ

What is the right age to start teaching art to children?

The right age to start teaching art to children can vary. Generally, preschool age is a suitable time to introduce basic art concepts. However, even younger children can benefit from sensory exploration and exposure to art.

How much time should children spend on art activities?

It depends on factors such as their age, attention span, and interest level. For one to five-year-olds, 10 to 20-minute sessions may be more appropriate. Older children may engage in longer sessions of 30-60 minutes with breaks as needed.

How can I differentiate art instruction to accommodate children with diverse learning abilities and needs?

Consider implementing the following strategies:

• Provide multiple means of representation, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
• Provide a variety of art materials and methods. Include adaptive art supplies, like easy-to-hold pencil grips and ergonomic clay tools.
• Encourage peer collaboration and peer tutoring to foster a supportive learning environment.
• Offer flexible grouping options, such as small group instruction or one-on-one support.
• Adapt art activities to offer challenges and opportunities for all children to succeed.
• Regularly assess children's progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Ensure that all children are supported and engaged in their learning.