Resources: Visual Arts Key Principles

Resources: Visual Arts Key Principles

Here are some key ideas for effective inclusion of the visual arts in education as suggested by Brown, MacIntyre and Watkins (p. 113,2013):

  •        The content should include both student and teacher interests.
  •        Skills-based learning should be linked to creative expression.
  •        Enquiry-based teaching and learning and immersions are supported by in-depth projects.
  •      Both the learning environment and the materials are aesthetically stimulating.
  •       Responding to art should regularly be linked to making art.
  •    Visual arts experiences need to be linked to other learning areas.
  •        Collaborative learning promotes creativity and problem-solving.
  •        Critical reflection is stimulated by supportive peer-group feedback.
  •    The program should demonstrate a commitment to reflexive teaching informed by ongoing assessment.


Julie Voigt (2009) also provided four foundational principles for teaching art to children in her blog “Art For Small Hands”. http://www.artforsmallhands.com/

  1.          Instruct but do not do. Discuss a child's work. Demonstrate techniques. Share ideas. But do not touch the work itself.
  2.          Never start with a pre-cut shape. Never trace. Start from scratch. A child's circle will be more interesting than your own.
  3.          Quality materials and an organized, inviting work space are an essential backdrop for creative chaos. Invest in good supplies and take time to set up.
  4.          Look. Look at the greats; no child is too young for art history. Look at the world; learning to make art is learning to see and find pleasure in details.





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