Tips on Introducing a School Age Child to Art

As Pablo Picasso once said, every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. A school age art activity can help develop the childs concentration, creative-thinking, artistic, organizational and manipulative skills. An art activity encourages kids to experiment and explore the world around them. They will see color, shape and form in sky, trees, buildings and people in their environment. Art can help them to think outside the box.

Provide a variety of paints, paper and tools to create with. Tempera paint works well for most school age art activities, but introduces them to watercolor and acrylic paints. For paint tools, have the kids try different sized brushes, sponges, feathers and string.

There many types of paper they can paint on such as plain paper, construction paper, newsprint, shiny paper, cardboard, fine sandpaper and coffee filters. For fun try painting on tile, wood, fabric, clay pot, glass, or a rock. Let the child experiment with how different media on different objects turns out.

Begin a kid art activity with color. Review the primary colors, red, yellow and blue. Discuss what primary colors mixed together make the secondary colors, orange, green and violet. Have the children experiment with mixing colors. I recommend using plastic or foam disposable plates for mixing colors. Provide plain paper to make sample swatches to see what colors they have made. Show them how to add black or white to create shades and tints.

Abstract style paintings are easy to experiment with. Let them paint strokes, shapes and lines to create a unique painting. Landscapes are also easy to introduce. Show them photographs of landscapes in different seasons so they can see different colors in nature. They can paint a sunset, rainbow, snow scene or spring flowers. Make a frame with black paper to display their art.

All children love art. Encourage kids to practice and try new ways of using color to express themselves. It is also important let kids know that there is no right or wrong way to create art. Finally, plan an art show and invite friends, family and neighbors to come and enjoy their artwork.

As a mother, artist, and child development professional, Nancy Johnson, shares over 20 years experience working with children and planning activities on her website, Creative-Child-Activity-Notebook.com Check it out for more school age child activity ideas including learning, holiday, party, nature, and learning child activity ideas.

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