Welcome to the second post in my series On Teaching Art.
The first post and the background behind this series is On Teaching Art: Art vs. Craft.
The question posed for this installment is:
How can we organize planning for art instruction?
Carrie Birmingham said, “For instance, I can imagine planning around art elements like line and color, or planning based on great artists, or planning based on curricular connections, or planning based on children’s development. There are probably a lot of other ways. More concretely, suppose one of my students wanted to plan one art lesson a week, how would she pick which lessons?”
Yes,
very simply put, you could organize based on any of these frameworks:
- the elements of art
- famous artists
- art around the world (countries)
- cross-curricular (connect to Science, Math, Social Studies, etc.)
- a theme-based yearlong curriculum
- by media (markers, oil pastels, watercolor, tempera paint, paper, paper mache, clay, weaving)
Developing a curriculum is a very personal thing and you need to come up with a plan that you are excited and comfortable with. If you are a classroom teacher looking to add a little art to your class, the following post will probably be more than you need. If you are an art teacher developing a curriculum, this might be helpful to you.
There are numerous ways to organize an art curriculum and today I’m going to share how I organized our K-6 elementary art curriculum. The framework I used was a cross-curricular approach.
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Creating a curriculum is also not a one-time thing. It is something that I continually look at, review, reflect upon and “live with.” As I teach through my curriculum, I am constantly evaluating how it is working. As for children’s development, I have already studied the artistic developmental stages in college courses. I highly recommend researching this as you prepare your curriculum. If you are already working with students, you probably have a very good sense of what your students are capable of. A few great books about children’s art development are: Emphasis Art: A Qualitative Art Program for Elementary and Middle Schools (8th Edition)
1. First, I determined what was necessary for my teaching situation.
If you teach in a public school, you may need to follow the state standards, national standards, or common core standards. Since I teach in a private school, I do not need to follow any of those particular requirements. At our school, a big part of our philosophy is the inter-connectedness of the various disciplines. When I was hired, cross-curricular connections were the focus of developing the art curriculum. So I started with that.
2. I worked with the Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Music teachers to review their curriculum.
I wrote down common themes and units of study and laid out general themes for each month for each grade level. For instance, our 4th/5th mixed grade class studies ancient Egypt. This is a perfect time to teach about ancient Egyptian art, right? I think no matter what your situation, connecting your units of study to other subjects can create a rich and multi-layered experience for the kids. If you are an elementary classroom teacher looking to infuse a little art into your day, connecting to your current curriculum is a natural extension.
3. I researched other school’s curriculum maps and standards.
Since I created the curriculum on my own (drawing from the previous teacher’s curriculum and the themes of the classroom teachers) I wanted to see what other schools were teaching in terms of important art techniques and concepts. I looked at our state and national art standards (and kept those in the back of my mind.) I looked at curriculum maps I found on the internet from other school districts. The one I continually referred to was the Virginia state standards. They were very clearly defined and created a nice framework. I also kept Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning handy.
For examples of curriculum planning templates, visit my Curriculum Development Pinterest board. As I find new examples, I will add them to this board.
4. I created my own curriculum planning matrix.
I decided the most useful way to organize my planning was to create a month-by-month template for each grade level. (I made 9 of these for each grade level.) You can see the curriculum planning matrix here on Google docs.
4. From this research, I determined what I wanted students at each grade level to be able to understand and do.
As part of this step, I looked to see where I could teach about the elements of art and the principles of design.
I also thought about specific techniques, like cross-hatching or building with clay slabs, that I wanted the students to learn. Again, the Virginia state standards had very reasonable goals for each grade level to attain.
5. I then worked on blending these concepts with the themes of other subjects and plugging in lessons that I already taught.
For example, the first graders study frogs in Science class and read the Frog and Toad series in Language Arts. I thought this would great topic to include in art class. I started with the idea of a frog in a pond. Then, I thought about how I could use this lesson to introduce an influential artist. Claude Monet painted a lot of ponds. Watercolor techniques were another concept I wanted to teach first graders, so I blended all these ideas together to come up with the Frogs in a Pond lesson plan.
6. I ensured that a variety of media were used at each grade level.
Some of these are:
- colored pencils, markers, crayons, oil pastels, graphite
- watercolor and tempera paints
- paper mache
- clay
- paper sculpture
- printmaking (styrofoam, carved rubber, collographs)
- weaving
- recycled materials
7. I ensured that an overview of art history and art from many cultures were included.
The Social Studies curriculum was a good starting point for including these in art class. If they study early American history, we study American artists during that time period. If they are studying Asia, Chinese and Japanese art are introduced. I also made a list of influential artists that I thought the kids should be exposed to and included those in my plans.
8. As I was working, I consulted with the middle school art teacher to learn what she was teaching and to hear suggestions for what she thought should be included in the elementary art curriculum.
Now it’s your turn… How did you develop your art curriculum? What advice do you have for classroom teachers who want to organize art lessons in their class?
Great article! I love articles like this that help me make sure I’m covering all the angles when doing my planning–so thorough! Thank you! Mrs. P @ createartwithme.blogspot.com
Thanks for the great articles. I’m a classroom teacher but teach art to my class as one of the subjects in our curriculum. It’s more difficult without an art background, although you have the benefit of knowing exactly what your class has covered across the currisulum and being able to spend as much time as you need on any art project!
The art ideas on blogs like this make great inspiration for lessons and I’m glad to see that how I plan is pretty similar to what you’re describing here 🙂 (cross-curricular themes, range of media, a few relevant artists, progression in elements e.g. colour, tone built in…)
I’m glad this article was helpful to you! Thanks for writing to me 🙂
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Would you be willing to share all of your curriculum planning matrices? I would love to look at all of them! Aaroy85@gmail.com
Yes, Ashley. I will send them to you soon! I tried to get on the server at school yesterday, but it was not connecting for me!
Hi Marcia- wow! You are very thorough! Could you email the planning matrices to me as well? Its my first year teaching elementary! laurenjoyhughes@gmail.com
This year is my first year teaching elementary art. I’m nervous and very excited. Would you mind emailing me your cool planning matrices too. I would really appreciate it. Thank you, thank you.
Laura Ramirez
I’m still waiting to get the planning matrices off my computer at school. I’ll send them to everyone who asked as soon as I can get them!
I would live a copy as well! You are AWESOME!!! 😀
I forgot to post my email! pfsaini@valdosta.edu I am so glad I found your site!
Wow! The article is awesome. Very informative thank you. I’d love a copy of your planning matrices as well! Who wouldn’t. You’ve got it all together. I love teaching but planning to that degree is just a dream. I try to cover as much as I can in a year, there is so much to do! It is my prayer to be more organized, you have answered so many questions that I had but for whatever reason couldn’t find or wasn’t given before. I too keep those resources at hand, Blooms, State and national standards. I make a point to go to the NAEA conventions yearly even at my own expense yet things still get quite overwhelming. I was in a class with a sink but was recently moved to the portables – no sink. I’m not sure if that is good or not but I do know I have to be more organized. Thanks.
Hi Marcia! How awesome to come across your site today! This article was excellent, and exactly what I was needing. I have been really concentrating on strengthening the elementary art curriculum and establishing connections with other subjects these past couple years, and your article is just what I was needing to get refocused. If it isn’t too much trouble, could you send me copies of your matrices as well? My email is smithers0815@ymail.com. Thanks so much!
Hi Marcia, Great article! I found it super helpful as I am getting ready to teach my 2nd year of art in a christian school to preK through 2nd graders. I’ve been trying to plan your matrices would be super helpful to me as well. I hope it’s not too much trouble to ask if you could email to me too! It’s greatly appreciated, kim.nesbitt@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch!!!
Would love to see a copy of your month to month templates. Particularly like the idea of essential questions for each month.
I would love to have a copy as well if that is okay? my email wendy@bbbweb.com thanks!
Great article! I would like a copy of your planning matrices as well, if possible: jessicalynfenton@hotmail.com. Thanks!
I can’t believe I’m sitting here on a Saturday thinking about my curriculum for next year…but….I am. I’d love a copy of your monthly plans. I’ve been doing mine based on the elements of art, but think it’s time to switch to a cross curriculum plan since the pressures keeps building to justify art in elementary schools here in FL. Thank you so much for sharing! I can send you my template from last year if you are interested.
I am a first year high / middle school art teacher and I am really struggling and stressing about putting together a “plan” for next year! Any help???
I would start by looking at what the previous teacher had done. Are there curriculum notes left behind, syllabi or course descriptions? Can you talk to the previous teacher or other art teachers in the school or district? They will let you know what is expected of you. Talk to the principal about their expectations for the art program. You can also research high school/middle school curriculums online to see what other schools have done. Good luck!
I am so impressed with your blog site! I will be teaching K-8 for the first time this year and sweating through developing my curriculum. Would it be possible for you to email your planning matrices to me? They are wonderful. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful ideas! marypamala@yahoo.com
This is my second year teaching Elementary Art. I have been working (slowly) on my curriculum all year. ~Only elementary art teacher in the district. I often get caught up on the “frame works” of the organization. I love, love, love how your matrix is set up. Especially the essential questions. Your post was very helpful in focusing all my ideas in one nice organized template. I too would appreciate a copy of your planning matrices! nikki.raflik@gmail.com
Last night I stumbled on another one of your posts about writing a professional growth plan! Thank you for taking the time to write about your experiences, It really does help us “lone horses” just to see what others are doing in relation to the behind the scenes of art classes. My next search… SLO’s and assessments, wish me luck! 🙂 Thanks again for all your help!!!
nikki.raflik@gmail.com
Hi, I would love a copy of your curriculum as well! Thanks! ajgiannopoulos@gmail.com
Could you add me to your long list of curriculum planning matrices. It seems that we all are more than appreciative in receiving those! cschroer@stalbanroe.org
Hi! I’m a NYC art teacher who is very much enjoying your posts. Would it be possible to get a copy of your matrix for grades k-6? Also, what do you use for assessments? Thanks so much for sharing your awesome ideas, egiller@schools.nyc.gov
You’re welcome. I’ll send these to you soon. As for assessments I use informal narratives and observational remarks. I don’t have to provide grades at my school, but I write about 5 sentences about each child’s progress on their grade reports. The report highlights the strengths and successes of the child as well as anything they should work on.
This is very helpful! Thank you for sharing matrix for 5th and 6th…also, if you have criteria or an example of your “5 sentences” approach, I’d be most grateful! I am returning to Art after an eleven year break to teach 3rd grade in the regular classroom. I’m excited about all the changes and your great direction and leadership in the visual arts!
I’m not sure what you mean by the “5 Sentences” approach. I will send you my matrices in an email.
Your ideas are amazing! I am a first year FINE ARTS teacher…with art and music..lots on my plate 🙂 but I would LOVE to see your copy of your matrix for grades k-6. My email is ashli.wolf@sscisd.net THANKS so much!
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Hello, Marcia! I love your work and great ideas for organization and planning. I would love to receive your K-6 matrix when you get a chance. My email is susancollguedes@gmail.com. It looks likes you have enough fans to start working on a book about your approach to teaching art! Best wishes for the new school year.
Hello Marcia. It’s a school holiday and I’m thinking of curriculum. I would love a copy of your matrices. I love that they delve into cross-curricular subject matter. My email is y.rhodes@gmail.com
Thanks, Taylor
Hi Marcia,
Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences. This is my first year teaching elementary visual arts. I am starting the program at our school. I see 24 classes and approx. 600 students. I have been following your blog….thank you soo much for doing this! I would also appreciate if you could share your matrices with me. belindanicholls630@gmail.com
Hi Marcia,
I am so glad I came across your site. My 3 y/o was taking an art class at our local YMCA. We took the summer off and when we tried to go back recently I found they were looking for a new teacher. I have a degree in general art so I decided to see if I could teach the class. It’s been quite a few years since college and I have been working in HR. I have to come up with 7 lesson plans for a group of kids ranging from 3 to 10. I have seen quite a few ideas on this blog that I believe will be very helpful so I just wanted to say thank you because I’m still not really sure where to start. Do kids in your classes usually finish projects early? If so, what do you have them do? Thank you for hosting this site.
Hi Stephanie! Wow, that’s great that you are going to teach for your YMCA, how fun! I do think that having such a wide age range (3 – 10) would be really challenging if they were all in the same class. You would have to keep the projects very open ended, or differentiate the projects for the youngest/oldest kids. In my classes, if the kids finish early, they either (1) make another one (2) help a friend (3) draw in their sketchbooks (4) look at an art book or (5) do a job to help me. Good luck!
Hi Marcia, I’ve been doing a lot of research on establishing a visual arts curriculum and your blog post is one of the most helpful I’ve seen! Thanks so much for sharing all these wonderful tips!! This is my first year teaching Art at a private school in Ohio for grades K-10 (adding a high school grade each year until the first graduating class in 2017.) I teach Art for the entire school and would be ever so grateful if you could share your matrices with me? I’m transitioning into the full-time Art teacher role after spending nearly 20 years as an Editor, but am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to share my knowledge & passion for Art with my students! Thanks again for sharing!! My email is sbryant.nhca@gmail.com
I too would love a copy of your curriculum maps if you have the time. I teach a preK class but would especially love the k and 1st to get an idea of scaffolding and what they will need prior knowledge in. Thank you for the time you have spent and the willingness to share them. It is such an encouragement and inspiration to all of us.
My email is epepin@bbbsd.net
Hi! I just discovered your blog. It’s wonderful! Would you be willing to share your matrices one more time with a devoted fan? 🙂 That would be so helpful- I am just starting a job as a K-12 art teacher and could use as many ideas as possible! nkizilarmut@gmail.com Thanks so much!
I would love a copy of your matrices as well! I teach k-4 art and am redoing my yearly map to make sure there are no gaps. Thanks so much–great article.
I stumbled across your blog and loved your Pinterest board of curriculum maps. As a first year k6 art teacher, I’d love it if you could shatter your matrices for each grade of your willing and still have them! The kindergarten one previewed looks so thorough! Rortner@howard-winn.k12.ia.us. thanks!
Hello. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Going from classroom to cart and back has been an adventure and now catering to the change of implementing Common Core standards on top of state standards will be a new challenge this year. Your explanation is helpful and encouraging!! I would love to see more of your matrices as they look very much like what I would like to create. I look forward to getting deeper into the sight!!
Thanks!!
janay.clyde@gmail.com
Hi Marcia! I just found you via this article and am in hopes that you’re still looking at comments and would be willing to send a copy of your curriculum matrix to me as well?? I’m a second year K-6 art teacher and was so exhausted last year trying to “wing it”, so I’m attempting to put a plan together for this year… A real example would be AMAZING!! Thank you for the tips and I hope to hear from you soon! 🙂
Nichole
cole273@yahoo.com
I am going into my first year teaching Elementary art and would love to see an example of the scope and sequence you have created. It sounds fantastic. My email is jessicaanne3688@gmail.com
This is perfect! I am an elementary art teacher too! Would you please send me a copy of your templates?
Hi Marcia,
I am so happy to have found you blog!!! I have been teaching for 5 years, however, I just transferred to a new school and they asked me to teach Art. I hold my Art Certification and Elem Ed Certification. I love art and I’m ecstatic to be the new Art Teacher but I am also terribly nervous and overwhelmed. Our school district has a very loose curriculum for Art with no scope and sequence. Making it more challenging, is that the school I moved to hasn’t had Art for about 4 – 5 years. The 5th graders were the last class to have Art here. I feel as though I should almost start with the basics for all grade levels.
I would love to hear your thoughts and would greatly appreciate it if you would share your curriculum map with me.
my email address is:
ectk02@hotmail.com
Good luck! I’ll be sending you the curriculum map soon. You could still start with what is typically taught for various age levels, but you might just keep in mind their skills might not be as developed.
hello marcia, i am so happy i found you. i am a new elementary art teacher pre k-3rd. our school does not have a curriculum or anything to follow and i went to school to be an art teacher 20 years ago! i would love it if you would be willing to share anything that might help me. i know some people sell things on teachers pay teachers, i wonder if you are on that website. you are so organized and you think of absolutely everything. thank you for all your help. 🙂 brendalees@comcast.net
Hi Marcia! I would love to take a look at your curriculum map/matrix if you wouldn’t mind sharing. I’m looking to make some changes to my curriculum for this upcoming year. Reviewing others’ curriculum & talking to other art teachers helps me think outside the box and revamp what I’ve been doing over and over.
Thanks in advance! willcoxs@columbiak12.com
Hi! The new updated curriculum can be downloaded at this blog post: https://www.artisbasic.com/2016/05/art-curriculum-template-guide.html
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This article was so helpful — if only just to validate the insanity I feel right now as I begin my first year teaching art and developing my own curriculum. I have 8 years in the classroom in a private school, but this is a new subject and format of teaching, and it’s a bit overwhelming! You distilled down your thought process so well. Thank you!! I am going to use and adapt your planning matrix. I have been trying to develop something that clear and succinct. I also really appreciate your approach to unit planning and acknowledging that there are many different ways to focus your planning. Now I just have to pick one and confidently go forward with it! I plan to use your blog as an on-going reference. Thanks again!