Teaching the Elements and Principles of Art in Elementary School: A Comprehensive Guide for Educators

Art education plays a vital role in the development of young learners, fostering creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking skills. Among the foundational concepts that elementary school art educators introduce to their students are the elements and principles of art.

Art Is Fundamental: Teaching the Elements and Principles of Art in Elementary School

by Eileen S. Prince

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5025 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	217 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	1 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.25 x 11.75 inches

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The elements of art are the basic building blocks of visual art: line, shape, form, color, texture, and space. The principles of art are the guidelines that artists use to organize and compose their artwork: balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity.

Teaching the elements and principles of art in elementary school provides students with a solid understanding of the language of art. They learn to identify and analyze these elements and principles in their own artwork, as well as in the work of others. This knowledge empowers students to create their own meaningful and expressive artwork.

The Elements of Art

Line

Line is a mark with length and direction. It can be straight, curved, thick, thin, or broken. Students can explore line by drawing, painting, or sculpting. They can also create line art by using found objects, such as sticks, leaves, or yarn.

Shape

Shape is a two-dimensional area enclosed by a line. Shapes can be geometric (e.g., circles, squares, triangles) or organic (e.g., free-form shapes found in nature). Students can explore shape by drawing, painting, or cutting and pasting paper. They can also create three-dimensional shapes by sculpting or constructing with blocks.

Form

Form is a three-dimensional shape. It has height, width, and depth. Students can explore form by sculpting, modeling, or constructing with blocks. They can also create the illusion of form by using shading or perspective in their drawings and paintings.

Color

Color is the visual perception of light. It has three main properties: hue, saturation, and value. Hue is the pure color (e.g., red, blue, green). Saturation is the intensity of the color. Value is the lightness or darkness of the color. Students can explore color by mixing paints, using colored paper, or working with natural materials.

Texture

Texture is the surface quality of an object. It can be smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft. Students can explore texture by touching different objects, rubbing crayons on paper, or creating textures with paint or clay.

Space

Space is the area around, between, and within objects. It can be positive or negative. Positive space is the area occupied by an object. Negative space is the area surrounding the object. Students can explore space by drawing and painting compositions that include both positive and negative space.

The Principles of Art

Balance

Balance is the distribution of visual weight in a work of art. It can be symmetrical, asymmetrical, or radial. Symmetrical balance is when the weight is evenly distributed on both sides of a central axis. Asymmetrical balance is when the weight is distributed unevenly on both sides of a central axis. Radial balance is when the weight is distributed evenly around a central point.

Contrast

Contrast is the difference between two or more elements in a work of art. It can be created using different colors, values, shapes, or textures. Contrast can be used to create emphasis, drama, or interest.

Emphasis

Emphasis is the visual center of interest in a work of art. It can be created using contrast, placement, or size. Emphasis can be used to draw attention to a particular element or area of a work of art.

Movement

Movement is the illusion of motion in a work of art. It can be created using lines, shapes, and colors. Movement can be used to create a sense of energy, excitement, or drama.

Pattern

Pattern is the repetition of a design element. It can be created using lines, shapes, colors, or textures. Pattern can be used to create a sense of unity and rhythm in a work of art.

Rhythm

Rhythm is the flow of visual energy in a work of art. It can be created using repetition, contrast, and movement. Rhythm can be used to create a sense of unity and harmony in a work of art.

Unity

Unity is the principle that all of the elements and principles of art work together to create a cohesive whole. Unity can be achieved through the use of repetition, contrast, and balance. Unity is essential for creating a successful work of art.

Activities for Teaching the Elements and Principles of Art

There are endless ways to teach the elements and principles of art to elementary school students. Here are a few examples:

• Line: Have students draw a variety of lines, using different tools and techniques. They can also create line art by using found objects.
• Shape: Have students identify and name different shapes. They can also create their own shapes by drawing, painting, or cutting and pasting paper.
• Form: Have students sculpt or model three-dimensional shapes. They can also create the illusion of form by using shading or perspective in their drawings and paintings.
• Color: Have students mix paints to create different colors. They can also explore color theory by creating color wheels and color schemes.
• Texture: Have students touch different objects to identify their textures. They can also create their own textures by rubbing crayons on paper or using paint or clay.
• Space: Have students draw and paint compositions that include both positive and negative space. They can also explore space by creating three-dimensional artworks.
• Balance: Have students create symmetrical, asymmetrical, and

Art Is Fundamental: Teaching the Elements and Principles of Art in Elementary School

by Eileen S. Prince

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5025 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	217 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	112 pages
Item Weight	:	1 pounds
Dimensions	:	8.25 x 11.75 inches

FREE