How to Start a School Art Program
Starting a school art program is an excellent way to teach children about art and encourage their creativity. Art is a way for children to comfortably express themselves and learn about themselves and others, along with producing some amazing finished art projects. According to the "Boston Globe," students who are part of a regular art program are taught to appreciate art, learn from their artistic mistakes and understand alternative ways of seeing the world around them.
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Things You'll Need
- Art area or room
- Art budget
- Internet
- Art materials such as drawing paper, construction paper, pencils, erasers, oil pastels, paint and paintbrushes
- Famous art images
- Desks and/or worktables
Instructions
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1
Determine a budget for the art program. Contact supervisors to find what the budget is for starting the art program. Use half of the budget to purchase supplies before working with students, allowing the rest for additional supplies throughout the school session.
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2
Purchase basic materials from an art material distributor found on the Internet, such as Dick Blick Art Materials or Discount Art Supplies (see resources) to begin the art program. Basic materials include different sizes of white drawing paper, various colors and sizes of construction paper, pencils, erasers, scissors, glue, oil pastels, paints and paintbrushes. Additional materials, such as paint shirts, string or yarn and magazines can be donated through parents of students once the art program is established.
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3
Contact supervisors to determine the hours of the program and to organize art classes. Meet fellow teachers within the school and determine what their expectations are for the art program.
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4
Create lesson plans for the first three months of the program. Plan lessons around curriculum taught within the school along with the ages of students. Make a basic outline of art lessons to provide to teachers and supervisors.
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5
Organize the art area so it is comfortable and conducive to creativity. Put special, expensive and potentially hazardous art materials out of reach of students. Have basic materials such as drawing paper, pencils and erasers accessible to students.
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6
Display famous art images around the classroom for motivation and assistance with art lessons. Arrange desks or work tables in a comfortable layout and establish a front discussion area where students can direct their attention during demonstrations and while instruction is given.
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When the first students arrive, share information with students about the art area and the expectations of the art program.
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