Simple School Arts Activities

Teachers can use art to enhance classroom activities.

Many schools have cut art programs, according to Joseph Van Harken at CNN. The result has created a deficit in the kinds of art projects students may experience in the classroom. However, creative teachers may use simple art projects in conjunction with other activities to enhance the student experience. The activities may also help students take more interest in their classroom studies.

Illustrated Manuscripts

Students studying ancient and medieval history can explore illustrated manuscripts. The manuscripts were completely created by hand and include decorative pictures inside the text. Many illustrated manuscripts were religious works, according to the J. Paul Getty Museum. Monks, and later laymen, created the exquisite parchments to preserve scripture, sacred and secular manuscripts, and books.

Students can work to create their own illustrated manuscripts. Have them create an original poem, essay or story for illustration. The students may work cooperatively on the manuscripts, allowing those who can draw to assist students who are more artistically challenged.

Science Diagrams and Models

Students can use diagrams of body parts to explore and learn how the human body works. Teachers can print free diagrams from Taylor Custom or any of several human anatomy coloring books. Students will find that participating in this art activity can help them understand how various organs and body systems work.

Students might also create three-dimensional models of body organs. The models could be made from clay, paper mache, styrofoam or another art medium, and teachers may choose to display them in class.

Illustrated Geography Activities

Students can explore geography by completing art activities that include labeling maps, denoting landmarks and identifying surrounding countries. Teachers may provide maps for students to use to begin the activity by using a variety of free Internet sites, including Owl and Mouse.

Teachers may also use interactive maps to provide additional information for students about the countries on them. Handouts including information about customs, foods, holidays and other aspects of life can be used to create an illustrated book about each country or area studied.

Astronomy Charts and Models

Teachers can display star charts and constellations on an interactive whiteboard or other display method. Students can draw the star patterns and identify the major stars in the constellations. Students might also sketch the object or person that inspired the name of the constellation.

Students may also use drawings, clay or other art medium to create models of the solar system. The project may be a cooperative class effort to create a scale model as the layout of the solar system is studied.

References

• CNN Politics: Budgets Cut School Experience
• J. Paul Getty Museum: About Illuminated Manuscripts
• Taylor Custom: Free Downloadable Science Diagrams
• Owl and Mouse: U.S. and World Geography: Free Maps
• Stephen F Austin University: Star Charts