Art Course Plan for Kindergarten (K-4)
Course Overview
Course Title: Creative Expressions - Art in Kindergarten
Duration: September - December
Total Lessons: 30
Target Audience: Reception / Kindergarten Students (Ages 5-6)
Course Goals and Aims
Course Goals:
- Creativity Development: Foster children's imaginative thinking and creativity through diverse art activities.
- Fine Motor Skills: Enhance fine motor skills through hands-on manipulation of art materials.
- Social Skills: Promote collaboration and sharing through group art projects.
- Cultural Understanding: Introduce children to various art forms and cultural expressions.
Course Aims:
- To expose students to a wide variety of artistic media and methods.
- To encourage self-expression and exploration of colors, shapes, and textures.
- To teach the importance of art in everyday life and its role in different cultures.
- To help students develop an appreciation for art and the artistic process.
Course Modules and Lesson Breakdown
Module 1: Introduction to Art (Lessons 1-6)
Lesson 1: What is Art?
- Objective: Introduce the concept of art and its various forms.
- Activity: Read a picture book about art; students create their own "art" based on their favorite book character.
Lesson 2: Colors Galore
- Objective: Explore primary and secondary colors.
- Activity: Color mixing experiment using watercolors; create a color wheel.
Lesson 3: Shapes in Art
- Objective: Identify different shapes used in artwork.
- Activity: Shape scavenger hunt around the classroom; make shape collages.
Lesson 4: Lines and Patterns
- Objective: Learn about different types of lines and patterns.
- Activity: Use crayons to create line drawings; explore patterns with stamps.
Lesson 5: Textures in Art
- Objective: Discover different textures in art.
- Activity: Texture rubbings using various materials (e.g., leaves, paper, fabric).
Lesson 6: Art Around the World
- Objective: Introduce art from different cultures.
- Activity: Look at examples from various cultures; create a simple piece inspired by one culture.
Module 2: Painting and Drawing Techniques (Lessons 7-12)
Lesson 7: Painting with Brushes
- Objective: Learn brush techniques for painting.
- Activity: Create a landscape painting using different brush strokes.
Lesson 8: Watercolor Resist
- Objective: Understand watercolor resist techniques.
- Activity: Use crayons to draw on paper, then paint over with watercolor.
Lesson 9: Finger Painting Fun
- Objective: Explore the tactile experience of painting with fingers.
- Activity: Create an abstract piece using finger painting.
Lesson 10: Nature Prints
- Objective: Use natural objects for printing.
- Activity: Gather leaves and flowers; create prints using paint.
Lesson 11: Collage Creations
- Objective: Explore mixed media through collage.
- Activity: Make a collage using magazines and colored paper.
Lesson 12: Self-Portrait Day
- Objective: Encourage self-expression through self-portraits.
- Activity: Students draw their self-portraits using a mirror for reference.
Module 3: Sculptural Art (Lessons 13-18)
Lesson 13: Introduction to Sculpture
- Objective: Define sculpture and its forms.
- Activity: Create sculptures using clay.
Lesson 14: Found Object Art
- Objective: Use everyday items to make art.
- Activity: Collect recyclable materials and create a sculpture.
Lesson 15: Salt Dough Creations
- Objective: Make and use salt dough for sculpting.
- Activity: Create seasonal decorations using salt dough.
Lesson 16: Nature Sculptures
- Objective: Use natural materials for sculpture.
- Activity: Create sculptures using twigs, stones, and leaves.
Lesson 17: Shadow and Light Art
- Objective: Explore how shadows can create art.
- Activity: Use cut-out shapes to create shadow art on paper.
Lesson 18: Mobile Making
- Objective: Create a mobile using various materials.
- Activity: Construct a mobile with strings and cut-out shapes.
Module 4: Art Display and Appreciation (Lessons 19-24)
Lesson 19: Art Gallery Walk
- Objective: Learn to appreciate others' art.
- Activity: Create an art gallery in the classroom, and take turns "visiting" each other’s work.
Lesson 20: Famous Artists
- Objective: Introduce famous artists and their works.
- Activity: Explore Van Gogh's starry night; students recreate their versions.
Lesson 21: Art Labels
- Objective: Teach students to describe their art.
- Activity: Create labels for their gallery artwork, explaining their process.
Lesson 22: Community Art Project
- Objective: Promote teamwork in creating a large-scale art piece.
- Activity: Collaboratively paint a mural on a large paper or canvas.
Lesson 23: Art and Emotion
- Objective: Discuss how art can express feelings.
- Activity: Create a piece that represents how they feel that day.
Lesson 24: Reflection on Art
- Objective: Reflect on their art journey so far.
- Activity: Discuss favorite projects; create a scrapbook of art pieces.
Module 5: Celebrating Art (Lessons 25-30)
Lesson 25: Art Celebration
- Objective: Prepare for an art show.
- Activity: Choose favorite pieces and prepare them for display.
Lesson 26: Invitations and Marketing
- Objective: Learn to invite others to their art show.
- Activity: Create invitations for family and friends.
Lesson 27: Art Show Day Prep
- Objective: Finalize preparations for the art show.
- Activity: Set up the classroom for the art show, displaying all artwork.
Lesson 28: Art Show
- Objective: Showcase their art to an audience.
- Activity: Host an art show for parents and peers.
Lesson 29: Feedback and Celebration
- Objective: Discuss what they've learned and create feedback.
- Activity: Create thank-you cards for visitors and partners.
Lesson 30: Art Reflections
- Objective: Reflect on their art journey and future.
- Activity: Fill out an art reflection sheet and discuss plans for future art projects.
Conclusion
This course outline provides a structured yet flexible approach to teaching art to kindergarten students, fostering creativity, fine motor skills, and cultural understanding while aligning with US educational standards. Each lesson encourages exploration and self-expression, making art a joyful and integral part of early childhood education.