10 Ways to Include Art in the Classroom

Art is a human activity that encompasses various mediums, genres and styles. It can be used to convey a story, communicate a message or simply create beauty. It is important to teach art in the classroom because it helps students understand the world around them and connect with other people. Art can also help students develop visual literacy and a deeper understanding of culture and history.

While it may seem like a difficult topic to teach, there are many ways teachers can integrate art into their curriculum. Here are ten ways to include art in the classroom:

1. Choose one artist to showcase per unit.

Choosing a single artist to focus on can be an effective way to get students excited about learning about art. By choosing an artist that aligns with the unit, students will be able to make connections between the art and the content they are learning. For example, if you are doing a geometry unit, pair the work with a contemporary artist that uses lines in interesting ways (such as Jen Stark). This will allow students to see how varying line widths, directions and color palettes can be used to convey different meanings.

2. Use the works of art as a springboard to explore other mediums, techniques and forms.

When students look at a piece of artwork, they are often looking for something specific. They want to know what the piece is trying to say, or they might be drawn to certain shapes or colors. These are all good reasons to teach art, but it is important to recognize that not every viewer has the same experience. There are some things that most art-lovers can agree on, however. For example, there is a basic human instinct for harmony, balance and rhythm. Art can also provide an opportunity to experience the mysterious and transcendent qualities of life.

3. Introduce the concept of a hierarchy of forms.

The hierarchy of forms is a key idea that can help students understand how art evolves over time and across cultures. By studying the progression of the arts, students can learn about how new forms were created and what drove changes in artistic expression. For example, as the power of the church and aristocracy declined in the 17th and 18th centuries, new marketplaces for art emerged. This allowed for artists to market themselves and compete for a greater share of the public’s attention. As a result, artists began to emphasize their aesthetic qualities as an aspect of being human beyond their utilitarian value.

4. Teach the value of close observation.

Whether it is looking at a painting, sculpture or photograph, art requires students to look closely. This helps them notice how a work of art is put together, how the colors work in tandem and what details are important to the overall effect.

5. Emphasize that art is not self-explanatory and requires a deeper level of thinking.

While teaching the art of the past can be a challenge because it is so specialized, it is essential to incorporate art history into your curriculum. While it may take some time, the payoff is worth it. Smarthistory’s free online course, ”Art History for Beginners,” is an excellent place to start. Its straightforward approach whisks learners through several centuries of art using contributions from more than 200 scholars.