If you have been talked into teaching a painting class to little kids this summer, you may be concerned about how to capture the attention and imagination of youngsters with varying interests in this subject you enjoy. This will be especially true if you have never attempted teaching art before. There are simple guidelines to follow that will make the summer childrens art classes Austin is offering fun and successful.
You have probably learned that these kinds of classes have limited budgets. When you find out your class size, you can decide whether or not you can afford to purchase cheap smocks for everyone. If not, it's a good idea to send a note in advance, asking parents to dress their children in clothes that washable paint and supplies won't ruin. The focus should be on the paint projects, not the mess they make.
You need to set up a workspace that has plenty of room for the students to work and is convenient to sinks. This will make cleanup easier. You should make certain the space you set up is free of rugs, furniture, or equipment that could be splattered. Your students also need to know that this is the only space appropriate for paint supplies. Little ones have a tendency to wander.
Not all paint is appropriate for small children. Oil paints are expensive and contain ingredients you don't want your students to put in their mouths. Kid's acrylics, watercolors, and dry gouache will work well and are safe for youngsters.
You may love your sable paint brushes, but expensive brushes and other supplies are not appropriate for this age group. Pick up the cheapest brushes you can find at area big box stores. You don't actually need brushes at all. Paint will adhere to sponges, string, rollers, bubble wrap, and wooden sticks just as well.
Cleaning up is a normal part of any art project, and you shouldn't feel you have to clean up behind your students. They may be small, but they can learn how to wash out materials and put them away. If you make it fun, they will enjoy this part of the class as much as anything else.
A class like this should not be a contest among students for praise or awards. Your job is to encourage, suggest, answer questions, and be supportive. You can decide whether you want to introduce subject matter into the painting sessions or let the kids go with what interests them. The projects should never be graded. Every finished piece should find a prominent place on the walls of your room.
Teaching painting to small children is not about brushstrokes, techniques, or color. It is about freeing their imaginations and accepting the results. You never know when an encouraging word will result in a lifelong passion for paint and canvas.
You have probably learned that these kinds of classes have limited budgets. When you find out your class size, you can decide whether or not you can afford to purchase cheap smocks for everyone. If not, it's a good idea to send a note in advance, asking parents to dress their children in clothes that washable paint and supplies won't ruin. The focus should be on the paint projects, not the mess they make.
You need to set up a workspace that has plenty of room for the students to work and is convenient to sinks. This will make cleanup easier. You should make certain the space you set up is free of rugs, furniture, or equipment that could be splattered. Your students also need to know that this is the only space appropriate for paint supplies. Little ones have a tendency to wander.
Not all paint is appropriate for small children. Oil paints are expensive and contain ingredients you don't want your students to put in their mouths. Kid's acrylics, watercolors, and dry gouache will work well and are safe for youngsters.
You may love your sable paint brushes, but expensive brushes and other supplies are not appropriate for this age group. Pick up the cheapest brushes you can find at area big box stores. You don't actually need brushes at all. Paint will adhere to sponges, string, rollers, bubble wrap, and wooden sticks just as well.
Cleaning up is a normal part of any art project, and you shouldn't feel you have to clean up behind your students. They may be small, but they can learn how to wash out materials and put them away. If you make it fun, they will enjoy this part of the class as much as anything else.
A class like this should not be a contest among students for praise or awards. Your job is to encourage, suggest, answer questions, and be supportive. You can decide whether you want to introduce subject matter into the painting sessions or let the kids go with what interests them. The projects should never be graded. Every finished piece should find a prominent place on the walls of your room.
Teaching painting to small children is not about brushstrokes, techniques, or color. It is about freeing their imaginations and accepting the results. You never know when an encouraging word will result in a lifelong passion for paint and canvas.
About the Author:
Get a summary of the things to consider before choosing a provider of summer childrens art classes Austin area and more info about a well-respected art teacher at http://www.amandaleejones.com today.
