Elementary Art Overview

This curriculum will provide students with opportunities to:  Create personal and collaborative works of art  Use the vocabulary of art  Respond to art aesthetically, intellectually and emotionally  Understand and appreciate other values and cultures through explorations of art  Develop creativity and self-expression through art making  Use 21st century technology to enhance understanding  Explore art from other time periods in history

The Waterford Public Schools’ Art Curriculum is based on the National and Connecticut Art Content Standards. Experiences in drawing, printmaking, collage, sculpture and painting are vital to students’ artistic development.

Students will develop their ability to create, respond, present and connect. The art curriculum incorporates the 8 Studio Habits of Mind, developed by Hetland, Winner, Sheridan & Veenema, national leaders in art education. Special focus areas for each grade will be the following:

Kindergarten – I Can Explore Art Materials

 Use line, shape and color in an image  Describe an image  Explore various art tools & materials  Tell a story about a work of art  Listen to and follow directions in art

Grade 1 – I Can Create a Unique Art Project

 Begin to use art vocabulary to describe works of art  Tell a story about a work of art  Listen to and follow directions in art  Identify different kinds of art  Use art tools appropriately

Grade 2 – I Can See Art in Everyday Life

 Create art that reflects school, family and community life  Begin to understand that everyday objects are designed  Identify different kinds of art media & materials  Recognize that using art tools helps develop craft

Grade 3 – I Can Create Art Based on Personal Experience

 Refine an art project  Begin to interpret a work of art  Begin to identify art from various cultures  Begin to self-evaluate art  Begin to select art materials based their properties  Begin to use texture in art work

Grade 4 – I Can Consider Various Approaches to Art & Design

 Brainstorm various directions for an art idea  Revise and problem solve  Selectively use art materials  Begin to recognize art from various cultures  Understand how value can create the illusion of depth

Grade 5 – I Can Create Art to Express a Personal Statement

 Understand that art is a way to express feelings and conditions in a society  Analyze art work from various times periods and cultures  Create an artist statement using the Elements of

Art  Begin to critique art work