Art Docent Lesson Plans

I have created age-appropriate visual arts lesson plans for elementary-school-age children.

I plan to make them available on ETSY in the near future. Through the modeling of the art docent program created by Green River Community College's Interurban Center for the Arts, children are able to learn art history and how to discuss a featured artwork, an art concept, elements and principles, and creation of an art project inspired by the artist driving home the concept. 

It helps to have access to MS PowerPoint and a projector, especially if you don't have large poster-sized prints of the artist's work. Smartboards or whiteboards are particularly useful for drawing demonstrations. Printing out smaller versions of the artist's works, mounting them on colored paper, and passing them around the classroom allows students to view and study other works by the same artist or those who influenced their work. Remind students that the best way to view the art is in-person (e.g. an art museum).

Classroom setup is also important. I prefer a non-traditional desk layout, ideally 4-6 students per table. Some classrooms arrange individual desks in blocks. The more real estate available the better for lots of elbow room and space in the middle for sharing supplies. I use laminated placemats to protect the working surface and remind the students of the elements and principles of art right there on the mat. Simply access the link, print out pages #4 & #16, make copies, then arrange side-by-side on a 12"X18" piece of construction paper and laminate.