TIP #87: 3 Things No One Tells You About Teaching Art to Kids
Teaching art to kids is a rewarding and (most of the time) fun experience. But whether you’re a classroom teacher or a parent leading creative projects, there will be some unexpected surprises along the way.
Here are 3 things about teaching art to kids that I bet no one told you!
1. You’ll start seeing everyday objects differently
Once you start teaching art, you’ll never look at common household items the same way again. Egg cartons, cardboard boxes, and bottle caps suddenly become art supplies. That pile of magazines? A treasure trove for collages! You might catch yourself saving yogurt cups or popsicle sticks because “they would be perfect for a project.”
You’ll notice shapes, textures, colors, and patterns in unexpected places. You’ll find yourself inspired by things like shadows on the sidewalk or the negative spaces between the branches of a tree.
Art teachers quickly develop a habit of seeing potential in ordinary things. The best part? Kids will too! They learn that creativity isn’t about expensive supplies. It’s about using what’s around them in new ways.
As you find yourself saving the most random things, this stockpile of future masterpiece-makings can grow quickly. Try to organize your collection well and avoid the temptation to save more than you can use or have space for.
Finding other parents and teachers you can share with is a great way to help each other and grow your community. Then you’ll also have friends to ask when there’s something you need more of for a project you’re planning.
2. Not every child loves art
It’s easy to assume that all kids love making art. After all, art is fun, right? But while most kids really do love art, not every child enjoys it.
Some kids get frustrated when their level of skill prevents them from creating what they see in their imagination. Some kids object to how it feels when they get something messy like clay or chalk pastels on their hands. Other kids simply prefer different activities, like soccer, writing, or music.
And that’s okay! The goal isn’t to force every child to love art. The goal is to help them be creative in their own way. Some kids have fun experimenting with hands-on materials while others enjoy using technology to create digital art. Kids need to try different things to learn what lights them up.
The key is to provide variety. Give kids different ways to engage their creativity, and keep offering new experiences. Sometimes the most reluctant artists just need to try a new approach to discover something that excites them.
Keep attention spans in mind, too. Kids can quickly lose interest when too much time is spent on any one tool or technique, even when it’s one they enjoy.
3. You will learn as much (probably more) than your students
Teaching art isn’t just about guiding your students, it’s about growing alongside them. Every lesson reveals new ways to see, think, and create.
As you work through each project before teaching it, you’ll learn more about using that medium. You’ll also learn from your mistakes and gain helpful tips to share with your students from those experiences.
Kids love stories, so sharing art-related anecdotes or fun facts is always a hit. You may find yourself wanting to learn more about artists and their artwork so you have more stories to share.
Kids will suggest materials they want to work with and subjects they want to draw or paint. If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to say no to that! So you may find yourself with a little extra “homework” in order to teach to those special requests.
Kids will also have ideas and perspectives that we adults might overlook. They’ll ask questions like, “Can I put green in my sunset?” or “Can we paint on rocks instead of paper?” Their curiosity will often push you outside your comfort zone and inspire you to try new things.
You’ll learn patience, adaptability, and the power of creative problem-solving. A planned lesson might take an unexpected turn, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the best learning comes from letting go of a little control and seeing where creativity leads.
Kids have a fearless approach to making art that will inspire you to experiment more, embrace mistakes, and keep learning and creating.
Enjoy the journey of teaching art to kids
Whether you’re in a classroom or at your kitchen table, remember: Art isn’t about perfect results. It’s about exploration, creativity, and having fun.
So get ready to see the world around you with fresh eyes, have patience for the kids who may not share your love for art, and embrace all the learning you have ahead. Most of all, enjoy the journey!
an inspiring quote
“Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.” ~ Albert Einstein
Teaching art to kids changes the way you see the world. Suddenly, a coffee stain looks like the start of a painting, and a pile of old magazines holds endless creative possibilities.
Kids naturally find inspiration in unexpected places. They help us see that creativity isn’t about having the perfect supplies… it’s about looking at the world differently. When we embrace that mindset, we unlock a whole new way of thinking and creating.