TIP #91: Think You Can’t Teach Art?
Think You Can’t Teach Art to Kids? This Might Change Your Mind…
You Don’t Need to Be an “Artist” to Teach Art to Kids
Many parents and teachers would like to teach art to kids but think they can’t. Why? They have “Impostor Syndrome”. They think, “I’m not an artist so how can I teach art to anyone?”
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be an “artist” to teach art to kids! In fact, some of the best art teachers I’ve known don’t have formal art training at all.
What you really need is a love of art, a growth mindset, and a heart for kids. This will drive your willingness to learn right alongside your students.
You don’t need to have professional level skills. You really only need to be a few steps ahead of the kids you’re teaching.
Art education for kids isn’t about perfect technique. It’s about helping them explore, express, and discover. It’s about providing the tools and basic techniques to get kids started and help them see what’s possible.
If you enjoy kids and value creativity, you’re more ready than you think.
What You Do Need to Teach Art to Kids
Fortunately, kids don’t need you to be a professional artist or even highly skilled with any art techniques. What they need is for you to provide materials, instruction, encouragement, and the space to create.
Here are some skills you will need for teaching art to kids. These are skills that anyone can learn… no “art talent” required!
– how to use basic art tools and materials
– how to break projects into simple, sequential steps
– how to clearly explain things at an appropriate level for your students
In addition to the skills mentioned above, having the mindset of a lifelong learner will also serve you well. This includes:
– courage to try new things
– willingness to experience the discomfort of being a beginner (You will be a beginner with each new medium or technique you learn.)
When adults model the courage to try new things and welcome being a beginner, kids feel safer to take creative risks, too.
You’ll notice that none of the “needs” I’ve mentioned have anything to do with artistic talent. These are teaching skills you can develop if you have the interest and know where to look for guidance.
And speaking of guidance, there have never been more resources available to help you with teaching art. Books, blogs, videos, and lesson plans abound. They can walk you through a project and show you exactly what you need to know.
Your Perspective Matters
Each teacher brings a unique perspective to their students. You might offer ideas that a trained artist wouldn’t think of.
Sometimes artists with lots of experience forget what it’s like to be a beginner. They can struggle to give the kind of support that someone new to their craft might need.
But when you’re learning right along with your students, they will benefit from your enthusiasm and creative spirit. Remember, you only need to be a few steps ahead.
When kids see you learning, trying, and sometimes making mistakes – that’s powerful modeling.
Start with Simple Projects
If you’re new to teaching art, begin with some process-based, open-ended activities. You could try:
* Mixing colors just for the fun of it
Projects like these can provide a great on-ramp to making art. They’re more about process than product and they let kids, and adults, relax and enjoy creating.
Encourage and Inspire
Teaching art to kids isn’t about showing them how to do it “right.” It’s about giving choices, asking questions, and letting them solve problems on their own.
Your mission is to provide opportunities and support and let your students discover what’s possible.
Say things like:
* “Tell me about your artwork.”
* “What would happen if you tried this?”
* “What do you like best about what you made?”
These kinds of questions boost confidence and build creative thinking.
The Takeaway
You don’t need to be an expert to teach art to kids. You just need to show up with interest and enthusiasm, and whatever prep is needed for each lesson or project.
Kids will remember the thrill of self-expression they felt creating with you, not whether your example looked perfect.
Creativity is something we’re all born with. We don’t have to teach it so much as protect it, and provide opportunities to express it.
By sharing the joy of art with kids, we help keep that creative flame alive in them, and maybe in ourselves, too.
an inspiring quote
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
~ Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou’s words remind us that creativity grows the more we use it. When we invite kids to create with us, everyone benefits.
By listening to our students’ ideas and drawing out their interests, we help them feel seen. This creates a personal connection that makes art meaningful and encourages more creativity.
So inspire your students by sharing your own creativity with enthusiasm. And enjoy the adventure!