When deciding what my first blog post should be about, the thing that jumped to mind first was the issue I deal with constantly. How to engage art students! I’ve boiled it down to my Top 5 Ways to Motivate Art Students.
#1: Keep them busy!
I like to keep my lessons short and sweet. I dread lessons that last longer than two weeks, and the students do too! My students know I keep things moving quickly (I remind them almost daily), so they use their class time wisely which leaves little time for messing around. I set a daily goal everyday (ie. finish sketch and begin on the final paper, begin adding color, etc.) and students should try to meet that goal by the end of class. Sometimes I give a reward to students who meet the goal.
#2. Success = Engagement
Yes we have to teach standards, content and specific curriculum, however, when I choose a lesson I want all students to feel successful with the outcome of their artwork. For example, if it is an oil pastel or paint lesson, I might choose a non-objective subject matter, which can be less intimidating than painting a self-portrait when using paint for the first time. When students are proud or excited about their work, they will work harder and keep focus. If a technique or medium seems too hard or a student is afraid of failing or feels self-conscious, they will put forth less effort and lose motivation for the lesson.
#3. Motivate with personal connections
Another great way to motivate art students is making the lesson about them. Many students find standard still life drawings “boring”, so I have them draw candy or small personal objects instead. My students enjoy creating artwork that is autobiographical or gives them the chance to add their favorite character or team logo. Kids are more motivated to make art for themselves than for me!
#4. Break it down!
I have found students sitting with their hands in their lap, and when asked why they are not creating art they respond “I don’t know what to do”. Some students are too embarrassed or scared to ask anyone for help. Every student learns differently. I often give verbal instructions, demonstrate techniques (video or in class), project step-by-step instructions on the whiteboard or create handouts for the tables. One of my other favorites is call and response. For example: Me: “Class, what is the first step?” Class: “Make a thumbnail sketch.” Me: “What art materials will we be using today?” Class: “Pencil.”
#5: How to motivate art students through choice
I will let students choose the subject matter or medium when applicable. For example, if the objective is to create a work of art that morphs from realistic, to abstract to non-objective, any medium will work. Yes, having some students working with paint, others using markers, a few with oil pastel and some with colored pencil can be chaotic, but that is why it is important to have clear studio expectations and clean up routines. For more on ideas about choice and creativity, check out my 7 Ways to Promote Creativity in Art Lessons post.
Thanks for reading! – Trista
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