Introductory Art and Design for Young Children

Week 1: Introduction to Art and Design

• • Objective: Familiarize children with basic art tools and concepts.
  • Content:
    • Introduction to basic art supplies (crayons, markers, paint, brushes).
    • Understanding the concept of a “line” in art.
    • Exploring different types of lines (straight, wavy, zigzag).
  • Activities:
    • Line drawing exercises using different tools.
    • “Line Scavenger Hunt” where children find and draw different types of lines around the classroom.

Week 2: Exploring Shapes and Patterns

• • Objective: Introduce children to basic geometric shapes and how to create patterns.
  • Content:
    • Identifying and drawing basic shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle).
    • Understanding how shapes can be combined to create patterns.
  • Activities:
    • Shape drawing and cutting activities.
    • “Pattern Play” where children create patterns using shapes with stamps or stencils.

Week 3: Introduction to Colors

• • Objective: Teach the basics of color theory and mixing.
  • Content:
    • Introduction to primary colors (red, blue, yellow).
    • Understanding how to mix primary colors to create secondary colors.
    • Exploring warm and cool colors.
  • Activities:
    • Color mixing exercises with paint.
    • “Color Wheel” creation using paint or colored paper.
    • Coloring a picture with warm or cool colors.

Week 4: Texture and Collage

• • Objective: Introduce the concept of texture in art and explore collage making.
  • Content:
    • Understanding texture by feeling different materials (e.g., fabric, sandpaper).
    • Introduction to collage as an art form.
  • Activities:
    • Creating a “Texture Board” by gluing different materials onto paper.
    • Making a collage using magazine cutouts, colored paper, and other textured materials.

Week 5: Drawing from Observation

• • Objective: Develop basic observational drawing skills.
  • Content:
    • Introduction to observing and drawing simple objects.
    • Understanding the importance of looking closely at details.
  • Activities:
    • “Still Life Drawing” of simple objects (e.g., fruit, toys).
    • Drawing a partner’s portrait from observation.

Week 6: Exploring Three-Dimensional Art

• • Objective: Introduce children to three-dimensional art through sculpture.
  • Content:
    • Understanding the difference between 2D and 3D art.
    • Introduction to basic sculpting materials (e.g., clay, playdough).
  • Activities:
    • Creating simple sculptures using clay or playdough.
    • Building a “3D City” with blocks or recycled materials.

Week 7: Introduction to Design

• • Objective: Introduce basic design concepts through simple projects.
  • Content:
    • Understanding the concept of design in everyday objects (e.g., logos, packaging).
    • Introduction to simple graphic design concepts (e.g., symmetry, balance).
  • Activities:
    • Designing a simple logo or poster using basic shapes and colors.
    • “Design Your Own T-Shirt” activity using fabric markers and stencils.

Week 8: Review and Art Showcase

• • Objective: Review key concepts and showcase the children’s artwork.
  • Content:
    • Review of all the concepts learned: lines, shapes, colors, texture, observation, 3D art, and design.
    • Setting up an art exhibition to showcase the children’s work.
  • Activities:
    • Preparing artwork for display.
    • “Art Show” where each child presents their favorite piece.
    • Awarding certificates for participation.