Sketch book activities

The principles of design are introduced at the grade 6 level. They include balance, emphasis rhythm, unity, movement, variety, harmony and proportion. Explanations with clear graphics, lessons with step-by-step illustrated instructions, and printable resources for each of the principles of design are provided on the teachers' CD resource entitled, Art Ideas: Intermediate. Click here for a free sample lesson.

Primary and Junior students will enjoy creating these animals from patterns that can be printed onto card stock. As they create these animals they will begin to understand 3-dimensional form. Extend this activity by challenging students to invent their own patterns. Click here for patterns that you can print.

There are two general approaches to creating artwork:

1) The craftsman approach, when we focus on skill and quality. This is when we colour inside the lines, draw realistically and use our brushes properly, etc. It is good to learn how to use art media and tools and to develop artistic skills, but there is much more to art...

2) The self-expression approach, when we focus on expressing a feeling or communicating an idea. Concerns about skill and quality remain but become secondary to the primary focus. An understanding of self-expression through visual arts empowers students to create and appreciate a broader range of artwork through the development of critical thinking skills. Indeed, it is an important part of the Ontario Visual Arts Curriculum at every grade level. Click here for more...

Explanations with clear graphics, lessons with step-by-step illustrated instructions, and printable resources are provided on the teachers' CD resource entitled, Self-Expression through Visual Arts. Click here for a free sample lesson.

Most people know that the primary colours are red, blue and yellow. And, it is easily understood that we can obtain a secondary color by mixing two primaries. For example, blue and yellow make green. But, sometimes students have difficulty obtaining specific colours when they are mixing paint. Why? Click here to find out.

Colour theory for elementary students and much more is provided on the teachers' resource CDs entitled Art Ideas: Junior and Art Ideas: Intermediate. Explanations with clear graphics, lessons with step-by-step illustrated instructions, and printable resources are provided.