Many people think of art as a solo task, but classroom art activities can be important tools for teaching teamwork. Group art projects help students learn to share resources and work together, and experience what is possible when they combine their creative skills for a bigger goal. For parents and teachers, introducing children to the value of teamwork can make a significant difference in their development. So, what group art activities might you use to help children work together productively?
5 Art Activities That Encourage Teamwork in Children
The key to successful group art activities is to encourage every child to contribute and communicate effectively. Here are five creative projects built around the idea of teamwork.
1. Build a Group Sculpture
Kids often start creating simple sculptures at a young age using modeling materials. As their fine motor skills develop, you can plan a bigger, more elaborate project for a group. Some fun examples could include an animal, a building or an abstract design, using materials ranging from clay and cardboard to leaves and twigs. Working together on individual sections encourages collaboration as kids think about the overall goal.
2. Visual Story Squares
Integrating creative arts into the classroom curriculum combines different disciplines for a well-rounded education. A good example of this approach is storytelling with art using visual story squares. You could either read a story or create one from scratch, then assign an individual section to each child. Using pencils, markers or paint, children can visually represent their part of the story while working as a group to make it coherent.
3. Collaborative Group Mural
For this project you’ll need a large piece of paper or canvas, one with enough room to allow a group of kids space to contribute. Children will need to work together as a team to brainstorm the overall concept before working on their own section. As the children start painting they will need to be mindful and coordinate colors and patterns.
4. Seasonal Art Projects
Seasonal art projects inspire kids to work together to plan a display that captures the spirit of the season. Whether it’s snowflakes during winter or colorful leaves in the fall, various evocative images may be incorporated into a design. Letting children develop their own projects based on the season will encourage them to work as a team and brainstorm unique ideas.
5. Themed Mask Making
Many online art lessons for kids demonstrate how to make masks. To add the element of teamwork to these projects, get the children to develop a coordinated theme such as animals, movie characters, planets and stars or superheroes. This approach encourages children to work together to create a cohesive concept.
Free Group Art Activities and Creative Lessons for Kids
Looking for high-quality art lessons and group activities for elementary and middle school children? Golden Road Arts creates engaging lessons for use at home and in the classroom. Watch free art lessons now, and please consider donating to our nonprofit to support children’s creative development.
