For many elementary and middle school kids, creating art in the classroom is the best part of the school day. Art lessons give children the chance to be creative and engage with their work. Yet not every teacher has a background in art, nor the time to plan new projects. Thankfully, this is where online art lessons can bring something new and engaging to the classroom.
Choose the Right Online Art Lessons for Your Class
Creators of online art lessons develop content for a range of different age groups and skill levels. For example, Barbara Mason, the founder of Golden Road Arts, created the nonprofit to help elementary and middle school children specifically. Before a class begins, it’s important to find lessons that are right for the age group you’re teaching. Elementary students do best with short lessons and simple shapes, while middle schoolers can handle longer, multi-step projects. Here are some features to look for when selecting lessons.
- Simple enough to complete in the available lesson time.
- Supplies you already have or can easily get.
- Close-up demonstrations of each step.
- Opportunities for students to make their own creative choices.
When you’re not sure where to start, we’ve created a list of online resources for free art lessons for kids.
Prepare Your Classroom Before the Video Starts
To keep the lesson running without disruption, first take a few minutes to set up the classroom. Watch the lessons before class and think about any points where children may need extra time or guidance. Test the sound and video while making sure the screen is visible to every child. To further save time, you could also lay out the materials at each table. At Golden Road Arts, we list all the materials needed for each project under the video.
Pause and Replay Online Art Videos to Keep Kids on Track
A big advantage of using online art lessons is the ability to control the speed of the lesson. Watching a lesson encourages kids to pay close attention to the instructor and follow each step. However, if students fall behind or have questions, a teacher can pause the video and go back. A class could watch the most difficult sections multiple times and give input on how to solve challenges as a group.
Support Students While the Online Art Instructor Teaches
While the online instructor teaches the lessons, the classroom teacher can support children with their work. Some students will have well-developed fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, hand strength and scissor skills, while others may need additional support to keep them engaged with the lesson. At this time, teachers can encourage kids by reminding them the work does not have to be identical to the instructor’s.
Celebrate and Share Your Students’ Artwork
Displaying their artwork can help children see their progress over time and build confidence. You could also take photographs of each piece so students can keep a record of their creativity. Starting with basic art lessons and working up to more intricate projects helps keep children engaged as their skills grow. And with the wealth of online art lessons available, today that’s easier than ever.
Try Our Free Online Art Lessons for Kids
If you’re a parent or a teacher looking to inspire creativity in elementary and middle school children, our free online art lessons can help. We create a range of instructional guides to support children’s artistic development. Call Golden Road Arts at (503) 718-7097 or browse free art lessons today.
