There are several approaches to teaching art and craft, each with its own unique focus and purpose. Here are some of the most common approaches:
STRUCTURED AND TEACHER-DIRECTED: Some art projects are structured and teacher-directed. The teacher has an idea of what to make and how to go about it. Specific directions are given to ensure a recognizable product. Often, there is little input from the children. For example, a teacher distributes a piece of paper with an outline of a tree. The children are instructed to use a dark color, such as black or brown, to color the trunk and green for the top. They also cut or tear small circles from red construction paper. These are pasted onto the green top. The completed apple trees look nearly identical. Generally, this approach is used when art is approached with an entire group or small groups of children.
UNSTRUCTURED AND CHILD-CENTERED: An opposite approach is to be unstructured and completely child-centered. A teacher may distribute pieces of paper and encourage children to make whatever they want or encourage them to visit the easel or art center. In this approach, children have much input and choice. There is very little structure. Some children do very well with this approach. They may have a bank of ideas to represent through art. They may also see endless artistic possibilities at the easel or art center. Many children, however, are uncomfortable with this approach. It may be too loosely structured. Some children quickly exhausted inventing their own daily art program. They look to the teacher for some structure, guidance, or possibilities.
Technique-Oriented Approach: This approach focuses on mastering the techniques and materials of a specific art or craft. Teachers using this approach will emphasize structure, discipline, and practice to help students achieve technical proficiency. For example, a teacher might focus on teaching students how to paint in the style of a particular artist or create a specific type of pottery.
Process-Oriented Approach: This approach encourages students to focus on the creative process of making art and craft rather than the end product. Teachers will emphasize experimentation, exploration, and playfulness to foster creativity and imagination. For example, a teacher might guide students in using a variety of materials and techniques to create a mixed-media art piece that is unique and original.
Inquiry-Based Approach: This approach encourages students to ask questions, explore, and discover on their own. Teachers will facilitate inquiry-based learning by providing students with the necessary resources and support to explore their own interests and curiosities. For example, a teacher might challenge students to investigate how color affects emotion and guide them in creating a series of paintings exploring this theme.
Multidisciplinary Approach: This approach integrates art and craft with other subjects such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Teachers will guide students in using concepts from other disciplines to inspire and inform their artistic creations. For example, a teacher might guide students in using engineering principles to create a kinetic sculpture or using math concepts to create a tessellated design.
Collaborative Approach: This approach emphasizes teamwork, communication, and the sharing of ideas and skills. Teachers will guide students in working together to create art and craft projects that require collaboration and cooperation. For example, a teacher might challenge students to work together to create a large-scale mural that tells a story or create a collaborative installation art piece using found objects.
These approaches can be used alone or in combination with each other, depending on the teacher's teaching style, the students' interests and needs, and the learning objectives of the art and craft curriculum.
