The elementary visual arts department provides a program that allows students to express ideas and emotions, and develop creative problem solving skills. Our commitment is to help students expand their abilities to create, perform, and reflect in their art making and to broaden their understanding of cultural and historical connections to the arts. We believe in the importance of creating a positive learning environment where students can participate in a culture that fosters individuality, experimentation, and exploration of the visual arts now and throughout their lives. 

In alignment with district goals of Andover Public Schools, learning in the art classroom highlights: 

Collaboration --- Students will have the opportunity to work together, generate ideas, and express opinions while looking at and making art. Students will learn to develop good studio habits. 

Creativity --- Students will be encouraged to invent new and original works of art and to build upon prior knowledge. 

Critical Thinking --- Students will regularly make decisions about their own work through hands-on application, written, or oral reflection.  Students will be engaged in inquiry-based learning that includes problem solving and group discussion to develop analytical and assessment skills. 

Communication --- Students will take part in conversations to understand ideas around art making and art history, which will further help them build thinking, communication, and reflective skills. 

Visual Arts Curriculum

·         Elementary students will use a variety of methods, materials, and techniques in their classes, with a focus on media such as painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and sculpture.

·         Art Elements (line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space) and Principals of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity) will be integrated into lessons.

·         The use of art vocabulary will be taught and applied as part of the artistic experience throughout the years. 

·         Students will learn the difference between making art from observation, abstraction, invention, and expression.

·         Self-identity, culture, and one’s environment are rich areas to explore during the art making process. In doing so, the student’s voice and perspective is valued in the creative process.

·         The use of drafting, revising, and exhibiting will be common habits of the visual arts experience.

·         Learning about how to use art materials safely and appropriately will be an ongoing goal.

·         Students will have opportunities to learn about art as it relates to other cultures and subjects areas.

·         Students will participate in opportunities to view, discuss, critique, and reflect on art.

The middle school students have art for one quarter in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grade years.  Students continue their studies using a variety of methods, materials, and techniques including painting, drawing, printmaking, collage, and sculpture.  Further development and understanding of how to utilize Art Elements (line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space) and Principles of Design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, unity) are explored within each project.  Students continue to create art from observation, abstraction, invention, and expression.  The use of drafting and revising are common habits for middle school students.  So are opportunities where students view, discuss, critique, and reflect on art to develop their understanding of arts concepts and make their thinking visible.