Lower School Art Department Keystone School’s Lower School Art offers unique artistic and creative experiences to explore realities, relationships and ideas by engaging and motivating students through active learning, critical thinking and innovative problem solving. The intent is to build an appreciation of the art making process and a solid understanding of vocabulary, concepts, techniques, routines and procedures that will be built on as the child progresses through school. The foundation of the curriculum is based on four basic strands: Observation and perception, creative expression, historical and cultural relevance and critical evaluation and response. Focus is stressed on student voice, while expanding visual literacy skills and demonstrating grade level appropriate mastery of the Elements of Art and Principles of Design by using different forms of media (drawing, painting, sculpting, printmaking, mixed media and others). Student assessment for all subjects is determined by teacher observation, student led discussions, and a demonstration of mastery of skills through the completion of the project. A digital portfolio of each student’s work is kept and shared with the parents.
Primary Objectives: Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade This is the introductory level of Lower School Art. Projects are normally completed in one to two class periods with a lot of guided practice and method demonstrations. Students engage in exploration and imaginative play in the art making process through experimentation and practice. They build skills through various forms of traditional and non-traditional media. Lessons center around self, family, relationships, community, personal memories, literature, and artists with more simplistic and minimalist styles. Students concentrate on mastering fine motor and basic concepts, such as holding scissors correctly, identifying and reproducing color, shapes, lines, and forms. Intermediate Objectives: Third and Fourth Grade This is an intermediate level of Lower School Art. Projects are normally completed between two and six class periods. Students apply knowledge of available resources, tools, and technologies to create more unique, personalized creations by elaborating on imaginative ideas and adding additional details to enhance emerging meaning, while using a variety of media and artistic processes. Students are given more freedom and choice during the creation process and selected subject matter to highlight each individual student’s voice, emerging identity and developing style. Lessons involve more advanced artistic techniques and concepts, core subject themes, art and art history, and the abstract. Peer critique, constructive criticism, and teacher evaluations are introduced to offer ways to improve or offer alternative approaches and ideas.