Presbyterian Christian School Art always puts emphasis on our Lord God, the Creator of our aesthetic world.
At PCS, the art program addresses the 6 areas of art education that are set by the National Standards for Art Education:
- Aesthetic awareness
- Development of skills,
- Art production
- Critique process
- Cultural and historical aspects
- Critical thinking and problem solving.
Students are introduced to the various elements of art and their subsequent development:
Color, Form, Line, Shape, Space, Texture and Value
Students, in the fourth through sixth grade, are introduced to the principles of design:
Balance, Contrast, Emphasis, Proportion, Pattern, Rhythm, Unity and Variety
Students, first through fourth grade attend an art class one day per week, while kindergarten and T-1 students come on alternating weeks. Fifth and sixth grade students are offered art as an elective to be taken one day per week for 45 minutes. However, art education doesn’t have to end in the classroom! You, as a parent are encouraged to talk to your children about what they learned in their art class.
Here are some suggestions you might ask your child:
- What art material did you use today?
- What techniques were you taught and what was the process you learned?
- Did you learn about a particular artist or a certain period of art?
- Did you view pictures of famous art works?
- How about “art” vocabulary words?
It is our wish that you will continue to support your child’s art education at home by reading to you children, visiting art galleries and museums, or using the internet to re-discover the art your child has learned. Encourage your child to draw pictures instead of watching television. Most importantly, remember to display their artwork in a prominent place to foster self-esteem.
Benefits of Elementary Art:
Develops creative thinking skills.
Provides means of self-expression and communication.
Serves as an emotional release.
Strengthens a student’s self-concept and confidence.
Increases self-understanding.
Heightens aesthetic awareness and sensitivity.
Enhances the ability to visualize.
Encourages creative problem-solving/decision making.
Develops appreciation for the individuality of others.
Serves as a balance to classroom activities.
Aids physical coordination.
Develops work habits and a sense of responsibility.
Assists adults to understand and help students.
Generates joy!
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