Training for elementary art docents

1. Art Docent Sheila Campbell

2. Overview Introduce students to artists and art concepts through discussion and project creation. The Interurban Center for the Arts provides information packets with artist biographies and supplemental work in addition to the posters with the highlighted work. The PTSA Art Docent chair provides guidance and orders supplies.

3. Preparation Select an artist from the available prints Think of a catchy way to remember the artist’s name Review artist biography and additional works in artist’s folder Select interesting and age appropriate facts Identify concepts to highlight Line, Shape, Texture, Color, Pattern, etc. Create or select hands on project Let the print guide the project

4. Tips for success Consider the age and skill level of the students when planning the project. When possible, try the project with similarly aged children.

5. Gather supplies Medium- paint, chalk, pastels Paper- type, make copies, create a template, cut, tear Tools- paint brushes, scissors, glue

6. Lesson Components

7. Tips for success Lesson should be no more than 20% of the allotted time to ensure the children get hands on time to explore the tools.

8. Project Introduce the project Discuss and demonstrate the steps Show partially finished or similar project Consider a step-by-step approach

9. Tips for success Engage the senses. How would it smell if you were there? How would the print feel? What would you hear? Choose music from the era or region. How does the medium smell?

10. Clean Up Clean desks Clean brushes, paint trays, and other tools Put away the supplies and notify PTSA chair if any are low

11. Art Docent Report Form For each presentation, provide: Length of the presentation Details of the lesson Concepts of the lesson Supplies used Step by step instructions Tips for the next docent who may try the project Sample of the project

12. Display the work On a wall in the classroom or hallway Include a summary of what was taught and the artist Mini art show Compile in a book at the end of the year

13. Don’t forget… Project should not be a recreation of the artist’s work Teach no more than 2 concepts Become familiar with the Washington student EALR’s for the grade level Have fun!

14. And finally… Turn and tell Head, Shoulders, Clap, Lap Finger on your nose if that is what you were going to say Presenter forms Collaborate with other docents What is hanging in the hallway Classroom Management Generating ideas