WELCOME TO IMMACOLATA CLASS PAGES!
In our art room, I strive to match students where they are at while also providing them with the appropriate amount of challenge to inspire growth and excitement for art, artists, and the continuing impact that creativity has on our world. Each grade will have specific, level appropriate, projects. We will also be participating in several, school wide, collaborative projects that will span all the grade levels.
In the early grades, art is all about exploring, experimenting, and building a strong creative foundation. Here are the big ideas and skills your child will be developing:
Understanding the Basics of Art
Exploring lines (straight, wavy, zigzag, thick, thin)
Learning shapes (circle, square, triangle, and fun “organic” shapes)
Discovering colors – starting with primary colors and mixing to make new ones
Experiencing texture – smooth, rough, bumpy
Beginning to notice form – the difference between flat shapes and 3D objects
Using space – filling a page and understanding foreground/background
Building Art Skills
Using crayons, markers, paintbrushes, scissors, and glue correctly
Cutting, folding, gluing, and tearing paper for collages
Experimenting with different art materials (paint, chalk, clay, and more)
Following simple steps while adding their own creative touches
Encouraging Creativity
Drawing from imagination and life experiences
Telling a story through pictures
Understanding that everyone’s art is unique and valuable
Using colors and shapes to show feelings
Learning to Look Closely
Noticing details in nature, objects, and people
Trying simple still-life drawings (like fruit or a favorite toy)
Talking about what they see in a picture—colors, shapes, and stories
Appreciating Art
Learning simple art words (line, shape, color, artist, sculpture)
Seeing famous works of art in a kid-friendly way
Recognizing art in everyday life—on signs, clothes, buildings
Building Good Habits
Taking care of art tools and materials
Starting and finishing a project
Being patient (like waiting for paint to dry!)
Feeling proud to share their artwork
In the early grades, art is all about exploring, experimenting, and building a strong creative foundation. Here are the big ideas and skills your child will be developing:
Understanding the Basics of Art
Exploring lines (straight, wavy, zigzag, thick, thin)
Learning shapes (circle, square, triangle, and fun “organic” shapes)
Discovering colors – starting with primary colors and mixing to make new ones
Experiencing texture – smooth, rough, bumpy
Beginning to notice form – the difference between flat shapes and 3D objects
Using space – filling a page and understanding foreground/background
Building Art Skills
Using crayons, markers, paintbrushes, scissors, and glue correctly
Cutting, folding, gluing, and tearing paper for collages
Experimenting with different art materials (paint, chalk, clay, and more)
Following simple steps while adding their own creative touches
Encouraging Creativity
Drawing from imagination and life experiences
Telling a story through pictures
Understanding that everyone’s art is unique and valuable
Using colors and shapes to show feelings
Learning to Look Closely
Noticing details in nature, objects, and people
Trying simple still-life drawings (like fruit or a favorite toy)
Talking about what they see in a picture—colors, shapes, and stories
Appreciating Art
Learning simple art words (line, shape, color, artist, sculpture)
Seeing famous works of art in a kid-friendly way
Recognizing art in everyday life—on signs, clothes, buildings
Building Good Habits
Taking care of art tools and materials
Starting and finishing a project
Being patient (like waiting for paint to dry!)
Feeling proud to share their artwork
For 5th grade, the focus shifts toward:
Higher-level art vocabulary and connections to real artists
More independence in planning and problem-solving
Projects that can be personalized but also introduce/refresh key skills
By 6th grade, we can:
Introduce formal art vocabulary
Give them more choice within structured projects
Include connections to real-world artists and design thinking
Build accountability for materials and deadlines
This year, we’ll be exploring a wide range of artistic styles and movements, including:
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract, Pop Art, Minimalism, and Contemporary Art.
We’ll approach these topics through an Art History lens—learning about influential artists, the characteristics of each style, and the historical and cultural context behind them. After studying each movement, students will create their own original artwork inspired by what they’ve learned.
The best part? Art is wonderfully subjective. As long as students demonstrate an understanding of the style they’re studying, their creativity can take them anywhere. Get ready to make room on your walls—there’s going to be some beautiful artwork coming home this year!
By eighth grade the students are ready for more independent, conceptual, and skill-based work, but still benefit from structured, engaging starters to set the tone for the year.
By 8th grade, you can:
Push conceptual thinking and connections to real-world art/design.
Include short critiques and peer feedback sessions.
Expect more independence but also set clear routines early.
Give choice-based prompts to boost buy-in and ownership.
This year, we’ll be exploring a wide range of artistic styles and movements, including:
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract, Pop Art, Minimalism, and Contemporary Art.
We’ll approach these topics through an Art History lens—learning about influential artists, the characteristics of each style, and the historical and cultural context behind them. After studying each movement, students will create their own original artwork inspired by what they’ve learned.
The best part? Art is wonderfully subjective. As long as students demonstrate an understanding of the style they’re studying, their creativity can take them anywhere. Get ready to make room on your walls—there’s going to be some beautiful artwork coming home this year!
For the eighth graders specifically, these movement focused projects will stop towards the end of the year, when we will then switch to a large class project to leave their mark on Immacolata.