PRIMARY ART
Kindergarten to Second Grade
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Welcome to the Primary Art Program
Welcome to the Primary Art Program
K-2 students embark on an exciting artistic journey through the J.A. Primary Art program. This program aims to immerse students deeper into the world of artistic thinking, guiding them through the various stages of artistic development.
As you can see, all students progress through a series of stages in their artistic growth. K-2 students, in particular, move on a spectrum from the Scribble stage to more representative art phases.
Throughout this journey, K-2 students are introduced to the seven Elements of Art: Line, Shape, Color, Value, Texture, Form, and Space. These elements are explored through a variety of modified choice and teacher-directed projects, allowing students to engage with different mediums and techniques.
In between these structured assignments, students have the opportunity to explore their creativity in controlled, free-choice studio experiences. During these times, the focus is on the PROCESS, not the final product. It is here that students develop higher-order artistic thinking skills, such as:
Envision: I can imagine, visualize, think, and plan.
Observe: I can see, notice, pay attention, and study.
Engage & Persist: I focus, try, accept challenges, and work hard.
Stretch & Explore: I experiment, create, take risks, and try new things.
Develop Craft: I try new techniques, learn new skills, practice, and use materials wisely.
Express: I communicate, understand my art has meaning, use my ideas, and am able to explain my art.
Reflect: I share my art and ideas, evaluate my art, listen to others, and make suggestions to others.
Understand Art Worlds: I look for inspiration, have respect for the art of other artists, talk about art, and learn about other artists.
Through this process-focused approach, K-2 students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the artistic process, not just the final product. The art they create may not always be "bulletin board ready," but it serves as a testament to their growing artistic abilities and the development of their higher-order thinking skills.
All of these artistic behaviors and skills are taught in a safe and encouraging atmosphere, designed to build confidence and to encourage and develop real life problem solving skills that will enhance their future selves whether they continue in art or not.
WE ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING:
PLEASE SEND IN WITH YOUR CHILD AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. These are used to create specific whole class projects AND to add to our Sculpture Center for Open Studio Days.
- Toilet paper and paper towel cardboard tubes
- Empty cereal boxes, flattened
- Empty tissue boxes, not flattened
PLEASE SEND IN WITH YOUR CHILD AT ANY TIME THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR. These are used to create specific whole class projects AND to add to our Sculpture Center for Open Studio Days.
Meet our JA Primary Art Team:
MS. DERRYBERRY
ART TEACHER pderryberry@jajags.com
I am a certified teacher with over 16 years of experience and this is my fifth year teaching K-2 art. I hold a Bachelor degrees in Art and History, and a Masters in Education with a Specialization in Reading. In addition I have a certification in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners from Regis University.
Helping our youth grow and develop into healthy, well rounded adults, citizens and leaders has been the focus of my personal life and career. My husband and two adult children enjoy traveling and spending time in the mountains. I am an avid reader, knitter, family genealogist and artist.
MRS. SMITH
EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT lsmith@jajags.com
I have been the Primary Art and Music Educational Assistant at JA since 2016, and have over nineteen years of experience as an Educational Assistant. I am able to step into substituting in Art and Music as a licensed substitute. My passion for working with students is from watching my own grandmother, a first grade teacher, share her enthusiasm for teaching and lifelong learning.
The best part of my job is getting to interact with so many different students throughout the day and making those very important connections and relationships with each one. I love the creativity, and excitement students have when it comes to learning new things in art and music!
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