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What Do You Do If You Are Teaching One Of The Summer Childrens Art Classes Austin Programs Offer

By Raymond Butler


If you have been talked into teaching a painting class to little kids this summer, you may be concerned about how to capture the attention and imagination of youngsters with varying interests in this subject you enjoy. This will be especially true if you have never attempted teaching art before. There are simple guidelines to follow that will make the summer childrens art classes Austin is offering fun and successful.

You probably have a budget for your class and know how many students are going to attend. With this is mind, you can decide whether or not you have the money to purchase cloth or paper smocks for your young painters. If the cost is prohibitive, you should send a note to the parents of your students instructing them to send their kids to the class in clothing that is appropriate. Even if the paint washes out easily, you don't want your kids worried about getting their clothes dirty.

The workspace you set up needs to be large enough to accommodate all the kids and their easels or tables, depending on the surfaces you are using. If there is a sink in your room, it's a good idea to set the workspace up in that vicinity. You won't have to carry dirty brushes, paint palettes, and rags so far that way. Anything that can't be spattered, should be moved out of the way.

It is very important that you choose paints that are appropriate for the age group you will be teaching. Little children don't need oils to paint with or other materials that may have dangerous consequences if swallowed. Water base paint like watercolors, dry gouache, and acrylics for kids are good choices.

Paint brushes can be expensive, and if you are on a limited budget, this is not where you should spend your money. You can get quantities of inexpensive brushes from big box stores and arts and crafts shops. It is a great idea to offer other items to your students to paint with like bubble wrap, sticks, spoons, rollers, sponges, rags, and anything else you think of that paint sticks to.

When the lesson is over, and it's time to clean up, you don't have to do all the work yourself. Your young students need to learn that a work area has to be cleaned. You will do them a service if you insist that cleaning is an important part of the process, and teach your students how to do it properly.

It should go without saying that you, as the instructor, should be encouraging and supportive giving your students direction without criticism. You can suggest subject matter to get them started. You can even set up fruit in a bowl or flowers in a vase to use as subjects. Paintings should not be graded, and the finished products should be displayed proudly.

Teaching painting to small children is not about brushstrokes, techniques, or color. It is about freeing their imaginations and accepting the results. You never know when an encouraging word will result in a lifelong passion for paint and canvas.




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