How to get kids interested in art?
We got the report cards for sKids and SS7 is pretty much failing 2nd grade art. How do you fail 2nd grade art you may ask - well you don't finish your work and constantly get off task.
I posted the same question on my creative blog: http://badkittycreative.com/?p=104
But I thought I would add it here for your take in the issue. Those of you that follow my posts know that we have been having issues with SS7 and his attention. Getting him tests is taking some time, understandably you have to find a several hour open windows in the psychologists schedule to do the test.
BM is starting to think that it is just an issue with his teacher - who made the original complaint. But know the art teacher is saying the same thing.
I understand that art is not for everyone. I am a very creative person and I do a lot of projects. But most art teachers grade on effort not skill. SS7 needs to learn to finish stuff.
I hate it when he helps me because lets face it I am a perfectionist and I know SS7 won't do it the way I envisioned. He will rush through it to get it done (rather any enjoying the time spent creating) or lose interest after a few minutes. Either way it ends up looking rushed and unfinished. (there is a story on the blog about a recent incidence with a gift that I am trying to make DH for v-day)
I have tried models (i end up putting it together because he CAN'T)
I have tried drawing books and even tracing paper but he says he can't even trace them.
He likes painting but his art works are messy and look unfinished - usually rushed. If Picasso could have turned out artwork like him he would have been set for life. lol
He likes to copy me, do what I do and use that I use - but anyone into art can tell you that gets expensive.
Any suggestions - other than waiting until we get him tested. Art should be fun. I enjoy it so much I guess I don't know how to make it fun.
- SisterNeko's blog
- Log in or register to post comments
Comments
I think he doesnt like art
I think he doesnt like art and maybe it s the fact that he cant seem to focus on it. For those of us who are not artsy as I call it, added to it someone who wants to do well this takes an enormous amount of contration and focus. If he cant focus for a long period of time, he wont ever like it. It is also high stimulation for you because you enjoy it. He doesnt it is not highly stimulating to you.
I cant tell you how to fix art class but he sounds like he needs high stimulation to enjoys something.
Testing for adhd or add?
We are getting him tested for
We are getting him tested for ADD, ADHD, Sleep issues and Anxiety.
Honestly Art was my worst
Honestly Art was my worst subject as a kid. I just have zero interest and I find it difficult to try to create something I see in my mind or in person. But in 2nd grade it's probably the attention span. Art does take tremendous focus. But failing art? That's kind of crazy in 2nd grade. Teacher must really want to get his attention.
They don't call it 'failing'
They don't call it 'failing' in the lower grades now they have "s" for strength. "A" fo acceptable. "D" for developing. and "N" for needs improvement. He has an "N" in Art and listening. Imagine that right? His music and gym teacher said he does very well but the gym teacher said he has issues staying on task. But Art is more about sitting and doing.
Try quicker projects that are
Try quicker projects that are less open ended. They sell lots of little lots for kids that can be done in less than ten minutes. My three yr old loves doing them. For thanksgiving we glued little felt cut outs to a pinecone to make a turkey. We also had a kit that was foam stickers that you stuck to pop cycle sticks to make little puppets.
Something with a distinct begining and a distinct end with simple steps might help him stay focused.
Do you have a Michaels
Do you have a Michaels nearby? When mine were little, they had a "kid's club" that cost $2 each morning and they got to make something. It was short and fun and they LOVED it. Every Saturday morning.
Also, Home Depot did something similar for $5 every Saturday morning, and they got to build something.
Might be worth a few phone calls.
thanks I will look into
thanks I will look into those. We also have a few art centers in the area that was was going to look into for myself but maybe that have some kids stuff.
Part of me thinks it's the sitting and I am hoping that we get him test and on the right track before next year.
My son also "failed" art in
My son also "failed" art in the 2nd grade. Pulled it up in the 3rd grade and now when he's getting letter grades (4th grade), he's got an A-. He's absolutely not interested in what they do. He's told me several times - "I just don't like it."
He was never one to color, he's never been one to do projects or make things. But he can sing and he can dance and he can act. He can play instruments. He's a reader. He's a talker. He's a writer of poetry. And I consider those to be arts. He's not a painter or a collage maker or a person who enjoys drawing sunflowers.
He and I finally came to an agreement this year that he has to focus and do his best, regardless of his interest and that is what he's done. His "art" is really no better, but he "finishes" it. And he pulled a poster out of his ass for a basketball game that made the art teacher "swoon" (her words). I told him he has to respect the teachers time and do his best and he has. That's all you can ask.
I don't think you can force a child to like art but you can ask them to do their best, respect their teachers time and finish the task at hand.