Pre K/K: Art as Discovery
(Age 4 – K)

At this developmental level, children discover the self and their immediate world through the joy and making of art. Responding to their own narratives, visual forms both natural and man-made, and waster works, the children begin to focus on self-expression in order to develop a personal schema, to expand their imagination, and to extend their verbal and visual vocabulary. Kinesthetic experiences further enhance the children’s understanding of concepts. Studio experiences allow children to communicate visually their understanding of who they are and what they know about art and their world.

Developmentally Appropriate Entry Level Skills

These are required for successful participation in Pre-K/K Level: Art as Discovery as the child enters the formal art program. The proficient ability to:

• Use simple tools
• Identify and use basic shapes and color.
• Apply personal meaning to mark making.

Course Goal: for RESPONDING
Develop an ability to use the language of the visual world.

Objectives:

1. Develop and use appropriate art vocabulary to share ideas about artwork.
2. Identify and use ideas of one’s self to communicate through art making.
3. Responds to the work of master artists.

Course Goal: for EXPRESSING
Demonstrate the ability to make art for self-expression.

Objectives:

1. Apply a variety of art processes as a means of self-expression.
2. Develop a personal schema by increasing awareness of self and environment.
3. Develop and communicate visual ideas about their world.
4. Control mark making to develop a beginning schema.

Art Discipline Objectives:

Applies art concepts to show ways...

Drawing — Use drawing to make a picture from personal experiences using a variety of lines.
Painting — Use color and shape to express an idea.
Printmaking — Use printmaking techniques to transfer lines, shapes, and textures.
Sculpture — Construct and manipulate materials to represent form.
Crafts — Show ways crafts can be aesthetic, functional, and personal.

When transitioning from the Pre-K/K Level to the Primary Level, the elementary art student works toward the proficient ability to:

• Share personal experience and ideas visually.
• Use basic art vocabulary to describe their work and the artwork of others.
• Describe and recognize master and cultural exemplars.
• Be aware of one’s self and the world around them.
• Use art as play.