Teaching Third Grade Students Art Appreciation - Essay Example

Jerrold Levinson in his book The Pleasures of Aesthetics proposes the characterization of aesthetic pleasure as "pleasure in an object is aesthetic when it derives from apprehension of and reflection on the object's individual character and content, both for itself and in relation to the structural base on which it rests" (Levinson, 1996, p. 6). In other words, learning to appreciate a piece of art aesthetically is to appreciate its forms, quality, value and meaning while at the same time observing the way it relates to its surrounding environment.

In order to appreciate art and experience the aesthetic pleasure associated with it, students of the third grade should be taught the elements and principles of art. Elements of art comprise line, shape, form, color, value, texture, and space. Line is a moving point which creates an identifiable path. It is one-dimensional, varies in length, width and direction and is used to define the edge of forms. Lines can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal, curved, wide or narrow. Shape is two-dimensional having height and width whereas form is three-dimensional having height, width and depth.

Form can be depicted in art by use of lines and shading. Color is the light reflected off objects. The brightness or darkness of color used by artists to create various moods is called value. Texture refers to the surface quality of an object. This is achieved visually in two-dimensional pictures by the use of forms and colors so that the viewer comprehends the way the object would feel in real life. Space in art creates an illusion of depth. This is achieved by using perspective drawing techniques and shading (The Elements of Art, 2008).

Third grade students are familiar with lines, shapes and form. They enjoy drawing basic shapes and lines and using it in their own creations. Mixing colors to get new ones can be taught so that they can experiment with primary secondary, tertiary colors, shades and tints. The value of the color, texture and space can be introduced to children at this level.The basic principles of art can also be successfully taught in the third grade. The principles are movement, unity, variety, balance, emphasis, contrast, proportion, and pattern (Elements of Art, 2008).

Emphasis refers to the points of interest in the picture while balance is a sense of stability achieved by repetition of shapes. Contrast is combining different elements to create points of interest. Variety in a piece of art is introduced by using various shapes and textures. Movement is the creation of action using the elements of art in such a manner as to guide the viewer's eye throughout the picture. Pattern or rhythm is a type of movement created in the picture by repeating shapes and colors.

Using dark and light colors alternately can also create rhythm. The relationship between the sizes of various objects in the picture is called proportion. Unity or harmony gives the picture a complete and uncomplicated look (Rider). Third graders can be guided to recognize these principles in the works of renowned painters and apply them in their work. Methods for Teaching Third Grade Students Appreciation of ArtChildren can be taught to appreciate art using various methods. However, the methods used should be interesting and simple so that the curiosity to experiment with art is aroused in the child.

Children should also be able to relate their experiences with art to daily life and academic studies.