VISUAL ARTS INTRODUCTION
The visual arts curriculum was designed, as are all curricula for Littleton Public Schools, to carefully define high expectations for all students. Teachers determine how best to teach the curriculum based on the individual and developmental needs of students. Middle schools, grades 6–8, offer visual arts through electives and exploratory courses. Individual schools will determine which targets are most appropriate for their students based on identified needs.
VISUAL ARTS PHILOSOPHICAL ASSUMPTIONS
The Visual Arts curriculum provides LPS students with the opportunity to imagine and create a variety of works unlike those created by any other person. Students learn to sharply observe the world around them and express themselves in different modes to further discover their own possibilities. Students’ intellectual capacities are broadened and their creativity is enhanced through the study of art. Students learn that art preserves history and civilizations long extinct.
The study of art is essential for full human development and encompasses the following elements: Communication: Through Visual Arts students use the elements and principles of design to communicate visually in a universal language with image, word, and symbol.
History and Culture: The study of Visual Arts increases students’ understanding of unique cultures and historical periods.
Aesthetics: Visual Arts gives students an opportunity to acquire an appreciation of art and to develop their abilities to respond to, interpret, and assess images.
Cognitive Processes: The study of Visuals Arts is essential to full human development and helps students develop higher level thinking skills through: • Problem Solving • Evaluation • Creativity • Visual Thinking • Synthesis • Perseverance Media,
Technique and Production: Through the artistic process, students use a variety of media and technologies. Exploring materials and techniques allows students to systematically develop and produce meaningful work. Jane Alexander, past president of the National Endowment of the Arts said, “…When we teach a child to draw, we teach her (him) to see. When we teach a child to design, we teach the geometry of the world. When we teach young people about the folk and traditional arts and great masterpieces, we teach them to celebrate their roots and find their place in history.”
"The arts provide children with opportunities to develop creativity, to learn the tools of communication, and to createmultiple solutions to problems. The arts provide individuals a language that is universal, one that cuts across the disciplines and helps to bring more coherent meaning to our world"
- Betty Castor, Florida Education Commissioner
Grade 6: Visual Arts
Sixth grade art students learn to combine the concepts of art and media with techniques to produce meaningful artwork. The Elements of Art are introduced with a series of projects that focus on line, shape, value, texture, color and form. Students also begin to learn the critical thinking skills used to view and value art, as well as identify media and techniques. Art class will include historical and cultural references.
Grade 7: Visual Arts
Seventh Grade Two Dimensional Art
Seventh Grade Three Dimensional Art
Grade 8: Visual Arts
Eighth Grade Two Dimensional Art
Eighth grade Two - Dimensional art is an opportunity for students to expand problem solving skills and work with the creative process. Emphasis is on creative problem solving as well as the academic application of art skills and concepts. Students are encouraged to develop a unique style in a variety of media and techniques.
Eighth Grade Three Dimensional Art
Eighth grade three -dimensional art is an opportunity for students to construct three-dimensional sculptures using a variety of media and techniques that may include ceramics, carving, mosaic, additive/ subtractive sculpture techniques and cooperative learning. Emphasis is on creative problem solving combined with academic applications of skills and concepts.