How to Incorporate Student Choice in the Classroom with Choice-Based Art Lessons

When it comes to art education, the possibilities are endless. One way to engage students and encourage critical thinking is through choice-based art lessons that provide students with an opportunity for student choice in the classroom. Choice-based art lessons allow students to make decisions about their own artwork, encouraging creative problem-solving and self-expression.

In this blog post, we'll look at how to incorporate choice-based art lessons into the classroom and how to maximize the potential of student choice in the classroom.

The lessons and activities linked in this post feature Hearts in Art and primarily offer student choice in subject matter and media.

What is Choice-Based Learning?

Choice-Based Learning is an approach to education that encourages and supports student engagement, independence, and creativity by allowing them to make their own decisions about how to best explore and express their artistic choices.

This method of teaching allows students to direct their own learning process through choosing the activities and media that work best for them. Choice-Based Art Lessons are lesson plans that use this approach to offer students a variety of options in terms of materials, techniques, and topics, while still providing guidance and structure.

These art lessons empower students to develop their artistic skills through self-discovery and experimentation, and encourages them to take ownership over their learning experience.

Choice-Based Art Lessons also help teachers create a classroom environment that is inclusive and encourages personal growth.

Why is student choice important in the classroom?

Giving students the ability to make their own artistic choices is an important part of creating an engaging and effective learning environment. Choice-based art lesson plans emphasize the student’s role in their own learning, giving them the freedom to explore, experiment, and create.

Studies have shown that when students are given the opportunity to make their own decisions, they become more motivated, have a stronger sense of ownership, and are more likely to succeed.

Having the opportunity to make their own choices can help students feel more empowered and connected to their learning. Giving students a chance to think critically and creatively about their artistic choices allows them to take ownership over the process and gain a deeper understanding of the content.

By allowing students to make their own choices, teachers can ensure that the lesson is relevant and engaging for each individual student. Furthermore, making their own decisions can increase student confidence and self-awareness, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

Choice-based art lessons provide students with a unique learning experience that encourages personal growth and development.

In addition, when students have a say in the learning process, they become more engaged and interested in their work.

By allowing students to choose their own art projects and materials, teachers can create a more dynamic learning environment that allows them to express themselves in meaningful ways.

Ultimately, giving students the chance to make their own artistic choices helps create a more positive learning experience and encourages creative exploration.

How can you incorporate student choice in your classroom?

Choice-based art lessons are an excellent way to incorporate student choice into the classroom. These lessons allow students to make their own artistic choices and use creative problem-solving skills to explore a variety of topics. Choice-based art lesson plans can be designed with student interests in mind and provide multiple options for each step of the lesson.

When introducing a choice-based art lesson, it is important to provide students with clear instructions on what they are expected to do and how they will be evaluated. Showing examples of projects that have been successfully completed in the past can also help students understand the expectations and give them an idea of what to strive for. Once students have a good understanding of the process, they can start making their own artistic choices.

This is why I love art lessons that incorporate dice games, like the ones in this Hearts in Art Bundle. The game sheet acts as a prompt, providing just enough structure in the beginning of the project to help students move into the more open-ended parts where they get to make their own artistic choices.

Once the initial dice roll game steps are completed using the game sheet, students can add any further details and use any media to complete the composition. It’s actually quite a brilliant way to provide both structure and choice.

To create a successful choice-based art lesson plan, you will need to consider the student’s interests and abilities. Offering a range of materials and tools can encourage creativity and exploration. You should also provide specific guidelines that are tailored to each student’s level of knowledge and skill. Providing access to high-quality resources such as tutorials, videos, or online articles can further support students in their creative endeavors.

Finally, it is important to assess student learning in meaningful ways that are based on their individual growth. For example, you might ask students to document their creative process or ask them to reflect on their work in a portfolio. Through choice-based art lessons, teachers can foster student independence and create an engaging learning experience.

Final Thoughts

When implementing choice-based art lesson plans, it is important to remember that the emphasis should be on student exploration, creativity, and artistic choices. There should be a focus on fostering collaboration, problem solving, and decision making skills while still providing a framework that allows students to grow. With this in mind, it is possible to provide an engaging, meaningful learning experience that is built around student choice. By allowing students to make their own decisions, they are empowered to take ownership of their learning and be creative in the classroom.

I’m Amanda, and I align standards and integrate content to help teachers meet the needs of the Whole Child in art class! I have yet to find a standard that I couldn’t teach through art, and I want to share it all with you.

Not sure where to start with bringing art and content together? This freebie guide is packed with 25 ideas to align your art lessons with math and ELA standards. Your students will be crafting art and practicing algebraic thinking. Win-win!

I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.

Follow along on my Instagram page for more tips on teaching the Whole Child in the art room!

Connecting art and content together doesn’t have to be mind-boggling. I’ve made it simple with 25 math and ELA art lesson starters - for free! Plus, I included 15 worksheets for students to reflect on their art-making journey.