Top 5 Middle School Art Class Questions Answered
Are you a teacher who is new to teaching middle school art classes? Or have you been teaching for a while, but need a refresher on some key topics?
Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, I’ll be answering five of the most frequently asked questions about middle school art classes. I’ll cover topics like classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, and more. Let’s get started!
5. What do you do in art in middle school?
The specific activities that students do in art class in middle school can vary widely depending on the goals and objectives of the teacher and the school, as well as the interests and skill levels of the students.
However, some common activities that may be included in a middle school art curriculum include:
Drawing: Students may learn how to use different drawing techniques, such as shading, perspective, and cross-hatching, to create realistic or stylized representations of objects, people, and scenes.
Painting: Students may learn how to mix and apply different colors of paint to create a variety of effects and may also be introduced to different painting techniques, such as wet-on-wet or glazing.
Sculpture: Students may work with a variety of materials, such as clay, wood, or papier-mâché, to create three-dimensional artwork.
Printmaking: Students may learn how to create prints using techniques such as relief printing, screen printing, or etching.
Photography: Students may learn how to use a camera to take and edit digital photographs and may also be introduced to the history and techniques of photography.
Art history and critique: Students may learn about the work and contributions of various artists and art movements and may also be asked to analyze and critique artworks using formal elements and principles of design.
Art-making processes: Students may be encouraged to experiment with different materials and techniques and to explore their own interests and ideas through their artwork. They may also be asked to reflect on their art-making process and to communicate their ideas and intentions through their artwork.
4. How is 7th grade art class different from 8th grade art class?
It is difficult to generalize about the differences between 7th grade and 8th grade art classes as the curriculum and approach to teaching art can vary greatly between schools and teachers. However, there are some general trends that may be observed.
In general, 7th grade art classes may focus on introducing students to the elements of art and design, such as line, shape, color, value, texture, and space. Students may learn how to use these elements to create compositions and may also be introduced to various art media, such as drawing, painting, and sculpture.
In 8th grade art classes, students may build upon the skills and knowledge they have acquired in 7th grade and may be expected to demonstrate a higher level of proficiency in their art-making. They may be introduced to more advanced techniques and concepts, such as perspective, shading, and the use of symbolism and metaphor in their artwork. They may also be asked to engage more deeply with the art-making process, including researching and analyzing the work of other artists and exploring more complex themes and ideas in their own artwork.
Ultimately, the content and focus of 7th and 8th grade art classes will depend on the specific goals and objectives of the teacher and the school. It is important for students to communicate with their art teachers about their needs and interests and to actively participate in their own learning.
3. What are some project ideas for middle school art class?
Here are a few project ideas that could be suitable for a middle school art class:
Self-portrait: Students could create a self-portrait using a medium of their choice, such as drawing, painting, collage, or mixed media. (Check out this mixed media lesson that easily works for middle school!)
Landscape: Students could create a landscape using a medium of their choice, such as drawing, painting, collage, or mixed media. They could choose to depict a real or imagined place and could experiment with different techniques to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. (Here’s a landscape lesson that could work for middle school.)
Still life: Students could set up a still life arrangement with a selection of objects and create a drawing or painting of the arrangement. They could experiment with different lighting conditions and compositions to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. (This Paul Cezanne still-life project might interest your middle schoolers.)
Sketchbook: Students could create a sketchbook of their own artwork, including drawings, paintings, collages, and other mixed media. They could also include written reflections on their art-making process and the meaning or inspiration behind their work.
Printmaking: Students could learn about and experiment with different printmaking techniques, such as relief printing, screen printing, or etching. They could create a series of prints exploring a theme or idea of their choice. (This is a monoprinting lesson that is for elementary but could be tweaked for middle school
Sculpture: Students could work with a variety of materials, such as clay, wood, or papier-mâché, to create a three-dimensional artwork. They could explore different sculptural techniques and forms and could also consider how their sculpture relates to the surrounding environment. (Try this open-ended sculpture project!)
Collaborative project: Students could work together on a collaborative art project, such as creating a mural or installation. They could explore different ways of working together and could also consider the public context of their artwork. (I have a ton of collaborative projects you should check out!)
Whatever the project, it is super important to make sure it is high quality and authentic!
2. What do you do with a chatty middle school art class?
It can be challenging for both students and teachers to stay focused and on task in a chatty classroom, especially if the class is not structured in a way that promotes engagement and learning. Here are a few strategies you can try to stay focused and make the most of your time in a chatty middle school class:
Find ways to stay engaged: Even if the class is chatty, you can still find ways to stay engaged with the material. For example, you can take notes, ask questions, or participate in class discussions when they are relevant to the topic.
Set goals for yourself: Having a clear understanding of what you want to achieve in class can help you stay focused and motivated. Consider setting specific goals for each class period, such as completing a certain number of problems or writing a certain number of pages.
Take breaks: If you find that you are having trouble focusing, it can be helpful to take a short break. This can give you a chance to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and refocus your attention on the task at hand.
Talk to the teacher: If you are struggling to stay focused in a chatty class, it might be helpful to talk to your teacher about your concerns. They may be able to offer suggestions or strategies for staying engaged and focused.
Overall, the key is to find ways to stay engaged and motivated, even in a chatty classroom. With a little effort and some creative problem-solving, you can make the most of your time and learn as much as possible. (If you need more ideas for handling chatty classes, check out this mini eBook.)
1. How do you manage behavior in a middle school art class?
Managing behavior in a middle school art class can be challenging, especially if the students are excited and energetic. Here are a few strategies you can try to maintain a positive and productive learning environment:
Establish clear expectations: Before the class begins, be sure to set clear expectations for behavior. This might include rules about staying on task, respecting others' space and work, and using materials safely.
Use positive reinforcement: When students are behaving appropriately, be sure to praise and reward their behavior. This can help to reinforce positive behaviors and encourage students to continue doing well.
Use consequences consistently: If students are not following the rules or behaving appropriately, it's important to use consequences consistently. This might include things like losing privileges or having to complete additional assignments.
Use positive language: Be sure to use positive language when addressing behavior issues. Instead of saying "Don't talk while the teacher is talking," try saying "Please raise your hand if you have a question or comment." (Read about my class motto here.)
Model good behavior: As the teacher, it's important to model good behavior for your students. This means being respectful, staying on task, and following the rules yourself.
By using these strategies, you can help to create a positive and productive learning environment in your middle school art class.
In Conclusion
So, what other questions do you have about teaching middle school art class? Let’s get those answered too. Send me a message or hit me up on Instagram!
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.