I have been searching for a way to integrate more art history content into my elementary classroom as my school shifts toward a standards based curriculum. One of the State and National art standards is CONNECTING with art history and culture. It has been difficult to find art history resources that are relevant to elementary school students but I finally came across a book and DVD series called Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists. With more and more technology integrated into classrooms many young students have come to rely on visual tools and information as part of their learning process. The short art history videos will be used in my art class to connect the visual art making process with the historical origin of various styles of art the students are making. This whimsical art history video series will serve to provide my students with a fun way to learn about and connect to legendary artists. My goal is to provide inspiration for my students! I want them to know that Vincent Van Gogh painted a dozen sunflower paintings because he appreciated life around him, he was hypnotized by their vibrant yellow color that fades to brown as they age. My students will ride the bus home past the pumpkin patches, corn fields and sunflowers meadows and feel connected to Van Gogh in their little farm town. When I teach my second grade students about looking at and drawing a vase of flowers I want my students to get excited and inspired as they recall that famous artist they learned about.
About my class
I have been searching for a way to integrate more art history content into my elementary classroom as my school shifts toward a standards based curriculum. One of the State and National art standards is CONNECTING with art history and culture. It has been difficult to find art history resources that are relevant to elementary school students but I finally came across a book and DVD series called Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists. With more and more technology integrated into classrooms many young students have come to rely on visual tools and information as part of their learning process. The short art history videos will be used in my art class to connect the visual art making process with the historical origin of various styles of art the students are making. This whimsical art history video series will serve to provide my students with a fun way to learn about and connect to legendary artists. My goal is to provide inspiration for my students! I want them to know that Vincent Van Gogh painted a dozen sunflower paintings because he appreciated life around him, he was hypnotized by their vibrant yellow color that fades to brown as they age. My students will ride the bus home past the pumpkin patches, corn fields and sunflowers meadows and feel connected to Van Gogh in their little farm town. When I teach my second grade students about looking at and drawing a vase of flowers I want my students to get excited and inspired as they recall that famous artist they learned about.