WHAT TO EXPECT IN ART IN FIFTH GRADE

    At the beginning of the year in fifth grade we review the six basic shapes and how to draw them as their three dimensional counterparts. Then, using still life objects, we get lots of practice drawing the objects in a manner that shows depth in the compositions. Foreground, midground, and background is expected to be evident in finished drawings. The basic skills of drawing lightly, drawing large, and planning how to complete a drawing are still goals to be perfected.

    From the line drawings we move on to studying shading techniques, such as stippling, crosshatching, line shading, and gray tones shading. We also combine techniques of drawing and coloring in order to learn more from the contrasts and similarities. Fifth graders get the opportunity to use many media throughout the year, including watercolors, temperas, pastels, chalks, craypas, crayons, clay, and if time permits, paris craft, and papier mache. Three dimensional objects are as much a part of the art curriculum as two dimensional work, with the work of appropriate artists used as examples. We try to spend a bit of time explaining how multiple planes in three dimensional work create a more interesting and complex presentation.

    When possible, art work is planned to coordinate with classroom studies, often cooperating in social studies, science, math, and language arts. All projects in the art classes are planned in accordance with the New Hampshire and National Frameworks for Fine Arts.