When one walks into either an elementary or high school art classroom, the scent of fresh paint stands out with the crisp, hopeful air of possibility. Around the room, many artworks are displayed, shining with uniqueness and joy. Here, every brushstroke is one’s self-expression, and every splash of color holds the step toward discovery.
For many students across the United States, taking visual art classes can be exciting. Brookline High School offers several art courses, such as 18 varying drawing classes, seven ceramics/metals classes, and six photography classes. This variety is a sharp comparison to the elementary and middle schools, where only one general art course is offered once a week.
What truly sets elementary school classes apart from high school art classes?
For Abigail Robichaud, a current K-8 Lawrence school art teacher, her primary philosophy in her classes is to create a safe environment for students to unleash their creativity.
“I like to foster a lot of independence,” Robichaud said. “I like the kids to be self-motivated and have a lot of control over the things they are working on.”
According to Robichaud, for young students, learning to be independent and believe in the work they create are important skills to have as they march toward high school, an environment filled with competitiveness and stress.
“I like to create a safe and welcoming class space where my students can use their full creative abilities in things they like,” Robichaud said. “A goal of mine is that the art studio functions as a community space for the entire school building.”
Jessica Jiao, a drawing teacher at the high school, has a slightly different approach. When going into high school art courses, Jessica said students are expected to build onto those ideas of independence and safety. Jiao said she believes that high school art classes should provide students with the tools and freedom to find their unique voice.
“I think art should be expressive,” Jiao said. “It’s a way to express yourself. I want to make sure my students can express themselves through art.”
With four classes per week, high school students are given more freedom and time to explore and refine their works of art. Jiao said she aims to let the students use the tools they have acquired through their artistic careers and encourage them to find their creative paths.
In contrast to the elementary class art projects that have scaffolding to guide students, high school students are encouraged to engage in self-directed projects that students can often find challenging.
Sophomore Gabriela Pinto Requiz took a drawing class last year, and she said that the transition from elementary to high school art in terms of the work produced has been fairly noticeable.
“In elementary school, I improved my work on the basic level,” Pinto Requiz said. “Then in high school, we were taught to refine it. My art comes out just as I wanted it to come out.”
A shift is mirrored in the grading systems as well. While participation and effort are mainly reflected in the grading in elementary school, Pinto Requiz said high school students are evaluated on a more specific scale such as their planning, execution and self-reflection.
“There’s more pressure in high school. Now it’s about doing your best and meeting the expectations of the project, not just showing up.” Pinto Requiz said.
For many teachers, art can be a difficult subject to grade. Robishaud mentioned that people have always debated about how to grade art or if it should be graded in the first place. She shared how she approaches grading in art class.
“I always try to grade on what I think the student’s best effort is,” Robichaud said. “It’s never about if the product looks most realistic, or if it is the best work they’ve ever done, but it’s if they put in the effort. I’m never expecting perfect, but craftsmanship is a big thing.”
Despite these differences, there is one common aspect; the emphasis on creativity. Both Robichaud and Jiao agree that, whether in elementary or high school, the ultimate goal is to help students use art as a form of self-expression and personal growth.
“Art is a way to express who you are,” Robichaud said. “It’s a chance for students to connect with themselves and the world around them.”
