How to Teach Art in Secondary Schools
- 1). Arrange a still life on a desk or worktable in a central location in the classroom. Create a still life using interesting objects from around the classroom and make sure it can be viewed easily from all angles. Create height within the still life by placing items on top of boxes or books.
- 2). Position students' desks around the still life before beginning the lesson. Gather other materials needed such as large sheets of white drawing paper, pencils and erasers.
- 3). Post pictures of famous still-life paintings around the classroom to use as motivation for the art lesson (see references).
- 4). Gather students and have them take a seat positioned around the still life. Discuss the elements of the still life and how the items of the still life are positioned. Explain to students they will be drawing the items the way they see them from where they are sitting and to make sure to use their entire paper and to add details and shading to their drawings.
- 5). Allow a class period for secondary students to draw the still life. Encourage students to take their time and work on including all the details of the objects in the still life.
- 6). Post the still-life drawings around the classroom alongside the famous still lives for everyone to see.
