My DYS, DD10 has not liked Art class in school this year and last year. I would like to figure out what would be a better situation as I may be able to make suggestions to his current Art teacher. I would not say he is gifted in Art but he is good at it.

Last year, the teacher was looking for lots of details with Art by laying pencil to marker to watercolor and lots of elements. Imagine a underwater picture, loaded with sea life found in reference books. This actually sounds pretty good to me, but he did not like Art class. When the teacher assigned a hot air balloon project he wished it was 3D instead of on paper.

Overall the school year was bad academically and we switched schools this year. I thought that was influencing his feeling towards Art but he seems to be negative about Art again this year.

He did like Art Class 2 yrs ago, when he was given mostly complicated paper construction projects, that most of the rest of the class was confused about. He is probally above average with cutting, folding and construction.

He also liked Kindergarten Art class when he was in a montessori type school and they just left an example on the table with a bunch of supplies. This was very open ended.

At home he draws, illustrates stories, draws comic strips, creates playlands/homes for his toys from recyclables and makes popup cards. This seems like a kid who would love Art class.

He says he just doesn't like having to do the teacher's plan. I tried to tell him school is about following the teacher plan and then bringing out his own abilities within that. Even though, I don't love housework I allow myself the pleasure of enjoying a job well done. I suggest he try to find the same pleasures to enjoy.

So I think he would like more 3D and open ended projects.

Would you tell your kid to just deal with it? OR find a way to be satisfied? What would you say to an Art teacher if they were open to listening?

It just bugs me that he doesn't like Art. He does something Artistic at home almost every day.

Last edited by onthegomom; 10/07/10 07:13 PM.