These young minds are at an extremely creative place in life and also a place needing great support. To often we see adult students who even as adults recall an errant comment by a teacher or someone else criticizing their art when they were very young. Often it “turns them off” of art for years to come.
At this age key artistic concepts are introduced in these wonderful young minds, but criticism, if any, is limited. Generally all efforts are praised and then further developed with new information appropriate to each students level of comprehension.
As students enter the second half of their elementary years they usually become ready for more advanced visual concepts and gradually for more corrective but still positive criticism. Even so our instructors are aware that every student is different and that criticism must be carefully presented to enhance understanding while also building self esteem.
More complex concepts like perspective, composition, proportion, color and other drawing and artistic skills are developed in grades 4 to 6.
Junior High students receive instruction that has content that often similar to that offered to adult students. While ready for that content, this time is one of great social development and change. Being in a class focused on this special time in their life works best for them as growing young artists.
In this age group, art projects become more involved and aesthetically complex as their ability to accurately render various subjects grows. Positive reinforcement is carefully balanced with correction to maximize growth.