An artist statement belongs to the maker

Invite an explanation of one idea or choice and record it in the child's preferred form. Check the wording back with them so a helpful adult does not replace the intended meaning with a more impressive interpretation.

Record the explanation in the maker's preferred form and check it back. Adult vocabulary should not replace the child's own intended meaning.

Preserve the maker's explanation

Ask about the idea. Invite one choice explanation. Record approved words.

'I used curved lines for the windy path' describes a decision.

Are these the maker's words? Accept audio or pointing.

Do not replace the child's meaning with an adult interpretation.

Resources

• Free Elements of Art Worksheet for Kids – Shape, Line, Color, Value, Space, Form & Texture — Use the element vocabulary as a reference while children make their own visual choices.

Further reading

• National Gallery of Australia — learning resources

Read next

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• Three process photographs should show three meaningful moments
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