Teacher: Mrs. Jann Slapin

Visual art is a wonderful way for children to explore their world and to express themselves creatively and emotionally. In Bernards Township we use a Discipline Based Art Education Curriculum that is aligned with the NJ Core Content Standards as the basis for our program. This means that children are exposed to the production of art, art history, the aesthetics of art and art critiques.

At Cedar Hill we produce many different kinds of art using many different materials. Drawings, paintings, clay, wire and paper sculptures, weaving and textiles, collages, and prints are just some of the types of art we produce. During the production of their art the children are exposed to different periods and styles of art as well as to different artists and art careers. They have an opportunity to discuss the aesthetics of art and critique not only the work of famous artists but their own work as well. During our discussions we try to use the vocabulary of art such as color, line, shape, texture, space, form, movement, contrast, unity, emphasis, variety, pattern, proportion, rhythm, balance.

Throughout the curriculum the children are encouraged to feel comfortable expressing themselves through the visual arts, and to feel free to explore and appreciate their own unique artistic style.