When you walk into Mrs. McKelvey’s elementary art class, you’re hit with creativity. Bright colors are everywhere and there are busy hands and curious minds at work. But what might look like simple fun with crayons, paint, and clay is actually something much deeper. Elementary art education plays a very important role in a child’s development, and Mrs. McKelvey’s class is a perfect example of why it matters.
From cutting paper to shaping clay, students are developing fine motor skills every time they pick up a tool. These hands-on activities strengthen the muscles in their hands and fingers, which are crucial for writing, typing and other everyday tasks. Fine motor skills set the stage for both academic and real-world success. Helping kids strengthen them early gives them a smoother path as they grow into more independent learners.
Additionally, not every student feels comfortable expressing themselves through words. Art gives children another way to share their thoughts, emotions and ideas. In Mrs. McKelvey’s class, students are encouraged to explore who they are and communicate through their artwork.
Whether students are exploring patterns (math), learning about colors and materials (science), or telling visual stories (language arts), art class can help make connections across the curriculum in a way that’s engaging and memorable - showing us that the arts enhance learning in core subjects.
Group projects in art class help students practice working together. They learn to share materials, listen to each other’s ideas and build something meaningful as a team. These social skills are just as important as any other academic lesson.
Mrs. McKelvey stated enthusiastically, "We are made to MAKE things. Human beings NEED to use their hands, get creative and PLAY! When the kids come to my room, they learn where the supplies are kept, how to get them out and how they work. Students know that they are free to MAKE and CREATE with most of the supplies in my class. I want them to come in and let their creativity flow. Art should be about working through mistakes. We talk about turning our mistakes into something new. If you mess up, that's okay, just don't give up! Keep trying. Everything is fixable. The art room is an amazing place to relax and feel at ease. I hope that all the students in the elementary feel that way when they are in my room. I love seeing all the ideas the kids can come up with! Shhhh...Don't tell anyone, but I have the best job in the school!"
Click the photo below to see many different art projects from Mrs. McKelvey's classroom: