Visual Arts P-3

Course Outline

The elementary visual arts program provides students with opportunities to interact with sensitivity to and respect for their own art and that of others, to show appreciation for different ways of perceiving and knowing, and to recognize and critically respond to the role of the media in their lives and communities. Students work both independently and collaboratively to solve problems and respond to ideas and experiences by making and examining visual art. Activities might include painting, drawing, sculpting, and weaving, and exploring puppetry, multimedia, printmaking, textiles, and design. Drama, movement, and music may be incorporated as well. 

The curriculum emphasizes the importance of learning about and through the arts. While opportunities are offered for ongoing, sequential instruction, the curriculum stresses the importance of infusing visual arts throughout the elementary school program. The importance of continuous, reflective conversation and collaborative assessment is also highlighted. 

In Visual Arts Primary, students have opportunities to express personal feelings and ideas through exploration of a variety of materials and techniques and to develop their understanding of the rich variety of art forms that exists across time and culture. The curriculum invites learners to share thoughts, ideas, questions, and points of view as they examine the social, cultural, and historical influences on art work and artists in local and global contexts.


Outcomes

  • Learners will investigate a variety of artworks across various communities and cultures inclusive of the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, African Nova Scotians, and Gaels.
  • Learners will create artworks that express feelings, ideas, and understandings.
  • Learners will plan personal responses to a variety of artworks..

The former 2000 VA P-6 curriculum, available in a print-friendly PDF format serves as a tremendous resource to the new stream-lined curriculum. Although the outcomes referenced are no longer current, the material found within is easily adapted to the new curriculum cited above (At-A-Glance). This document can be found in the “Resources” section on this page.

Updated September 1, 2021