Teaching Principles of Design to Kids

Teaching the Principles of Design to kids equips them with the skills to both analyze and discuss art critically and to apply these concepts creatively in their own artwork. Integrating the Principles of Design into Art lessons rather than teaching them separately, can make for truly meaningful art experiences. For example, we study balance in our Calder’s mobile project, we explore rhythm in our printmaking unit, and while learning about pointillism, we practice creating contrast using

dots of complementary colors.

Since the Principles of Design are a bit complex, I usually begin formally introducing them in 3rd grade. I start with the basics and gradually introduce more complex concepts. For younger students, you might begin with balance or pattern, before introducing others like contrast or rhythm.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind when teaching the Principles of Design:

Use Simple Language:

Explain each principle with clear,

simple language. Avoid technical

terms and instead use examples

that are relatable to their everyday

experiences.

Interactive Activities:

Design activities that are hands-on and interactive. For example, have students create collages to understand balance or use toys to demonstrate scale and proportion.

Visual Examples:

Use plenty of visual aids like posters,

artworks, or digital presentations to show

examples of each principle in action.

Point out these principles in well-known

artworks or in the classroom environment.

Relate to Their Interests:

Tie in the principles of design with things they like such as cartoons, video games, or sports. For instance, discuss how symmetry is used in character designs or how emphasis is achieved in a comic book.

Encourage Creativity:

Allow students to experiment with the

principles in their own art projects.

Provide a variety of materials and

mediums like paint, clay, fabric, or

digital tools. This variety helps them

understand how the principles apply

across different forms of art.

By keeping lessons engaging and relevant, you can help elementary students appreciate and use the Principles of Design creatively and effectively in their own work. Regularly revisiting these principles throughout the year will help your students understand that these are not just abstract concepts but essential tools that artists use to create art.

If you are looking for more resources for teaching the

Principles of Design for Elementary students, check

out these classroom Principles of Design Posters.

They are also available in Spanish and Bilingual.