Art in Story: Teaching Art History to Elementary School Children

By Marianne Saccardi

Book Overview

The author's aim is to help those working with children to develop in them a knowledge of and enthusiasm for fine art by telling stories that connect to a particular kind of art or artist. Art in Story focuses on art of the ancient world, of the East and Africa, of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Chapters consider the European Masters, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, art of America and Mexico, and computer art.

This revision of the bestselling book, Art in Story, published by Linnett Professional Publications in 1997, is aimed at teachers, parents home-schooling their children, and parents and grandparents of young elementary-age children. It would also be an excellent supplementary textbook for arts education methods classes. The author's aim is to help those working with children to develop in them a knowledge of and enthusiasm for fine art by telling stories that connect to a particular kind of art or artist. Art in Story focuses on art of the ancient world, of the East and Africa, of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Chapters consider the European Masters, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, art of America and Mexico, and computer art. Each chapter has background information for the teacher, a story completely written out as it is meant to be told, suggestions for viewing art, a journal writing activity, an art activity related to the type of art being studied, connections to other topics of study, suggestions for drama possibilities, and an extensive bibliography of adult reference as well as children's books and other materials. This new edition presents new chapters on Middle Eastern art and revisions of all other material. The bibliography updates have been extensive. Grades K-6.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1591583594
• ISBN13: 9781591583592
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
• Length: 484 Pages
• Weight: 2.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

One of my favorite resources

We are a homeschooling family and this book has been an absolute treasure for our learning adventures. Saccardi's book shares information on the history of art during each time period, stories about the artists, suggestions for famous works of that artist to show, journaling exercises and recommended art projects done in the method or similar style of the artist you are studying. We've used this book along with our history. When we started with ancient history and nomads we studied cave paintings and drew chalk pictures on brown grocery sacks. When we reached the Middle Ages we found a kit to help us do illumination. When we reached American history we painted historical scenes on large sheets of tagboard in effort to paint like Benjamin West. I'm very careful about money spent on materials and this book is one I've never regretted buying. I'm so glad to see it in print again so others can discover it! -Jeanne

Fantastic Resource

This is one of the only books I've seen that approaches teaching art in a holistic, content-rich manner. The author has compiled a wonderful set of resources. Each section begins with a brief overview of the period or style being discussed....very helpful refresher. This is followed by a story about the artist that really captures the kids' attention. There is no need for extensive research on your own, the author has done it for you. She provided extensive lists of resources for each topic, along with a brief comment about each. I am a National Board Certified Teacher, with experience and think this book is one of the best finds ever, a must-have resource for art teachers!

A Lifesaver!

This book has been a lifesaver for my art classes. The students love for me to read the stories as they are working on their art project! Which keeps them very quiet!! Never before have I seen so many great stories of so many great artist all in one book! Any art teacher will love it!!

Perfect book For Elementary Teachers seaking to add more art

Has your school district cut back on the arts. This book will help you intergrate art into social studies and Langauge Arts. In addition to the excelent lessons, the format is easily adaptable to author/illustrators.

Wonderful teaching resource

This book is a marvelous resource for all teachers, but especially art teachers. The author has researched art from all times and places and then written stories that will delight children as they draw them into other worlds through art. The bibliographies alone are worth the price of the book.