Here’s the thing about the element of shape- kids draw shapes all the time. Young children naturally draw in two dimensions. There are some elements like form and space that can be little more daunting for a student of any age to really understand and illustrate. But, shapes? Exploring types of shapes in art can be enjoyed by even the youngest artist.
Shapes are flat. Forms are fat.
Kids can sink their teeth into this element and enjoy identifying shapes in art work and their environment as well as making their own shapes!
I love using picture books to introduce concepts to kids. Even big kids enjoy listening to a book now and then and I think children’s literature is an easy way to provide some context for concepts. The element of shape is no different! When a Line Bends a Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene has been on my bookshelf for years. It’s a short, fun way to show that shapes are just an area enclosed by a line and talk about types of shapes in art
. Check out this post for a huge list of books that teach about the elements of art!
Types of shapes in art; they are either geometric or they are organic.
Geometric shapes tend to have specific names. Think along the lines of circles, squares, and rectangles. These are the shapes we teach our little ones to identify early on.
Organic shapes are the usually free flowing. I like to call them “blobs” or “splotches.” Shapes like this tend to be curvy and have no specific name. Organic shapes are recognizable as a trademark in the work of Henri Matisse. Check out these easy paper collages that focus on organic forms that were inspired by Matisse!
Print out and play with some geometric shapes with this free printable tangram puzzle!
Using the element of shape printable to teach types of shapes in art…
Use this printable as a reference for your student and as a place for them to make some notes of their own. How many shapes can they come up with? Who has the most unique shapes that no one else has drawn?
This element of printable is just one in a series of printables about the elements of art. Check out the other six in this post. They make a great addition to an art notebook or journal, and, they’re free!
Want to use this free printable to explore types of shape in art…..
Do you want to download this element of shape printable to use with your own students? This resource is free for Kitchen Table Classroom subscribers.
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What if you’re already a KTC subscriber…
If you are already a KTC subscriber thank you, I’m so glad you’re here! You can still go through this same process to grab this element of shape reference. It’s simple and you won’t be sent duplicate emails- I promise.
After you become a KTC subscriber you’ll also receive a password to my Free Resource Library. there you kind find this element of shape reference under the heading “Elements of Art resources to print.” You’ll also be be able to view and download hundreds of other art resources- all free!
Oohhh, so many great printables and lessons you share here! I am excited to browse and see what all I can find and print for my girls. Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks Jenn! I know you and your girls are super arty~ hope you find something new!
Love the printables! Can’t wait to do with my daughter #familyfriday
That’s great Ally – enjoy!! Be sure to check out the other elements of art printables or the book if you have a younger child!!!