Use fun art games in the classroom to help encourage students to explore art concepts and develop skills. Group activities also promote self-esteem and working with others. Art games are excellent time killers when a lesson finishes earlier than expected or as a solution for rainy day boredom. Games help reinforce art concepts through fun and educational activities.
Art Scavenger Hunt
Create a visual scavenger hunt using several famous artworks. Hang the artworks within the classroom, making sure to use works that are familiar to students and have been discussed in class. Cover the title and artist's name on all pictures. Before working with students, make a list of items that are found in the paintings for students to search out. Place a number at the top of each artwork for students to use during the scavenger hunt to mark their answers. Make enough copies for each student to have one paper while working on the art scavenger hunt.
Allow students to pair up with another student, and pass out scavenger hunt worksheets. Explain to students they will have 10 minutes to find all the items on the list within the artworks hung in the classroom. Students should try to keep their answers hidden from other groups. Extra bonus points will be given to groups that can successfully name the artworks' titles and artists on the bottom of the paper. The group that has the most correct answers wins a special prize.
Drawing Art Words
Play a drawing game with art students to help encourage and develop their drawing skills. Write several art concepts on small pieces of paper. Vocabulary such as organic shape, stippling or parallel lines are appropriate. Before playing the game, review art vocabulary with students.
Split the class in half, and have each student take turns coming to the front board and selecting a piece of paper. Have students draw the art vocabulary word while the rest of the students try to guess what it is. The team that answers correctly gets a point. Continue playing until everyone has a chance to draw an art word.
