About
Hannah Scott Nolt
Following high school graduation, I went to college and majored in art. I focused on studio art but loved studying art history as well. Upon completion of my art degree I agreed to teach a few art classes at my church school. I loved the classroom and the students. I quickly began to see what art class could do for students in increasing their creative thinking skills and providing an outlet for personal expression through hands on activities. I was hooked. I decided to return to school to get my teacher’s certification in art education and went on to receive a master’s degree in art education. I have taught in several different schools and homeschool groups since. I am certified in K-12 art education and have taught all levels. I taught high school art classes for over ten years. Currently I am developing ARTiculations and my studio art skills.
Over the years I have taught various workshops and classes for teachers. I’ve heard many stories from many teachers. The stories are all remarkably similar. “I wish there was a curriculum out there for art.” “I know there is more to art than I am teaching. I just don’t know enough about it.” “Art class takes so much time and energy to plan and I already have too much to do. It’s the first thing to go.”
Through hearing these stories, I have developed a vision for helping schools to get what they need to have good, strong art classes without breaking the budget, or the teachers. I believe that art holds a valuable place in a child’s development, therefore a strong curriculum is necessary. The truth of the matter is that there are art curriculums out there. Some are really excellent. However, they are cumbersome for the average classroom teacher because they are designed to be taught by someone whose primary focus is art. There are also a myriad of lessons to be found on the internet and in books. The problem is many of them have great concepts but don’t do enough explaining of technique, historical background, or what to expect of age level performance. Therefore, the teacher still has to devote quite a bit of time and research to make the lesson complete and valuable.
I believe that children are born with a desire to create which is a direct reflection of the character of our Father God, the creator. I want to offer lesson plans that will help to nurture this in students while exposing them to the creativity of other artists as inspiration. I am well aware of the twisted side of humanity that has been exposed through art over the years. My lessons will not include or focus on anything that is inappropriate or include any nudity.
This lesson model is a response to all of these scenarios. I am seeking to develop lessons that make it easy for the classroom teacher or homeschool parent while giving the students opportunity to learn, develop creativity, artistic skill, and gain exposure to art history and the language of art.
I first offered these lessons on a subscription basis, before publishing them in this spiral-bound book form. By the end of the year the students will have completed a series of projects that will have given them the base art knowledge they need for their grade level while giving them opportunity for creative voice and self-expression. All lessons will be aligned with the National Standards for Art Education.
Happy teaching and creating!
Hannah Nolt