A few years ago, a group of volunteers did a big review of content here at Rotation.org, including many art lessons. They discussed these notes from Neil our founder to help decide which lessons to keep and how to improve them if necessary. Some of these notes were later expanded into points in our "Guide" posted above.
CREATIVE BIBLE LESSON ART PROJECT DON'Ts
1. The artwork bears little visual resemblance to the Bible story or its meaning or focuses on a minor point in the story instead of a MAJOR point.
If the art project/product doesn't express a central point or reflection from the story, then you need another art project/product that does.
If what the kids produce doesn't bear a visual resemblance to the main point or story, the problem is in the project and directions.
Resist getting caught up in cool projects or fun materials that don't actually teach the main point of your lesson or the story; instead produce something that others will recognize as a point.
2. Projects that are too simple for older children, or too complicated for small hands. We find that it's better to start with an older kids' project and figure out how to simplify it for the younger kids.
3. Using potentially dangerous materials, such as pins, glass, and candles (or candle holders), especially if they are going home. When we see a project that lists a "hot glue gun" for the classroom, the potential for burns is concerning.
4. Things no older boy would be caught dead wearing, sharing, or taking home. Older children are at that point where they are making up their minds about church. Help them, don't hinder them.
5. The traditional Christmas Ornament project that doesn't reinforce the point of the lesson, and is made out of materials that won't last, or nobody thinks is "cool" (like gluing felt to Styrofoam balls). Good projects reinforce the story, last longer than the car ride home, and have a keepsake quality.
6. Any art lesson that says, "Now draw a picture using markers." That may be appropriate for preschoolers, but at Rotation.org we strive to be more creative.
7. Lesson plans that only use art as the activity/learning medium AFTER the opening of the lesson and its Bible study. The corollary: lesson plans that spend FAR TOO MUCH TIME TALKING rather than ART-ING.
How can art supplies be used as part of your opening, and as part of your Bible reading? One way you can make "art" part of the scripture reading is to print the scripture on paper and illustrate it as it is read or discussed.
Examples:
Good Samaritan: Draw the face of the Pharisee when he approached Jesus, proudly quoted scripture to Jesus, and when Jesus told him to "go and do likewise."
Story of Creation: Use colors of clay to make Creation and the earth as the story is read. Then do something with your clay to describe what you think humans are doing to God's Creation. Now engage in "restoring" your original creation of Creation.
8. Any lesson or ART PROJECT that LACKS LIFE APPLICATION.
We love it when the project itself, and not just our words about it, speak the life application of the Bible story. For Example: David and Jonathan friendship bracelet to share with a friend. The project itself embodies the take-away from the story. Or in that "clay Creation" example above in #7 where the students restore their creation. Or let's say you're doing a watercolor of Zaccheus up in the tree. What is he thinking up there? And why not put yourself up in that tree next to him -- to show that you too are seeking a glimpse of Christ and want to invite him to your home. It's little tweaks like that to our projects that can make all the difference.
The purpose of teaching with Art in Sunday School is not to teach art or merely encourage self-expression. Our purpose is to use artistic methods to express the story and its meaning. Merely, "being creative like God" isn't good enough (in fact, it's kind of a cop-out).
9. Projects that require too much glue and "drying time."
Expecting all your students to "be there next week to pick up their dried project" is a mistake, especially these days.
We're always thinking about alternative materials and drying time so kids can take their project home after the lesson. Sometimes it's as simple as changing how things fasten together, or what kind of paint, or how much, or how it gets applied that makes all the differences.
Having a drying station with a fan is a must, but that also means you need to leave ten minutes at the end of the lesson for drying time, so you need to plan for that.
Shirt boxes, pizza boxes, sturdy paper plates, and foil are supplies that will help many "still wet" projects go home the same day.
10. Doing "individual" projects all the time.
Working together, and sometimes creating displays for the congregation, are a nice way to learn and share.
