Description
This live, online visual arts mini-course is suited for 1-5th grade students of all art backgrounds. As a 7-week mini-course, it is an ungraded art elective designed to develop students’ artistic drawing skills. In this course, students will learn to use “The Five Basic Elements of Shape” from the Monart Drawing Method, developed by leading art educator Mona Brookes. Ms. Brookes is a highly acclaimed author of Drawing with Children and Drawing for Older Children and Teens, both of which are recommended in several homeschool curricula. The instructor for these mini-courses, Kate Pepper, is a certified Monart instructor and loves sharing this wonderful method with other art enthusiasts (please read her bio for details). This guided, step-by-step drawing series is designed specifically for elementary-aged learners. Each session has a unique theme and focus (listed below). Students may sign up for multiple sessions and start the course at any session during the year.
Drawing is a teachable skill that anyone can learn. Many older children, teens, and adults don’t know how to draw simply because no one has ever shown them how. During class, students will draw along with the instructor, following direct, step-by-step guidance. Students will learn to use the “Five Basic Elements of Shape,” which is the backbone of the Monart Drawing Method. Just as we put together letters to create words, we will use “The Five Basic Elements of Shape” together to create realistic drawings piece by piece. While there is no outside homework for these classes, students are encouraged to keep a sketchbook to practice their weekly skills. They are welcome to submit their completed drawings each week after class for individualized feedback, or to take this course for fun.
The themes and focus for the 2026 series of mini-courses are as follows:
- Mini-course Spring 2026
- Theme: Greek Mythology
The themes and focus for the 2026-2027 series of mini-courses are as follows:
Semester 1 (Fall 1 and Fall 2 sessions):
- Mini-course Fall 1, 2026
- Theme: Animals of Asia
- Mini-course Fall 2, 2026
- Theme: Pets
Semester 2 (Winter and Spring sessions):
- Mini-course Winter 2027
- Theme: Fantasy Creatures
- Mini-course Spring 2027
- Theme: Under the Sea
Aside from simply learning foundational drawing skills, this course will also improve skills in the following areas:
- fine motor skills
- attention to detail
- boost self-confidence
- visualization
- self-discipline
- creative problem-solving
My teaching style is loving but firm. A good example is that I have a no-commenting policy on artwork created in class. This is because the students need to create for themselves, not for my approval or praise. Not giving my personal opinion on students’ artwork creates a safe environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and drawing for themselves, building true self-confidence through accomplishment rather than creating art a certain way for praise. Feedback to all students will be delivered with positivity, kindness, and encouragement, with a focus on the art concepts being studied rather than on talent or skill level. I like to get to know my students, and I allow some chatter during our last 15 minutes of class time when we are coloring in, as long as conversations remain appropriate. We only have one hour together each week, so keeping us on track and avoiding too many distractions is paramount to me.
Supply List
Art supplies must be purchased by the first class; all supplies are available at Walmart, Target, or Amazon.
Note: The following list (printable list) contains the supplies needed for the whole year. Please contact the teacher for a list of specific supplies needed for each session.
- Sharpies, black, fine point, quantity: two
- Lyra brand 9B liquid graphite stick, quantity: one
- Prang pan watercolors, quantity: one
- Crayola white taklon paintbrush set, quantity: one
- Crayola Crayons, 48 count, quantity: one
- Jack Richeson texture rubbing plates, six pack, quantity: one
- Pencil sharpener, quantity: one
- 80 lb. white drawing paper, minimum of 30 sheets (50 would be better) quantity: one
- Watercolor crayons, 12 count, Sargent brand, quantity: one
- Crayola colored pencils, 50 count, quantity: one
- Kwik Stix, thin stix, 24 count, quantity: one
- Crayola Oil pastels, 28 count, quantity: one
- Chalk pastels, 12 count is fine, quantity: one
- Crayola Color Stix, 24 count, quantity: one
- Crayola markers, Super Tips 50 count, quantity: one
Course Structure
Live Zoom meetings will be held every Wednesday.
All course meetings are optional, but because of the step-by-step nature of this course, attendance is highly encouraged for direct instruction, personal artistic guidance, class community, and understanding. Meetings will be recorded for scheduling convenience. Students who are unable to attend live lessons will still be able to follow along with the step-by-step instruction in a recorded version of this class, which will be posted on Canvas later each Friday. This course emphasizes that art is for all and values the heart of homeschooling, where flexibility is a top priority.
Weekly in-class assignments may include:
- A weekly 60-minute live meeting
- Interactive discussion of animals and their habitat
- In-class practice of skills being learned and mastered
- Student involvement in the learning process
- Mastering the techniques of media andthe use of tools
Who should enroll?
Students in 1-5th grade who have an interest in art or students who may not have been successful in other art classes. No previous art requirements are necessary.
Technology Requirements
- High-speed, broadband Internet
- Sound card and working microphone (for live sessions)
- Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
- Digital camera (can be a phone with a camera), or other means to photograph, scan, and upload student artwork
Evaluation and Feedback
There is no homework or requirement to upload artwork for evaluation. I will provide feedback/encouragement on all submitted artwork, focusing on understanding and demonstrating the concept rather than artistic skill/natural talent, with the goal of improving skills at the individual level. This is a non-graded course.
Communication
I will confirm registration with parents and send a welcome email with clear details and video instructions for navigating this course. All parents are welcome to join us in Canvas as observers, and I will respond to all parents’ and students’ questions within 24 hours via email or Canvas message. For a quicker response, please email my business: theartparkwichita@gmail.com
Kathryn Gomes –
My kids are loving this class. Mrs. Pepper does such a great job teaching them and encouraging them. Wednesday has become their favorite day of the week. And I love that art is happening in our homeschool. This class has been a great addition to our homeschool program.