He hates art class

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He really hates it. I think a lot of it has to do with sequencing, having stuff all over his hands like glue, and just not being interested.


Does anyone else have this issue? Any insights into why he might hate it so much?

I didn't like it because of the mess, not being good with art and nonspecific directions. But how much does he hate it? It's normal to really hate one class, I think.

Its to the point of breaking down crying every time out of frustration.

I think the goals for first grade are too high and very rigid. Everyone's should look the same at the end. I personally think art at that grade should be creative and exploratory.

I would agree with buryuntime. I have no artistic ability either and in school I resented having to waste my time on something I knew I was not able to do. Even today, some 60 years later, I still exhibit enormous frustration with things that I am simply not able to do that others can. It makes me feel like a complete failure and perhaps it is the same with your son. Have you talked to his teacher about this? Too, you might talk to your son and point out to him all of the things that he can do, and perhaps others can't.

The teacher's solution is just to "make him do it" because he will only learn by doing it. I try to explain to her the multiple factors probably playing into the frustration. She just totally doesn't understand autism.

We have social stories about "Trying our best" and how sometimes you don't know how to do something or know the answer. He is so bright that when he actually comes across something really difficult for him, he doesn't know how to handle those emotions. His aide helps him stay on task and assists when necessary, but then the teacher complained that the aide was just doing his project for him. I think the aide is just trying to have him do as much as he can and assisting when meltdown is incoming.

i know the feeling. i cant draw at all. i havent drawn anything since year 9.

although at our art classes at high school we werent under any pressure.

you are the parent and in the end it's you who has to speak up for him. art is art. some people are into it, some aren't. it's not a necessary skill. if it was my child i would tell the teacher that he is not to be made to do these projects and have the aide do some alternative quiet activity with him, maybe an art project that doesn't require messing himself up. if the teacher doesn't listen, go talk to the principle or the special ed co-ordinator. yes, it is probably beneficial on some level to do these projects but not if it is effecting him like this. you are the only one who is going to speak up for him in situations like these, so by all means if you feel it is appropriate you have every right to insist he not participate. you may also want to call the school board and have them do some educating the teacher.

I was an art major in school and of course bought my son every art supply you could imagine when he was little...he never cared. I tried to get him to paint, blah, blah...he hated it! Now he's 9. We still have many art supplies in our home. He is now constantly making things...painting, etc...

The only time I ever got annoyed with an art class was when I decided to take painting in college to learn proper panting techniques, only to find that there was nothing in the way of formal instruction at all. We were just expect to attempt to paint blindly, which us all and well if that is how you want to go about it, but I signed up for the course specifically for formal instruction.

As for art in elementary school, however, I always enjoyed it.

Is it the teacher? I loved drawing, coloring and doing crafts but my art teacher was a b***h and that would have been a complement.

some of this is probably sensory and if so, accommodations should be made for him. if he cant deal with getting glue on himself, how about providing him with glue dots and an applicator? if he cant stand paint on his hands, get him gloves and/or let him use a brush.

i would suggest you really talk to your son about the projects he is doing. is it that he just doesnt enjoy it? does he find certain parts hard? is it the smells? the textures? find out as much as you can. also talk to his aide, maybe he/she can give you more insight about your childs reactions. also speak to his teacher more, if the child is being made to just do it because "he will only learn by doing it", the question should be, what is the goal? what is he suppose to be learning? if its appreciation for art, that wont come by forcing him to do art.

there are some art projects that my son completely doesnt participate in. his teachers are really good about it. sometimes he is removed completely from the area of class they are doing the project in. he has sensory issues with certain textures, he cant fingerpaint or do projects where they "paint" with shaving cream. just watching other kids with it on their hands makes him gag.

i understand the reluctance to alter his mainstream experience, but keep in mind the goal is not mainstream at all costs (the costs here are your childs stress and comfort levels). the goal should be to mainstream with whatever supports are necessary to make him successful to the best of his ability. if that requires fighting for accommodations for art, then do it.

My daughter didn't like art class at public school because:

Th teacher tried to get her to draw things she didn't want to draw. Like people or "your family" or still life. My daughter only draws geometric objects like polyhedrons (which are spectacularly beautiful-and she has been drawing them for years).

The class was an additional source of judgment from peers-as all of their pictures were "typical" like butterflies and hearts and hers were like I stated above. She didn't have the ability nor the desire to draw people or things.

I think it's very damaging to have a teacher that judges quality of art in elementary school. Art is subjective and no type of drawing or interpretation of an assignmnt should be looked down upon or graded harshly.

This is another example of how public schools have become a monument to conformity. Creativity and individuality is repressed and kids are taught by peers and students that you should be like everyone else and everyone should do things the same way. It's sad, really.