Art Curriculum for Iowa Elementary Schools K-8

Meet the Masters (MTM) is a standards-based art curriculum designed for elementary and middle school students. It introduces students to 35 master artists from different cultures and time periods through a three-step learning process:

1. Introduction (Assembly or Presentation): A slide show or interactive video presentation teaches students about the life, style, and work of a master artist.
2. Technique Practice: Students engage in skill-building exercises based on the featured artist’s techniques.
3. Art Project: Students create an original art piece inspired by the artist, using the skills they practiced. Unique art supplies may include payons, modeling clay, watercolors, tissue paper and foil.

The program can be taught by classroom teachers, parent volunteers, or art instructors and requires no prior art background. MTM provides scripted lesson plans, videos, art supply lists, and easy to follow art projects that build creativity and confidence in every child artist.

MTM offers numerous cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for young learners, including:

• Enhanced creativity and self-expression. 
• Improved fine motor skills through drawing, painting, and sculpting. 
• Greater cultural awareness via exposure to diverse artists and styles. 
• Cross-curricular connections to history, geography, math, and literature. 
• Boosted critical thinking as students analyze art and make design decisions. 
• Improved confidence and pride in their completed artworks. 
• Increased visual literacy, helping students interpret imagery in the world around them. 

These benefits help build a well-rounded education and foster lifelong appreciation for the arts.

MTM provides onsite art teachers for schools in Southern California. However, MTM can be purchased by elementary schools and school districts and have the art program implemented by their own teachers or parent volunteers. The art curriculum can be taught easily since the lessons are scripted, timed and have a simple step by step process that makes teaching art simple (and amazing)! Schools in Iowa using Meet the Masters art curriculum include:

• East Mills Elementary in Hastings, Iowa
• Ankeny Christian Academy in Ankeny, Iowa
  

So, whether you have your own Iowa teachers or parent volunteers, MTM will absolutely be able to be implemented at your elementary or middle school or Iowa school district.

No formal art training is required. The MTM program is designed to be user-friendly for both teachers and parent volunteers. It includes:

• Step-by-step scripted lesson plans 
• Pre-recorded artist presentations or live teaching options 
• Training videos and guidance materials 
• Detailed supply lists 

This structure allows educators or parent volunteers with little or no art background to confidently lead lessons and support student creativity.

MTM aligns with:

• National Core Arts Standards (NCAS) 
• State Visual Arts Standards 
• Common Core State Standards (CCSS), particularly in language arts and history 

Lessons integrate vocabulary, historical context, and critical thinking activities that support broader academic goals. This alignment ensures the program can be part of a standards-based curriculum and easily integrated into existing classroom planning.

The MTM curriculum is designed primarily for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Lessons are grouped into three age-appropriate levels:

• Track A: Grades K–2 
• Track B: Grades 3–4 
• Track C: Grades 5–8 

Each track builds on prior skills and knowledge, allowing for scaffolded learning. Lessons are developmentally appropriate, ensuring that younger students can enjoy simplified versions of techniques, while older students can engage in more complex art analysis and production.

Yes. MTM offers online teaching options that are ideal for:

• Distance learning classrooms 
• Homeschool co-ops or individual families 
• Hybrid learning environments 

The digital version includes streamed artist presentations, downloadable lessons, and printable student resources. Parents or homeschool instructors can guide students using the same three-step approach, making art education accessible outside the classroom.

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Most schools choose to teach one artist unit per month, for a total of 5–7 artists per year, depending on the academic calendar. Each art unit typically takes 2–3 class sessions:

• 1 session for the artist introduction 
• 1 session for technique practice 
• 1 session for the art project 

This frequency allows students to gain consistent exposure to art without overwhelming the school schedule and makes MTM an effective supplement to the core curriculum.

While MTM does not use traditional grading, student success is evaluated through:

• Participation and engagement during discussions and lessons 
• Skill development observed during technique practice 
• Creativity and personal expression in final projects 
• Verbal or written reflections about the artist or their own work 

Some schools create bulletin boards, student art portfolios or host art shows to showcase growth and celebrate student achievements, which fosters motivation and pride.

MTM stands out for its:

• Integrated art history and studio approach 
• Scripted, easy-to-follow format for non-art teachers 
• Age-specific lesson tracks 
• Flexible delivery (in-person or digital) 
• Alignment with academic standards 
• Focus on global and multicultural artists 

Unlike many programs that focus solely on process or product, MTM teaches the why behind the art, helping students connect to art history while developing practical skills. This holistic approach nurtures both intellect and creativity—essential components of a well-rounded education.

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