Using Stencils in Art Education
Using stencils in art education has been a huge shift for me. It was a couple of years ago that I started using them in my mixed media practice, but actually allowing my students to use them required real flexibility.
I've always looked at stencils as cop outs from "real" art until I mentioned in the TAB facebook group that I hang out in that I don't use stencils.
One of the teachers opened my eyes to the many possibilities there are with stencils.
I created this poster to introduce the children to the use of stencils and kept it hung up in the classroom.
There are many different types of stencils that are available to use which also include various templates like protractors and triangles. There are also many different lettering stencils which are very popular.
I found that the cheap, animal cardboard stencils that I think I picked up in Walmart were probably the most popular since they children would use them and incorporate them into their drawings.
Below are some ways I noticed the children using stencils that I was able to photograph.
Below is a group collaboration of about 4-5 kids that used the animal stencils to create a pop up zoo.
