Diversify your media to engage the largest number of students. Divide your art lessons into units focusing on different tools, techniques and art forms. For example, one unit might explore two-dimensional projects, such as drawing and painting, and another unit might focus on three-dimensional forms such as sculpture and ceramics. To grab the interest of your students, provide a variety of skills and materials to study.
Provide descriptions and prompts, not demonstrations. One of the key elements of art education is to encourage students to visualize information for themselves. So instead of asking your class to draw a dog by showing them how you would draw a dog, allow them to come up with their own form that is not based on your vision.
Use positive reinforcement of each student's work to promote free expression. You can offer critiques and suggestions for enhancing the piece, but be sure to reward all effort so that you create a comfortable environment. Unconventional thinking is encouraged in the classroom, so be supportive of a student's decision to put his own spin on an art project, because that shows he is engaging in the lesson.
Incorporate technology into art lessons when possible. Many junior high school students spend their free time using technology such as computers. Because it is one of their preferred forms of communication, it can be used in art for expression. For example, focus a unit on illustrating comic strips using computer software, or teach a lesson on web design.