- Definition
The "background" is simply the part of a picture or scene that is furthest away, behind the main subject.
In a picture of a child at a park, the trees and playground behind them are the background.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The background is like the scenery behind the main characters in a picture or movie.
Ask your child: What do you notice in the background of this picture?
Common mix-up: Kids may ignore the background and only look at the main object. The background also gives clues about place and mood.
Examples
- Mountains behind a house in a drawing.
- A classroom wall and posters behind students.
background is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Grade 3 The Arts
- Grade 4 The Arts
- Grade 6 The Arts
- Grade 7 The Arts
- Grade 8 The Arts
- Kindergarten Kindergarten
+23 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
