- Definition
Combining" means putting things together. In math, it's like adding groups of items (addition) or putting together several equal groups of items (multiplication).
Combining red and yellow paint creates the new colour orange.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Combining in art is like mixing different colours of paint on a palette to create a brand new colour.
Ask your child: How could you combine different shapes to create something new in your drawing?
Common mix-up: Kids might think combining is just placing things next to each other. In art, combining means blending elements so they interact to create a new effect or unified artwork.
Examples
- A collage combines different pictures, fabrics, and papers to make one single piece of art.
- A sculptor combines clay and wire to build a stronger, more detailed figure.
combining is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
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 ↗
