Many agree that using complex words with young children helps them to stretch their capabilities to build a vocabulary that can serve as a reservoir for conceptual understanding.

Even so, art vocabulary is often as tricky for adults as it is for kids!

I just found this website that has a wealth of vocabulary (linked to elements of design) Click here

Three small steps would be:

• avoid value judgments such as “good” or “bad”. Does it really matter if you like it? Ask kids to focus on what they see and use the elements of design to help, “that’s a really interesting use of line/colour/ form”
• describe orientation as portrait or landscape, not hamburger and hot-dog!
• discuss emotional impact – how does this piece make you feel?