We all agree that teaching kids to be creative pays big dividends no matter what field of work they choose as adults. But often our efforts at teaching creativity have a future pay-off that we don’t get to see. Kids grow up and leave our schools (or our homes) and we never know the full impact that this creativity will have on their adult lives. So when they go on to create … [Read more...]
22 Ways to Combine Writing & Art to Encourage Creativity
I recently had the privilege of helping my adult daughter edit the manuscript for her first book. Her first real, published book. A book with an agent, a publisher, a release date (April 2017), and it’s own pre-order page on Amazon. A proud parenting milestone for sure! But this book of hers has been a long time in the making. In fact, we can trace its origin all the way back … [Read more...]
A Podcast Just for Art Teachers
When I discover something new that I really love, I have to share it! Whether it's my new YETI tumbler that keeps my tea hot (or cold) all day or my Pentel Water Brush that I'm currently having a blast with, I tell everyone. There's just something in me that has to share good things with others. So after listening to the first eight episodes of Patty Palmer's new podcast, … [Read more...]
The Cure for Dry Hands!
We art teachers probably wash our hands as often as doctors! When you combine this frequent hand-washing with cold winter weather, and whatever medium we've currently got our hands in, it takes a nasty toll on our skin. After so many years of trying different lotions and still having rough, dry hands, I had all but resigned myself to this fate! But when I started working … [Read more...]
Art for the Differently-abled
I wasn’t looking for a new teaching position when I got the phone call last spring to “just let me show you our facility”. The call was from the director of the Stroke and Disability Learning Center at our local Community College, and I agreed to a tour. It wasn't the beautiful new facility that hooked me, but the Stroke Center’s motto: “Love Spoken Here”, printed on the … [Read more...]
My New Favorite Art Ed Blog…
When I first started writing my 'Teach Kids Art' blog back in 2008, I had no idea that blogging would become such a big thing! I started my blog as a way to share what I’d learned about teaching art to kids, with the hope that more kids would get to experience art as a result. At the time, I only knew of one other art teacher with a blog: Kathy at 'Art Projects for Kids'. Not … [Read more...]
Learn Art History with the Khan Academy
"You only have to know one thing: You can learn anything." That's the motto of the Khan Academy! If you're not familiar with the Khan Academy, and you have an interest in Art History (for any reason - whether you're a parent, student, teacher, or lifelong learner) you'll be amazed by the education that's available to you for free! The Khan Academy, founded in 2006 by educator … [Read more...]
Free Digital Art Ed Magazines
In my early days of teaching art, School Arts magazine was my go-to source for art lesson inspiration and the best way to keep up with what was new in art education. Then I discovered Arts & Activities magazine, and I just couldn't believe my luck at having access to so much great information just for art teachers! Well, that was over 20 years ago, and long before the days … [Read more...]
Evernote: Digital Organization for the Art Teacher!
Summer is a great time to tackle something you've been wanting to do all year, but haven't had time for.... like getting organized! When asked, most people would say that they'd like to be more organized. And getting organized can be especially challenging for us right-brained, creative people! We need a system for keeping track of all the notes, ideas, projects, lists, and … [Read more...]
Summer Online Art Ed Conference
The Art of Education is hosting their next online art ed conference on July 17th and you won't want to miss it! If you've attended one of their previous conferences, you know how fun and inspiring these are! This is where over 20 thought-leaders in art education deliver fast-paced, 10 minute "TED Talk" style presentations, full of practical art room ideas and strategies. … [Read more...]