When I taught K-8 Art at a small private school, my budget was always, “Spend as little as possible”. But I found ways to make it work and give my students great art experiences despite the shortage of funding. If you're in a similar low-budget (or no-budget!) position, I hope some of these ideas will work for you, too. Here are my 10 favorite ways to save money on … [Read more...]
Make a Crazy Crown Craft
Kids will enjoy making this Crazy Crown Craft to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. A "royal jubilee" is a special celebration to mark the number of the years a king or queen has reigned. It doesn't happen every year, but only certain years. Each jubilee is represented by a precious metal: Silver (25 years), Gold (50 years), Diamond (60 years), … [Read more...]
Valentine Op-Art Inspired by Bridget Riley
This Valentine Op-Art lesson was inspired by the art of British artist Bridget Riley. I knew that the boys in my 5th grade class were not going to go for the traditional valentine project this year, so adding a heart to an Op-Art hand drawing seemed like the perfect compromise! I've done this project a few times now, and some of my 5th, 6th and 7th graders have … [Read more...]
Self-Portraits for the 100th Day of School
Celebrate the 100th Day of School with this fun project for Kindergarten! Have kids draw what they look like today and what they think they'll look like in 100 years. As you can see, the results will be charming! Even if your 100th Day of School has already passed, this is a fun project to do anytime. Kids will need: 12" x 18" white construction paperSmall, handheld … [Read more...]
Abstract Art Project Inspired by Joan Miró
Kids of all ages enjoy art history when you teach it through projects inspired by the work of famous artists. Abstract art is especially fun for kids because it removes the pressure that can come with trying to achieve "realism". This project is inspired by the Surrealist movement and the work of Spanish artist Joan Miró. Joan (pronounced "Djo-ahn") Miró was a painter, … [Read more...]
The Surprising Truth About Teaching Drawing to Kids
Why teach drawing to kids? When you teach drawing to kids, you're giving them a skill that pays big dividends in today’s world. Drawing is the foundation for many forms of art. But you certainly don’t need to be an “artist” or work in an art-related career to benefit from drawing. Anyone can use drawing to explore an idea, solve a problem, give visual form to a mental … [Read more...]
Break an Art World Record
You can be part of an exciting World Record event, right from your own home! Make art and break a record - all while helping people affected by COVID-19. British author and illustrator Rob Biddulph (together with Art World Records) is attempting to break the record for the World's Largest Online Art Lesson on Thursday, May 21st, 2020 (4pm BST, 11am EDT, 8am PDT). But this … [Read more...]
Rock Babies – A Creative Activity for Preschoolers
Get your littlest ones outside, looking closely at nature, and thinking creatively... and you might even brighten someone's day with the result! Our son, Adam, made these adorable "Rock Babies" (his name for them!) when he was a prescho0ler. He's in his 30's now, and I still have them! I keep them in a kitchen drawer that I get into daily, and they still put a smile on my … [Read more...]
The Art of Blackout Poetry
Have you discovered Blackout Poetry yet? It's equally fun for kids and adults and you probably have all you need to do it without buying a thing! Blackout Poetry is a form of “found poetry” where you select words that catch your interest from a newspaper, book, or other printed text - along with a few additional words to make it flow. Then you “redact” all the words you … [Read more...]
Patriotic Noisemaker Tacos
Take your summer craft projects to the next level when you include the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) and the Principles of Design (contrast, rhythm, proportion, balance, unity, emphasis, movement, and variety). Look for ways you can weave some of this art vocabulary into every project you teach, like I've done with the project below. Be … [Read more...]
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