Exciting news!! I'm honored to be a contributor in Kathy Barbro's new book, Sharpie Art Workshop for Kids. Kathy writes the popular blog, Art Projects for Kids. It was Kathy's blog that first inspired me to start my own kids' art blog many years ago, so that makes this even more exciting for me! You can order Kathy's new book here. Sharpies have been a staple on my art … [Read more...]
Kaleidoscope Lettering – New & Improved!
While I love creating new art projects to keep things fresh and interesting, some of the older projects are just so good, they’re worth repeating year after year…. which also gives me the chance to keep improving them! Kaleidoscope Lettering is one of those projects! It uses the concepts of bilateral (reflective) symmetry, tessellation, and positive/negative space to … [Read more...]
Giving Back with Art
Have you ever been inspired to ‘give back’ to your community as a way to say “thank you” to those who helped you through a difficult time? I was touched by the story of Dan and Janean Toone, who started Young at Art in response to the care that their young grandson received while spending most of his first year of life in the hospital. As art lovers themselves, Dan and Janean … [Read more...]
Gratefulness Rocks
Gratefulness Rocks are perfect for Thanksgiving decorating, but equally fun to keep out all year! The Thanksgiving holiday seems to bring out the best in people, as we focus on family, friends, serving others, and gratefulness. Sharing what we’re thankful for is central to our Thanksgiving tradition, and to this project sponsored by Elmer’s! With Gratefulness Rocks, the whole … [Read more...]
Prevent Summer Learning Loss with a ‘Retro’ Flash Card Flipper
'Summer Learning Loss', or 'Summer Slide' as it’s also known, is not just an issue for ‘at risk’ students. All students need to practice their academic skills to keep from falling behind over summer vacation. The year I taught 2nd grade I experienced firsthand how much students can forget over the summer. We wasted much valuable time that fall doing remedial work…. re-learning … [Read more...]
Surf’s Up! With End-of-the-Year Surfboard Art
The last few days of the school year can be a challenge.... students are super-excited and their energy level is high! Add in a substitute teacher and things could get crazy! So, I was asked to sub for a couple of classes on their last day of Art. I knew I'd need something special to focus their almost-summer-vacation exuberance! We live in a surf town on the California … [Read more...]
The 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge
Kids spend so much time in the car! It's easy to reach for a movie or electronic game to fill the time on long trips... or even short errands around town. But why not take a break from technology and just reach for a sketchbook instead? "Almost all artwork, no matter what the final form, begins with drawing because drawing is the artist's fundamental tool." ~ Mary Blair, … [Read more...]
Folded Paper Stars With Symmetry
These folded paper stars are a hit year after year with my 4th graders. You can make these in any size you want.... the size of the squares you start with will determine the size of your finished stars. When I teach this lesson, I use 12" squares in two different colors to demonstrate the folding and gluing steps on the white board. Instead of glue, I used tape rolls with low … [Read more...]
Feed Your Creative Soul – with a Sketchbook
Most art teachers I know struggle to find time for pursuing their own artwork.... so if that's you, you're not alone! Summertime provides a great opportunity for teachers to do things they otherwise set aside during the school year. But if we're trying to teach our students how important art is, should we really be putting off our own art until summer? (I'm speaking to myself … [Read more...]
How Full Is Your Bucket?
The books that inspired this lesson have nothing to do with art, and the illustrations were not what attracted me! What I LOVE about these books is their message. And what better way to drive home a great message than with a fun art lesson??! Inspired by a bullying episode at my school, I saw this idea as a way to make a difference, so I had to try it. I figured if even one … [Read more...]
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