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...]
Use Art Postcards to Teach or Review
Have you tried using art postcards to teach or review important art concepts? It's a fun way to expose your students to great artwork, teach or review important concepts, and provide a hands-on learning experience all at the same time. Where to find art postcards All you need is a collection of art postcards or other small reproductions of fine art. Many of my art … [Read more...]
How to Have an Elements of Art Scavenger Hunt in a Painting
An artist will combine some or all of the Elements of Art (line, shape, form, space, texture, value, color) to create a painting, drawing, or sculpture. Having an Elements of Art Scavenger Hunt in a Painting is a fun way to teach these concepts. When you teach the Elements of Art, you give your students a common vocabulary with which to talk about art. The same vocabulary … [Read more...]
How to Choose Famous Artist Books Kids will Love
There's no better way to teach art history and cultural literacy to kids than with projects inspired by famous artists. But did you know that how you introduce the artist can make or break the success of your project? This is where famous artist books for kids can save the day. Kids love stories (who doesn't?) so you can get their attention right from the start by … [Read more...]
The Teach Kids Art TIP Vault
I'm excited to share the newest feature of the Teach Kids Art website... the TIP Vault! The Teach Kids Art TIP Vault is where I collect all my very best tips for teaching Art to kids. No matter what grade you teach, you'll find helpful ideas and information you can use. Whether you're a classroom teacher or a parent doing art with kids at home, the TIP Vault is for you! Each … [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...]
Send a Handmade Postcard to Support the Arts
Show your support for the Arts with a handmade postcard! January’s #CMACIVICKIDS Digital Challenge is a Postcard Party. When you send a postcard to one of your elected officials with your original art on the front, your message is more likely to get noticed. And a self-portrait will make your communication even more personal! You’ll Need: *card stock (if you have … [Read more...]
Creative Extension Spinner for Early Finishers
December’s digital challenge at the Children’s Museum of the Arts in NYC is all about telling stories using cardboard story wheels. For a creative twist on this theme, try extending and enhancing the meaning of your students' art using a Creative Extension Spinner.... perfect for your early finishers! If you notice an increase in early finishers at the end of a … [Read more...]
Should We Take the “ART” Out of Art Education?
So many good podcasts compete for our time today.... how do you choose which ones to listen to? Well, occasionally a title just grabs my attention and won’t let go. This is one of those podcasts! With a headline that reads "Let’s Get Rid of Art Education”, I couldn’t help but take notice. Podcaster Danny Gregory has been a life-long advocate for the arts with his books, … [Read more...]
Do You Have an Art Teacher Hero?
Have the arts had a positive impact on your life? Is there one teacher who really made a difference? For me, it was Mr. Muck, my high school Art teacher. He taught me to believe in myself, to work hard, and to always do my best. His art room was a safe place when I really needed it. I can't imagine my high school years without him. If education in the arts made a … [Read more...]
