March 5th, 2014 is World Read Aloud Day! Every year, on the first Wednesday in March, Litworld (a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy around the globe) mobilizes children and adults everywhere to advocate for literacy as a basic human right belonging to all people. Reading aloud is a natural way to celebrate the written word and to share it with … [Read more...]
Art Ed Blog of the Year Finalist
I was honored to be a finalist in the Art of Education's Art Ed Blog of the Year for 2013. Their website is a valuable source of information and inspiration for anyone teaching Art to kids. Be sure to follow the Art of Education for daily articles and relevant professional development designed just for Art teachers! … [Read more...]
Online Art Ed Conference
On January 25th, 2014, over a thousand Art teachers will join together online for The Art of Education's Winter 2014 Online Art Ed Conference. If you're not already one of them, why not sign up right now? It's quick and easy to register. This is the only online conference just for Art teachers, with no traveling necessary... you can attend from home! And in case you can't make … [Read more...]
Wishing You a “Perfectionism-Free” New Year
"As a painter I shall never really count, I can feel that absolutely." ~ Vincent Van Gogh, 1889, Arles Vincent Van Gogh never knew what a great artist he was. His paintings sell for millions today, yet in his lifetime, he only ever sold one painting. What fascinates me is that he didn't let this stop him.... he kept painting. Even when he received no outside appreciation for … [Read more...]
How to Start an Art Program at Your Child’s School
The one question my readers ask more than any other is something along the line of, "Do you have any advice for parents who want to teach Art in their child's class?" And my answer is, yes.... actually, I do! This topic is near and dear to my heart because this is exactly how I got my start in Art Education! I began my career in Art Ed as a parent volunteer. When my … [Read more...]
Teachers On Pinterest
Pinterest has become the go-to source for inspiration for teachers. I could get lost for hours in this sea of creative ideas! In an effort to engage with the teaching community in an even bigger way, the folks at Pinterest have created a new collection of boards just for teachers, called Teachers On Pinterest. Here you'll find boards organized by grade (pre-K thru 6th), and … [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...]
Volunteering as an Art Educator
Opportunities abound for volunteering as an Art Educator! If you've got a little extra free time this summer, why not take advantage of this chance to share your expertise with others in your community? This summer, I'm teaching Art classes for the elderly residents at a local retirement home.... a completely new experience for me! With new experiences come new challenges, … [Read more...]
Save Your Catalogs!
Catalogs of all kinds can be a great resource for collage projects and more. Here are two of my favorites, which I'm always happy to find in my mailbox! I save them for their pages full of color, texture, and pattern... perfect for my Fundraiser House Magnets, and any project where you need a cheap (free!) substitute for expensive scrapbooking paper. If you don't already … [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...]
