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...]
The Color Wheel Challenge
If you've been following any art teacher accounts on social media lately, you've probably seen it... the Color Wheel Challenge! The idea is simple... gather items in bright, solid colors from around your home, assemble them into color wheel order, and snap a pic! Then share your creation on social media using the hashtag #colorwheelchallenge . Here are a few tips I … [Read more...]
Make an Upcycled Planter
Teach your students (or your kids) about important issues while making fun art and craft projects! "CIVICKIDS: Make Art. Make a Difference." was an initiative from the Children’s Museum of the Arts (CMA) in New York City. It consisted of a lively series of exhibitions, free community events throughout New York City, and a digital call for children’s artwork from all over … [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...]
Celebrate National Arts in Education Week
The week beginning with the second Sunday in September is National Arts in Education Week. This year that's September 9-15, 2018. It's all about arts advocacy and sharing why education in the arts is so important. What will YOU do to celebrate? Here are a few ideas! Sign the petition to U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Drastic cuts have been proposed to the … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday, Teach Kids Art!
(Visit me on Instagram for a chance to win my TEN most popular products from my TPT store!) Ten years ago today, Teach Kids Art was born! I was teaching K-8 Art at a small private school and putting SO much work into every lesson I taught. It was rare for schools to provide an Art curriculum to work from.... most Art teachers were just expected to create their own. And this … [Read more...]
Full Circle… A Journey in Art Education
Have you noticed how many elementary Art teachers started out as volunteers in their own kids’ classes? SO many! This speaks volumes for how addicting teaching Art to kids can be! My own journey in art education began as a parent volunteer in my daughter’s kindergarten class many years ago. The joy I found in teaching kids about ART led me back to school for a teaching … [Read more...]
Most Important Book of 2017
When you read as many books as I do, to say that one book stands out as “most important” of the year is saying a lot. The term “most important” reflects impact of a global nature, going beyond what affects me personally to the issues that affect us all as human beings. It’s more than just inspiring and life-changing for me. This book has the potential to affect our society as a … [Read more...]
Scholastic Art Giveaway
When the editor of Scholastic Art contacted me about reviewing their magazine on my blog and hosting a giveaway, I jumped at the chance! Scholastic Art has a special place in my heart. As a high school senior, I was chosen to receive a Scholastic Art Scholarship to an art school in Boston. Even though I had to decline the scholarship, the honor of being selected gave me a huge … [Read more...]
Teaching Kids to Be Creative
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...]
