"The Persistence of Memory" by Salvadore Dali One of my lifelong goals has been to become less of a perfectionist. They say that a goal should be specific and measurable. And this "goal" is neither of those. I don't expect to completely conquer perfectionism, but just to become more and more okay with "not perfect". It's more like a target to be aiming for than an … [Read more...]
Many Hands Make Light Work
Here's a handy idea to motivate your students to help clean up the classroom after a messy project or party. (Anyone have one of those this week?) They say that "Many hands make light work", so enlist class support and get the job done quickly! Just tell your students that in order to participate in the next activity (whatever that might be), they will each need to pay you … [Read more...]
Class Management with Sign Language!
I was recently asked how I handle questions and interruptions while I'm teaching. If you have a group of more than about six students, questions and other interruptions can take your class off-task and eat up your teaching time, whether you're teaching Art or any other subject. Here's what I do to really cut down on that!First of all, I emphasize from the beginning that I … [Read more...]
Screen Shots!
For those of you who enjoyed creating Abstract Art using Miltos Manetas' website (from yesterday's post), there is a way to save your creation, even though the website itself doesn't give you a way to do that. You can take a picture of all or part of your computer screen using “screen shots” or “screen captures.” While this isn't exactly a secret, I'm sure there are a few … [Read more...]
Art Rules!
"Yay!! It's Art time!"Every teacher enjoys getting an enthusiastic reaction from students. To hear students exclaim, "Yay!! It's Art time!" or "Art rules!" is music to an Art teacher's ears. Yet only when students feel safe to create, comfortable in the vulnerability of putting a part of themselves into their work, will they respond this way. So, how do you begin to create … [Read more...]
Tips for Working with Oil Pastels
Oil pastels just might be my favorite Art medium for kids! Both set-up and clean-up are quick and easy, and with a few specific instructions, every student can achieve great (if not totally charming!) results. Here are a few tips to help your students find success with oil pastels. You will probably find yourself repeating these instructions over and over, but eventually it … [Read more...]
My Favorite Eraser Ever
It may seem like a small thing (and in terms of actual size, it is!) but every artist needs a good eraser and not all erasers are created equal! My personal favorite is the Sanford Magic Rub eraser.This vinyl eraser is non-abrasive so it won't tear or lift the surface of the paper no matter how "enthusiastically" your students erase with it, and it won't smudge or harden with … [Read more...]
What Inspires You?
While it's great to follow tried and true plans for a successful Art lesson, it can be fun to come up with a new project on your own, based on something that inspires you. Where do you get inspiration from? It's different for everyone, but anything that catches your eye (from the shapes and patterns of nature to the shadows cast on the building next door) can offer potential … [Read more...]
Help for those Hard to Pronounce Names!
"The Virgin and Child with Saints" by TitianHave you ever taught a lesson on one of those famous artists of the past, and felt unsure of exactly how to pronounce his name? I know I have....after all, many of those artists lived hundreds of years ago in countries that speak languages other than our own. Well, help is here, thanks to the miracle of modern technology. Now when … [Read more...]
Tips for Working with Watercolors
Watercolors are a great medium for students to learn about color mixing and applying paint. Here are a few things I've learned about kids and watercolors that may be helpful to you....First of all, the brand does matter! This goes for watercolors or any other type of art supply. When a choice of brand is available, I always try to test and compare. Even in kids' art … [Read more...]