Elementary students are sure to feel successful with this Georgia O'Keeffe-inspired art project. This lesson is ideal for grades 3-5, although you can adapt it up or down depending on your needs. Oil pastels are the key to achieving this rich and expressive, painterly effect... and kids love using them. They are vivid and bright, easy to work with and yield stunning … [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...]
2012 Art Ed Blog of the Year – Voting Is Open!
I'm thrilled that Teach Kids Art was selected as one of the top 20 finalists for The Art of Education's 2012 Art Ed Blog of the Year! This is my first time being nominated - it's such an honor to be listed among so many exceptional Art Education blogs! Voting is open through midnight on Friday, December 14th. You may vote for as many blogs as you like, but you may only … [Read more...]
Origami Crane Ornaments
"An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury.... In Asia, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family." (from Wikipedia)Origami cranes make … [Read more...]
Wild ‘n Crazy Picasso Portraits
"Picasso Portraits", taught by Mrs. Mendence to her 2nd graders,after attending my teacher workshop, "Teach Kids Art with Markers"Nothing beats abstract art for getting kids to loosen up and just have fun with being creative! Not having to worry about making your picture look "realistic" really takes the pressure off, and for many, can be a totally freeing experience!Pablo … [Read more...]
Teachers Make Awesome Students!
Dedicated teachers hard at work.... being students! (And on their day off, no less!)One of my favorite things about the teacher workshops I've been giving is that I get to spend time sharing ideas with other teachers. Teachers not only have lots of great ideas (learned from experience), but most importantly they love to share them.... I guess that's why they're teachers! I'm … [Read more...]