Let's make some bookmarks! This versatile project can be tied in with science lessons (solar system, the universe, weather), used as safe intro to watercolor (it's abstract so it's hard for kids to "mess up") or to accompany a book about space. Supplies: Cardstock or watercolor paper Watercolor paint Brushes Cup of water Painters tape … Continue reading Galaxy Bookmarks
One of my favorite books for introducing about color is Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. Now, there's an abundance of resources online for using this book but the best one I've found is by Cassie Stephens. She has a awesome, simple tutorial for drawing mice that you can find here. And because it's a … Continue reading Mouse Paint
First grade started their unit in color! After reading the book A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni, I showed the class how to draw chameleons step by step (weird voices help - and letting them put their own twist on them like a mad face, etc.) Next was the fun part - painting! I … Continue reading Colorful Chameleons
I came across this project on a really cool art education blog and knew my fourth graders would love it. After a mini-lesson on the basic shapes that make up a lego body, students dove right in. The next class was all about creating value through shadows and/or color. I gave them a blank lego figure (like … Continue reading Lego Selfies
Art competitions are a controversial subject among teachers. Do you risk getting a student's hopes up? Who's judging these things anyway? And isn't is about the process not the product? With these thoughts in mind, I made the decision take part in a juried art exhibit called Literacy Through Art at the Hart Memorial Library. … Continue reading Everglades and Art Competitions
I really believe students will live up to your expectations - if you expect great things, they will show you that. If you expect a room full of chaos - they will show you that too. With this in mind, I took a chance and used permanent markers with kindergarten and first grade. And they … Continue reading Sharpie Wielding Six-Year-Olds
A short seven weeks ago, I was running around my classroom finishing up prepping for maternity leave. Frantically photocopying, finishing power points and furiously organizing supplies. This is partly because I am a notorious procrastinator and partly because I wanted everything to be perfect. I left that evening with the cleaning crew - pretty satisfied … Continue reading Maternity Leave in the Art Room
It turns out that being pregnant, teaching 750 students a week AND updating a blog at least once a week is a lot of work- because I haven't been doing it. This summer, as I envisioned my organized classroom full of eager students deeply engaged in meaningful art making, I was sure creating a world-class … Continue reading Iyanla Fix My Classroom
My greatest accomplishment for the second week of the new school year: successfully using wet bottled glue with kindergarten and first grade. This from the teacher who, last year, spent two full classes practicing procedures for painting WITH NO ACTUAL PAINT. I've learned the importance of song, repetition and anthropomorphism when teaching new skills to … Continue reading Six Year Olds + Wet Glue = Triumph
This school year I will be embracing change like it's a long-lost sister (I will also be having mini panic attacks about it). I came across the 5 Habits of an Effective Teacher while idly browsing Facebook and realized just how much #2 relates to me. Besides the millions of ways I've thought of to improve … Continue reading Embracing Change
Paint Think Play 