Mar 1, 2013

The Top 5 Ways to Keep Calm and Teach Art!

As we were preparing handouts and swag for NAEA 2013, our thinking went something like this – How do you explain AOE and everything we offer and stand for to people passing by who have never heard of us? I was afraid one long-winded breath of information (and my enthusiasm) might scare the poor souls away, so we came up with THIS as a little handout (to go with the buttons, at right) that shows what AOE is really about… finding ways to help art teachers with their everyday struggles and triumphs through Articles, Lesson Plans, eBooks, Video Tips and Online Classes and Consulting Packages.
To-5-Ways
What do you think? Originally this “Keep Calm” idea was planned just for our use at the conference, but now I think has the potential to go farther and do more… A campaign of sorts, for art teachers everywhere – It’s less about AOE, and more about all of us going through the same struggles together. So, perhaps this will evolve into something more. In fact, I think it will. Stay tuned!

Keep Calm Pin

How do you KEEP CALM so you can TEACH ART?

artprojectgirl.blogspot.com

or freak out and teach art! Seriously though my rainstick quiet signal and yoga music on in the background during Kindergarten keeps me calm:) Also the license to be out of the box because we are the art teachers. . . I say “if the art teacher can’t be weird who can be?”
- http://www.theartofed.com/ Jessica Balsley
  
  I love using the “art teacher excuse” – It works (almost) every time!
http://twitter.com/TheOnlyIngrid Ingrid

In no particular order:
~Be prepared
~Be okay with going slower and taking an extra day!!!
~Child Labor! (Ha!, but but getting students to have respect for their own participation is not hard! The more you let them help, the more pride of place! Best latest discovery: Have drying rack helper say (verbatim) “Thanks for your painting, now please go clear your table” and the wet paper towel passer stand away from the sink and say ” have you cleared your table?” before giving a towel to wipe- I have a sign that says as much, but this creates an automatic wash cycle! pure genius!
~Always say yes if it is possible
~Keep a friendly heart, play, and your class will respond.
- http://www.theartofed.com/ Jessica Balsley
  
  I love the idea of a friendly heart. Kids pick up on our moods so easily. This helps everyone stay calm!
Rebecca Mazzella

Try again … I also use meditation in class … keep it short … so we focus on breathing
10 breaths in through the nose/10 out through the mouth. I have found if I lower my voice tone … the student talk is a lot quieter. I also use supply leaders and they pick their crew to Pass out, pick up art envelopes, supplies etc. A student who had a bad absent record is in charge of bringing me absent students envelopes to help with quick attendance and he puts the date on the bottom. I tell him I cant do my job without him … nine weeks almost over … hasn’t missed a day / **
- http://www.theartofed.com/ Jessica Balsley
  
  Those are two amazing suggestions! Feeling like “YOU MATTER” as Angela Maiers would say, is one of the most important things for all humans. You are doing a wonderful job.