The Art of Education University https://theartofeducation.edu/ Professional Development for Art Teachers Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:16:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 https://theartofeducation.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-aoe_logo_mark_rgb-32x32.png The Art of Education University https://theartofeducation.edu/ 32 32 The Magic Of Rainbows: How They’re Formed and Why We Love Them https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/jul-the-magic-of-rainbows-how-theyre-formed-and-why-we-love-them/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 10:00:54 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=428614 Professional organizers bow down to the magic of a rainbow-organized bookshelf. Art teachers keep calm and arrange in rainbow order. Design expert, Jude Stewart, believes that “…seeing the entire range of hues is reassuring, and creates a calming meditative visual.” For many people, the surprise of a rainbow in the sky is a thrilling part […]

The post The Magic Of Rainbows: How They’re Formed and Why We Love Them appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Professional organizers bow down to the magic of a rainbow-organized bookshelf. Art teachers keep calm and arrange in rainbow order. Design expert, Jude Stewart, believes that “…seeing the entire range of hues is reassuring, and creates a calming meditative visual.” For many people, the surprise of a rainbow in the sky is a thrilling part of nature. Did you know many types of rainbows exist? Let’s dive deeper into why we love rainbows and how they work.

Let’s take a peek into the science of rainbows, rainbow variants, and why people (especially art teachers) love them so much!

art organization
@elementaryarts

The Thrill of the Hunt

Finding a four-leaf clover, revealing a mystery prize at the bottom of a cereal box, or spotting a rainbow is all about the thrill of the hunt. Conditions need to be perfect to see a rainbow so it’s not an everyday occurrence. Since 350 BC, rainbows have been the talk of the town—even Aristotle jotted down a few notes about them.

Did you ever hear the saying, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder?” We know a lot of art’s meaning comes from what the viewer brings to the table and rainbows are the same way! Met Office, the United Kingdom’s national meteorological service says, “Rainbows are formed when sunlight is scattered from raindrops into the eyes of an observer.” On top of this, the sun needs to be low in the sky, and rain or fog must be in front of the spectator. But have you ever wondered why rainbows are the famous arc shape? The University of Wisconsin-Madison explains rainbows are circular because the raindrops that create the rainbow are spherical.

crayons
https://stock.adobe.com/images/box-of-crayons-in-a-rainbow-of-colors-background/280938124

Types of Rainbows

Many art teachers love using rainbow imagery and color schemes, so get your rainbow knowledge badge today! National Geographic shares that rainbows can appear in more than the traditional arc form. Let’s take a peek at the different types of rainbows so we can truly be color experts.

Double Rainbow

This is when a second, usually faint, rainbow pops up above the main one. Light reflects twice inside of the rainbow and the second rainbow reverses the color order with violet on the outside arc.

double rainbow
https://pixabay.com/photos/double-rainbow-england-britain-rain-4942360/

Glow Rainbow

Light passes through raindrops instead of being reflected by them. As a result, the atmosphere appears to glow.

High-Order Rainbow

One higher-order rainbow is the tertiary rainbow. Since there are so many layers of reflection happening, these are very faint and hard to see.

Twinned Rainbow

Two rainbows come from a single endpoint.

twinned rainbow
https://epod.usra.edu/blog/2022/12/twinned-rainbow.html

Supernumerary Rainbow

These are usually found below the smallest arc of a rainbow. Supernumerary rainbows are thin and pastel.

supernumerary rainbow
https://www.globalweatherclimatecenter.com/weather-education/what-are-supernumerary-rainbows

Reflection and Reflected Rainbow

Reflection rainbows look like they stretch above the water whereas reflected rainbows appear directly on the water’s surface in an almond shape.

Red Rainbow

This one appears at sunrise or sunset when sunlight moves further into the atmosphere. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet have been scattered, leaving only reds.

red rainbow
https://i.redd.it/5ophbrwoyw451.jpg

Fogbow

Light is refracted and reflected by fog, so the rainbows are fainter in color.

fogbow rainbow
https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/learn-about/weather/optical-effects/rainbows/fogbow

Moonbow

Light reflected by the moon creates a dim rainbow.

moonbow
https://www.almanac.com/moonbows

The Speed of Color

Rainbows are an excellent way to teach how art and science go hand-in-hand. Gemstones and rocks are popular right now so pulling out a prism in class is an exciting attention-grabber. Prisms are usually made from glass or plastic and are transparent. One of the first people to figure out how prisms reflected light was the scientist, Isaac Newton. He held a light source up to a glass prism and gazed at the glorious rainbow. Buy a class set of triangular prisms and share this magic with your students!

Science also lets us see colors. The cones and cells in our eyes are sensitive to wavelengths in the visible spectrum. Ever wonder why the rainbow is in ROYGBIV order? Isaac Newton has the answer covered: each color of light inside the prism travels at different speeds and bends at a different angle. Then, the rainbow projects out of the other side of the prism in color order determined by the fastest to slowest color.

prism and rainbow

Rainbow Super-Fans

For visual learners like art teachers, rainbows are a colorful and happy way to organize. For those that embrace the unique life of an art teacher, rainbow-themed outfits can make students, fellow teachers, and parents smile whenever they see you.

rainbow outfits
@brightdaydesigns @mrshamisartroom @cassie_stephenz

Our littlest artists often naturally gravitate to drawing and coloring rainbows. As you are introducing the ROYGBIV color order with your youngest students, share this song written by Greg Crowther. Each lyric describes one of the colors in the rainbow. Use this song as a hook for a rainbow-themed project, like Sarah Krajewski’s macrame rainbows in her DITL episode, below.

The Earth creates natural phenomena that inspire scientists and artists alike. Rainbows are a beautiful, functional part of the world’s atmosphere. The next time weather conditions are perfect for a rainbow, take a moment to gaze at nature’s bounty. It’s almost as sweet as a pot full of gold coins! Bring your newfound rainbow expertise into your classroom and organize that large pile of books, paint, or paper in rainbow order. Create an interdisciplinary color theory lesson that merges science and art. Or, just. make a fun, rainbow-themed art project to teach a specific medium or skill. Whatever you decide, keep calm and rainbow on!

How do you introduce the rainbow to your students?

Are you an art teacher who embraces the rainbow-themed life? 

The post The Magic Of Rainbows: How They’re Formed and Why We Love Them appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Unplug with 12 Innovative Early Finisher Activities for the Secondary Art Room https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/mar-unplug-with-12-innovative-early-finisher-activities-for-the-secondary-art-room/ Wed, 13 Mar 2024 10:00:20 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=460327 It can be challenging to get the secondary art class into a creative groove, particularly with technology distractions. The default for many students is to scroll social media after they have completed their artwork. How can we redirect students and motivate them to dive deeper into their artistic practice? One way to do this is […]

The post Unplug with 12 Innovative Early Finisher Activities for the Secondary Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
It can be challenging to get the secondary art class into a creative groove, particularly with technology distractions. The default for many students is to scroll social media after they have completed their artwork. How can we redirect students and motivate them to dive deeper into their artistic practice? One way to do this is to introduce the Studio Habits of Mind (SHoM.) The SHoM is a framework that guides an artistic way of thinking and provides a set of routines, or habits, to support a consistent learning process. This encourages students to spend time and energy on their work. 

Harvard Project Zero states the eight studio habits of mind are as follows: 

  1. Develop Craft
  2. Engage & Persist
  3. Envision
  4. Express
  5. Observe
  6. Reflect
  7. Stretch & Explore
  8. Understand Art Worlds

Establishing these habits develops a classroom culture that values the artistic process. Moreover, students can continue to shape their art process even after completing their artwork. For more about the SHoM with practical application and resources, check out the Studio Habits of Mind in the Elementary Art Room Pack in PRO Learning. Although designed for elementary, it provides helpful overviews of each habit and several activities that will transfer well to high school.

Keep reading to discover 12 activities designed for high school early finishers. These activities will keep students engaged in continuous learning!

visual journaling spread

1. Construct a sticky note wall of Mini Masterpieces.

Display students’ creativity in a public space on a wall of Mini Masterpieces. Mini Masterpieces are sticky note drawings based on prompts. The smaller size is less daunting for students to draw on. Use provided prompts or adapt them to connect with what students are currently learning in your classroom. In addition, simple drawing prompts can help stimulate art creation and overcome the tendency to overthink. These finished masterpieces may even spark new inspiration for larger projects!

sticky notes

2. Supply students with coloring pages and Finish the Picture worksheets.

Contrary to popular belief, high schoolers love to color! As mentioned above, students often get into the habit of overthinking and then they get stuck. Academic course loads can be overwhelming for secondary students so activities that encourage a flow state are a welcome change of pace. Try coloring pages and Finish the Picture worksheets to spark new inspiration. Connect these activities to your curriculum by requiring specific shading techniques or color schemes. 

3. Recycle scrap paper and old artwork with a bookmark station.

Repurpose old artworks and scrap paper into bookmarks to reduce waste and allow students to create functional art! This activity encourages environmental consciousness and an opportunity to design. Bookmarks also make perfect gifts or inventory for an art club fundraiser. Cultivate positive community connections and donate them to the local library or retirement center.

scrap boxes

4. Create a fidget corner or mindful area.

At the elementary level, these areas serve as great calm-down spaces. The good news is that high schoolers enjoy them too! Use a fidget corner as a calm space to work on puzzles or a speed cube, or build with plastic building bricks. Like the coloring page idea above, this area offers students a much-needed mindful moment in their busy academic day.

5. Delegate students to help around the classroom.

Delegate tasks to maintain the studio space and teach students responsibility and teamwork. Many middle school and high school students love to help sort paper, hang artwork, or wash paintbrushes. These tasks promote ownership in the classroom and help complete your to-do list.

6. Select a list of photo prompts.

Use photo prompts as an early finisher activity for mess-free mobile art creation. Just like the Mini Masterpieces drawing prompts above, you can use a pre-made list or adjust it to incorporate the current seasons or holidays. In addition, photo challenges are a fun way to get students’ creativity flowing. Watch the video below for a way to implement and collect photos for a digital scavenger hunt.

7. Collect old magazines for a collage corner.

Dedicate a corner or space to collage creation with piles of old magazines and newspapers. Students can use these materials in their sketchbooks, visual journals, or new artworks. Secondary students love making collages and creating unique juxtapositions with images. For ways to spice up your students’ collage practice, watch The Basics of Collage Pack in PRO Learning

magazine collage

8. Add an origami station. 

Magazine paper also makes a great alternative to origami paper because it’s colorful and thin. Students who love to build and work with their hands often love this paper-folding process. Origami not only allows for hands-on exploration but also teaches patience and craftsmanship. Host an ongoing challenge to see who can compose the smallest and largest origami creations!

origami

9. Establish habits of visual journaling.

Visual journaling is a great tool to foster critical thinking skills like analysis, examination, evaluation, and reflection. They are a way to document the art process for secondary-level students’ portfolios. If you teach advanced courses such as AP or IB art, students are most likely required to work on and submit some form of a process portfolio or sketchbook. After an artwork is complete, the remaining class time is a prime opportunity to wrap up incomplete journal pages, add a few more to synthesize learning, and brainstorm fresh ideas for the next artwork!

visual journaling

10. Assemble an inspiration corner.

Put together an inspirational corner of art books, FLEX Curriculum artist bios, and social media trends in the art world. Break the monotony of screens and go old school with a library of physical resources students can flip through and explore. Invite students to contribute to this space to foster a sense of community. When students don’t know where to start on a project, you can also send them to this corner to jumpstart the ideation process.

11. Design a school community grid. 

Use the grid drawing process to create a large-scale community artwork. This approach can be a fun way to include the school community by making portraits of teachers or students of the month. Stylize the portrait to break it down into simple shapes and values that will be straightforward for students to replicate on their own. Break up the portrait into a grid and blow up each individual square before printing. Label the squares and provide corresponding blank squares of paper. Once all of the squares are complete, display the mural for the school community to see! 

community grid

12. Encourage collaboration with an interactive community artwork.

Why stop at your school community? Keep the fun going with your local community! Create a large-scale community artwork using white butcher paper. Ask local businesses or organizations if your students can create a custom banner for an upcoming event. Then, draw a large-scale black-and-white line drawing for your students to color. Depending on the event, you can swap this process—your students can create the line drawing design for the community to color in! 

drawing poster with marker

Early finisher activities are a great way for students to embrace the SHoM from the start to finish of class. The activity options provided above can all align with specific learning objectives if needed. Your secondary students may surprise you with their willingness to put down their devices and dive into these activities! However, if you are looking for a small boost of motivation, you can assess the activities with participation, self-assessment rubrics, or extra credit. Make every minute of class count in your art room with plastic building bricks, recycled artwork, pads of sticky notes, AOEU’s complimentary downloads, and more. Once you establish the SHoM in your classroom, your students won’t want to leave!

What are your favorite early finisher activities for the secondary art room?

How do you encourage a learning-centered environment and culture in your classroom? 

The post Unplug with 12 Innovative Early Finisher Activities for the Secondary Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
46 Early Finisher Activities to Boost Creativity in Your Elementary Art Room https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/jan-46-early-finisher-activities-to-boost-creativity-in-your-elementary-art-room/ Mon, 11 Mar 2024 10:00:21 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=460330 “I’m done! What do I do now?” You’ve heard it more times than you’d like to count. Around this eager, expectant learner is a sea of busy artists. You have another early finisher so you start racking your brain for extra things they can do. You need a system in place to keep the learning […]

The post 46 Early Finisher Activities to Boost Creativity in Your Elementary Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
“I’m done! What do I do now?” You’ve heard it more times than you’d like to count. Around this eager, expectant learner is a sea of busy artists. You have another early finisher so you start racking your brain for extra things they can do. You need a system in place to keep the learning going without losing your sanity!

Art teachers are constantly navigating how to work with students who learn and create at different paces. Developing a system for early finishers in the art room is crucial to making every minute in the art room as creative as possible. Whether you’re looking to refine your existing early finisher system or build it from the ground up, there are a few things to consider. Get started with the ideas below, and for a deeper dive, watch the Methods for Early Finishers Pack in PRO Learning or tune into the YouTube episode of Artfully Organized, featured below.

Streamline your early finisher system to enhance artistic output and learning. Make strategic changes to your approach for a more dynamic and purposeful structure. 

Effective early finisher systems require deliberate planning, ingenuity, and sensitivity to the diverse needs of your budding artists. Implement an approach that balances accessibility, engagement, and time management to nurture student creativity and productivity long after they wrap up an assignment. Optimize your system with the three considerations below.

1. Create a system that is easy to access, explain, and refresh.

Ensure students can readily access the materials and instructions without additional assistance. Keep the setup organized and labeled to allow for independent navigation. Design a system that enables you to easily swap out activities without re-teaching or re-explaining the procedures.

Make your early finisher activities visible, accessible, and manageable with:

2. Add speedbumps to encourage students to spend time on their work.

Incorporate “speedbump” activities into your standard end-of-project procedures to encourage students to invest ample time and effort into their artwork. Students are more likely to spend time on a project if there are extra steps required to check for “quality control” like craftsmanship. 

Ask students to complete one or all of these speedbumps:

  • Peer Feedback: Ask a friend what you can do to improve your work.
  • Clean Up: You left no trace of your artmaking on the table or floors.
  • Writing Assignment: Complete an exit ticket to capture your learning.

3. Provide activities based on the remaining class time to reduce mess and stress.

Tailor your activities to correspond to the amount of time remaining in class. This will ensure students engage meaningfully without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Offer a standard selection of 3-7-minute, zero-mess activities for shorter time frames. Reserve extended activities with more components for longer periods. Track the minutes left on a visible timer so students know which activities are available.

Add these quick, mess-free early finisher activities to your list:

Consider the three aspects above to help you thoughtfully orchestrate a conducive environment for your early finishers. Now that you’ve established an intentional system, it’s time to expand your activity repertoire. 

origami

Make every moment count in your art room with these early finisher activities perfect for elementary students. Nurture ongoing creativity through project extensions, drawing, art enrichment, technology, and creative play.

Project Extensions

  1. Add extra steps to the project.
    Experiment with diverse color schemes, unexpected textures, or alternative materials after completing the main task. Plan an extra step for every project.
  2. Set up a project with related content.
    Prompt students to create new artwork using the ideas, themes, or techniques they recently discovered. Predetermine the extension project or let students independently explore.
  3. Engage artists in a long-term side project.
    Introduce ongoing art endeavors for students to work on at their own pace, such as artist trading cards (see below) or an original comic book. These passion projects engage students in artmaking that interests them.

string contour

Drawing

  1. Curate drawing prompts.
    Instead of “How to Draw” books, students craft their own creative prompts and organize them by themes in binders for other students to access.
  2. Compose structure-free drawings with choice boards.
    Students generate imaginative ideas by pairing prompts with visuals. You can integrate themes from your curriculum.
  3. Collect a bag of objects to draw.
    Gather pinecones, shells, sunglasses, geodes, or reflective objects in a bag. Students pull an object from the bag and draw the mystery item.
  4. Enhance a contour drawing with string.
    Challenge students to do blind contour drawings of objects or classmates. Glue string over the contour lines.
  5. Add a spotlight for shadow drawing.
    Set up a spotlight on the edge of a flat surface. Students place a group of objects in front of it and then trace the shadows of the objects on their page.
  6. Print various Roll and Draw sheets.
    Provide a selection of Roll and Draw game sheets to dictate compositions. Include blank game sheets for students to create their own around a theme.
  7. Supply Finish the Picture worksheets.
    Give students a drawing sheet with a mark, shape, or partial drawing. Challenge students to incorporate the element into a completely new drawing with a background.
  8. Distribute stickers for a Stickermania Draw Fest.
    Supply a sticker sheet with 3-5 medium-size stickers. Add stickers to a sketchbook page and create a background or composition to integrate them.
  9. Facilitate optical illusion practice.
    Explore optical illusions with how-to guides. Practice each step to create an illusion. Then, incorporate it into a large design with color and value.
  10. Foster collaboration with a school mural.
    Set up a large sheet of paper for students to contribute small drawings or elements. Over time, it will become a unique and evolving artwork. Display it in a prominent spot as a collaborative mural.

texture plates

Art Enrichment

  1. Exchange artist trading cards.
    Design small artist trading cards (ATCs) to swap with peers. Make one to take home or make one to leave for another student!
  2. Feed into the folding craze with origami creations.
    Provide origami paper and instructions to create various paper sculptures or animals. Allow students to take their creations home or contribute to a large-scale collaborative piece.
  3. Collect stamps to create repetitive designs.
    Set out stamps and ink pads to create designs. Enhance the compositions with color.
  4. Experiment with texture plates.
    Introduce texture plates and stencils. Experiment to see how they add depth and visual interest.
  5. Create a mood board to describe feelings.
    Identify a specific emotion or theme and represent it with a mood board.  The mood board can be a collage of images, colors, and words.
  6. Set up hula hoops for weaving collaborative textiles.
    Transform hula hoops into giant circle looms to collaboratively practice fundamental weaving techniques. Explore how to teach this skill in the Basic Weaving Techniques Pack in PRO Learning.
  7. Create friendship bracelets.
    Explore the craft of jewelry making! Design and make unique pieces using beads and string to share with friends.
  8. Introduce fashion design with outfits of the day (OOTD.)
    Print appropriate models for students to draw outfits on. Add fabric swatches, ribbons, and sequins for students to cut and paste onto their designs.
  9. Engage your students in art history with an Art History Remix.
    Inspire students to replicate famous paintings with a unique interpretation or modern spin.
  10. Instill artistic behavior with cleaning tasks.
    Create a list of tasks to choose from to practice responsibility and ownership, both facets of the artistic practice.

stop motion rainbow

Technology

  1. Film a stop-motion animation.
    Use materials like paper, scissors, glue, or playdough to create scenes. Snap photographs and compile them into short stop-motion films. Explore stop-motion techniques in FLEX Curriculum’s The Art of Stop-Motion Animation Collection.
  2. Simplify animation with interactive flipbooks.
    Supply sticky notes or cut scrap paper to make a flipbook depicting sequences or stories. Students can film their flipbooks to animate their work.
  3. Collect props for art history parodies.
    Recreate famous paintings in real-life parodies using available dress-up materials and props. Capture the scene by taking a picture of their reproduction.
  4. Introduce coding concepts with pixel art.
    Color in squares on graph paper to create pixelated designs or make a digital version. Discover more basic coding ideas in the Introducing Coding with Art Collection from FLEX Curriculum.
  5. Curate YouTube art tutorials for your students.
    Offer a selection of art tutorial videos for students to watch. The Art for Kids Hub is a great channel to start with!
  6. Spread positivity with poster messages.
    Design posters with positive messages to explore composition and lettering. Print the posters and hang them in your classroom.
  7. Create digital DIY coloring sheets.
    Utilize a drawing app to create personalized digital art coloring sheets. Digitally share designs or print them out!
  8. Send on a virtual scavenger hunt.
    Search for artworks matching specific criteria, such as abstract, still life, or contains multiple patterns. For detailed instructions, see the Virtual Scavenger Hunt Lesson in FLEX Curriculum.
  9. Snap themed portraits in pairs.
    Provide props and supplies to curate characters and make quick backgrounds. Students collaborate to arrange themed portraits. Document with a photo.
  10. Combine gaming and art with PBS Kids Art Games.
    Explore games that integrate artistic thinking, imagination, and creation with various known and loved characters. Learn how to structure this and other activities in the Methods for Early Finishers Pack in PRO Learning.

wooden craft sticks

Creative Play

  1. Set up a sensory table or bin.
    Tap into the sensory needs of your youngest learners and open a sensory station. Add sand or rice to give students a tactile, stress-relieving outlet.
  2. Provide magnetic shapes for mosaics.
    Create mosaics using magnetic materials to explore patterns and designs.
  3. Decorate wooden craft sticks.
    Pre-draw designs on craft sticks. Students match pre-drawn patterns, create their own patterns by arranging the sticks, or draw their own sticks.
  4. Explore playdough.
    Provide playdough, rolling pins, wood or plastic clay tools, cookie cutters, and small toys.
  5. Paint objects in ROYGBIV colors for a rainbow sort.
    Gather diverse objects of various colors. Students sort them into rainbow sequences to enhance color recognition and organizational skills.
  6. Prepare clipboards for beading practice.
    Clamp pipe cleaners onto a clipboard and give students a bucket of assorted beads. String beads on the pipe cleaners to practice fine motor skills.
  7. Collect items for found object sculptures.
    Accumulate found objects such as buttons, cardboard scraps, and bottle caps. Construct small sculptures using these items.
  8. Create a Makerspace for design challenges.
    Issue challenges to integrate design thinking and pop culture. For five tips on how to set up Makerspace activities, review the Methods for Early Finishers Pack in PRO Learning.
  9. Furnish your room with assorted building manipulatives.
    Provide blocks, magnetic tiles, marble run kits, interconnecting pieces, and other similar toys. Students construct and manipulate to foster spatial awareness and critical problem-solving.
  10. Stock up on art games and puzzles.
    Introduce games and puzzles for a fun way to reinforce skills like color theory or imaginative drawing.

Restructure your early finisher system and add to your arsenal of activities with the lists of ideas above. In doing so, you will transform spare moments into opportunities for continued artistic exploration in your art room. Long-term side projects, Stickermania Draw Fests, hula hoop weaving, stop-motion animation, and magnetic mosaics all serve as catalysts for deeper creativity and skill development. Establishing an early finisher system will make your classroom run smoother and the artmaking will continue until cleanup. Get ready because you won’t hear the “What do I do now?” question anytime soon!

How do you structure activities for early finishers in your elementary art room?

What new early-finisher activities will you add to your classroom?

The post 46 Early Finisher Activities to Boost Creativity in Your Elementary Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
15 Genius Ways to Advocate for Your Art Program During Youth Art Month (YAM) https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/mar-15-genius-ways-to-advocate-for-your-art-program-by-participating-in-youth-art-month-yam/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 11:00:16 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=461574 There’s a month to celebrate and recognize all sorts of causes including things like jazz, ice cream, and even bikes. Did you know there’s a month to celebrate art education too? Youth Art Month (YAM) is the advocacy platform you didn’t know you needed. Intentionally focus this month on fostering a community that recognizes the […]

The post 15 Genius Ways to Advocate for Your Art Program During Youth Art Month (YAM) appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
There’s a month to celebrate and recognize all sorts of causes including things like jazz, ice cream, and even bikes. Did you know there’s a month to celebrate art education too? Youth Art Month (YAM) is the advocacy platform you didn’t know you needed. Intentionally focus this month on fostering a community that recognizes the profound impact of visual art on student development, including the 21st-century skills students need to thrive today. There are so many creative ways to highlight what you are already doing in your classroom to advocate for the visual arts and your program.

students viewing lights

Celebrate the power of the arts in a focused, fun way that your students will love!

Youth Art Month (YAM) is a nationally recognized program administered by the Council for Art Education (CFAE). Its goal is to garner support for quality art education in schools. Typically observed in March, YAM aims to encourage the expansion of art programs, stimulate new initiatives, and enhance community understanding and interest in art education. By participating in YAM, you can celebrate the creative achievements of your students and contribute to nationwide advocacy for the indispensable role of art education.

Here are three reasons why The Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI) started Youth Art Month in 1961:

  1. To recognize that art education is essential to developing global citizens.
  2. To encourage commitment to the arts by students, community organizations, and individuals everywhere.
  3. To provide additional opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in creative art learning.

Many states actively participate through diverse initiatives, such as the Flag and Banner Program, the Artwork Program, and the Year In Review Report. These endeavors contribute to YAM’s mission of promoting visual arts for all K -12 students. To celebrate YAM, connect with your state YAM Chairperson to learn about statewide YAM activities. You can also plan your own activities to promote visual art in your community.

heart artwork

Showcase the value of quality art education in your classroom, school, and community.

Use YAM as the powerful platform it is to recognize the invaluable skills cultivated through arts experiences. These skills encompass problem-solving, creativity, observation, and communication, and are pivotal in students’ holistic development. Advocate for your art program through fun YAM events and activities in your classroom, school, and community with the ideas below.

student at art show

In Your Classroom

You champion art education daily in your art room because you know and believe in the benefits of art education. During Youth Art Month, turn the tables and have your students explore and articulate these benefits. Add activities to help them appreciate the real-life skills they are learning in your class and make meaningful global connections. Prominently display artwork, student reflections, and photos of your artists at work as a visual testament to your program’s impact. 

Here are five activities to try in your classroom:

  1. Incorporate art challenges or art games to foster creativity and engagement.
  2. Encourage students to express themselves through a theme, such as the annual YAM theme or the overarching “Art Matters” theme.
  3. Invite a local artist to share their expertise and insights with your students.
  4. Design a YAM flag or banner to celebrate the importance of art and instill a sense of pride and community.
  5. Host a virtual art night or open house to get families in the art room.

students painting mural

In Your School

To bring your enthusiasm for art education to other classrooms in your building, rely on your connections with fellow educators, administrators, and parents. Gather a core group of invested supporters to brainstorm ways to collaborate with the school community. Work together to hype up art activities and events to turn YAM into an unforgettable event that your school will look forward to all year long.

Here are five ways to celebrate in your school:

  1. Organize an Art Career Fair to expose your students to diverse artistic career opportunities.
  2. Dedicate a week to Art History and organize schoolwide activities like an iconic artist dress-up day.
  3. Take your artmaking into communal school spaces like hallways, the courtyard, or the library.
  4. Set up a unique gallery experience, such as a virtual exhibition, an art tunnel installation, or a miniature gallery.
  5. Showcase student talent through a live demonstration or public presentation at a significant event like an assembly or staff meeting.

students looking at art in museum

In Your Community

Once you start looking, it’s surprising how many art champions you can find in your community. Tap into the natural networks around you such as the PTA/PTO, your local art museum or arts council, and public library. Ask your community leaders and art enthusiasts to host and fund art events and activities to showcase your students and connect the whole town.

Here are five events to organize in your community:

  1. Display student art in a local business.
  2. Organize a public art installation
  3. Create artwork to donate to or raise funds in support of a specific community cause.
  4. Use current art students or alumni in the art field to lead art workshops.
  5. Share your events and activities on social media or contact the local press to garner more attention and support.

Youth Art Month (YAM) is a dynamic tool to advocate and celebrate art education in your classroom, school, and the broader community. Take advantage of the month to foster creativity through art challenges or games in your classroom, extend the impact by organizing an art career fair, or elevate your program’s visibility with a public art installation. While arts advocacy is key all year long, YAM is an opportunity to gain momentum and support from others doing the same thing in their classrooms, schools, and communities across the nation. Don’t waste another day this month—use your passion for visual art and art education to fuel art appreciation and awareness that “Art Matters!”

How do you celebrate Youth Art Month in your classroom, school, and community?

What do you do to advocate for your art program on a regular basis?

The post 15 Genius Ways to Advocate for Your Art Program During Youth Art Month (YAM) appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
3 Ancient Architectural Marvels to Teach and How to Teach Them Now https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/mar-3-ancient-architectural-marvels-to-teach-now-and-how-to-teach-them/ Wed, 06 Mar 2024 11:00:16 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=459532 The past shapes today—how we live, where we live, and what we eat have slowly changed over time. Even our modes of transportation evolved from feet to animals to buggies to gas-powered vehicles and now to electric ones. We live in a rapidly changing world and it’s important to stop, slow down, and marvel at […]

The post 3 Ancient Architectural Marvels to Teach and How to Teach Them Now appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
The past shapes today—how we live, where we live, and what we eat have slowly changed over time. Even our modes of transportation evolved from feet to animals to buggies to gas-powered vehicles and now to electric ones. We live in a rapidly changing world and it’s important to stop, slow down, and marvel at how far we have come! Plus, it’s fascinating to notice the ways we have not changed despite technological innovations. The drive to create structures, sculptures, and depictions of our daily lives transcends time. It’s essential to look back and see the bigger picture to fully appreciate the architecture of the past and present.

Take a look at the three archaeological marvels below. Then, bring the practical art room applications to your students to spread appreciation and awareness of how far we’ve come!

1. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

angkor wat

Why should I teach this?

Angkor Wat is a 400-acre hand-constructed architectural wonder of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia and a few miles from the modern bustling city of Siem Reap. It’s primarily a religious temple consisting of thousands of buildings, surrounded by a large moat. The reliefs on the temple walls show a shift in religious practices from its origins as a Hindu temple to a Buddhist site. Today, Buddhist monks still practice religion in the temples. Souvenirs and food stands are available nearby which boosts the commerce economy. These ruins give visitors a glimpse into religious traditions, an engineered water system, and architecture inspired by India. Because many ruins still lay undiscovered in the dense Cambodian jungle, Angkor Wat feels like a real-life treasure hunt!

How do I teach this?

Introduce this marvel during a relief sculpture unit and show the bas-reliefs in the temple. Compare and contrast them with other bas-relief sculptures such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and the Parthenon in Greece. Then, students create their own relief sculpture with cardboard. Check out the Sculpting with Cardboard or Integrating Sculpture Collections in FLEX Curriculum for several low-relief ideas.

angkor wat relief
https://www.alamy.com/bas-relief-sculpture-in-the-angkor-wat-temple-near-siem-reap-in-cambodia-image354538081.html

2. The Great Wall, China

great wall
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/10-things-to-know-about-the-great-wall-of-china/8wXxFCy7pu2HWA

Why should I teach this?

The Great Wall of China showcases perseverance and how to use architecture as a massive military defense. It is the largest man-made build in the world, measuring over 12,427 feet long. Starting in 220 B.C., China’s emperors spent 2,000 years to build it to protect their territories. Because it took so long to construct, many styles and materials are present. This landmark also includes horse tracks, watch towers, shelters, fortresses, and passes.

How do I teach this?

  • Compare and contrast the Wall with other walls in history such as the Berlin Wall, the West Bank Barrier, the Theodosian Walls of Constantinople, the Walls of Ston, Hadrian’s Wall, or Zimbabwe’s Great Enclosure. Discuss location, time period, materials, purpose, building process, and style.
  • Share the legend of Lady Mengjiang to captivate students. Lady Mengjiang’s husband left to build the Great Wall and he never returned. She went to bring him warm winter clothes, but by the time the news reached her, he already passed away. The story says she wept so bitterly that part of the wall collapsed.
  • Facilitate an architectural challenge. Save up thin cardboard boxes such as cereal and tissue boxes. Each student designs a section of a “bridge” or “wall” to form one long structure as a class. Students use scissors and cardboard attachment methods to construct their sections and add details such as handrails, brick designs, and tunnels.

great wall
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/18/touring-the-great-wall-of-china-day-trip-ideas.html

3. Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

pyramids
https://www.livescience.com/22621-pyramids-giza-sphinx.html

Why should I teach this?

These massive monuments are relics of the ancient Egyptian world and are almost 4,500 years old. Each features almost impossible geometric perfection. Three main pyramids are on the Giza plateau and took 300 years to construct. Each pyramid’s design and artifacts give an anthropological view into the lives of Egyptians at the time.

Just like the other two architectural marvels above, no one quite knows the mechanics behind the construction. Workers carried blocks, probably limestone, from the quarry to the construction sites without the aid of heavy machinery. What a feat! Plus, its craftsmanship and engineering reign supreme. The Great Pyramid was the tallest structure in the world for thousands of years, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and is the only Wonder standing today.

How do I teach this?

  • Tell students to add these pyramids to their future bucket lists! Once in Egypt, it’s inexpensive for an adult to book a ticket to visit the Great Pyramids. Alternatively, students can visit with a virtual tour.
  • Check out the Exploring Architecture or 3D Engineering Collections in FLEX Curriculum for lesson ideas with step-by-step instructions and student-facing resources.

sphynx
https://artsandculture.google.com/story/0QUR6Al8tmmJeQ

Ancient architecture holds incredible history, mysteries, and sheer creative feats. Acknowledging the past helps us understand how far we have come as artists, innovators, and human beings. From Cambodia’s overgrown jungle temples to China’s lengthy stone wall and Egypt’s geometric stone pyramids, each landmark tells a rich story about the people of the time. Each site features diverse architectural styles. Each structure allows present and future generations to see what human hands are capable of. Looking to the past is a great inspiration so get creative in the classroom by bringing ancient architecture to your students now!

What architectural wonder do you love to share with your students?

How does incorporating architecture and archaeology benefit your students?

The post 3 Ancient Architectural Marvels to Teach and How to Teach Them Now appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
6 Helpful Tips for General Ed Teachers Transitioning to the Art Room https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/03/mar-7-helpful-tips-for-general-ed-teachers-transitioning-to-the-art-room/ Mon, 04 Mar 2024 11:00:44 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=461259 Are you a general education teacher thinking about leaping into the world of art education? Or are you a newly crowned art teacher with a non-traditional art background? Taking on this journey requires support and a willingness to embrace a hands-on curriculum. Even if you do not have formal art education training, you can harness […]

The post 6 Helpful Tips for General Ed Teachers Transitioning to the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Are you a general education teacher thinking about leaping into the world of art education? Or are you a newly crowned art teacher with a non-traditional art background? Taking on this journey requires support and a willingness to embrace a hands-on curriculum. Even if you do not have formal art education training, you can harness your previous classroom experiences in the art room. Entering the world of art education is a colorful journey with endless possibilities!

We asked for your best advice and you delivered! (1, 2, 3) If you’re not already, follow along on social media so you don’t miss the next opportunity to share your wisdom with the art teacher community.

If you’re a general education teacher who made the exciting leap into the art room, keep reading for tips and resources to help ease your transition.

art supplies

1. Research the requirements to teach art in your state.

Every state’s teaching requirements vary. While some states may not require a specific certification, it’s a good idea to double-check just to be safe. Knowing the requirements will ensure you make sound decisions as you’re getting started.

Check out your state’s requirements!

Here are some helpful resources to guide your research:

yay art note

2. Attend conferences to build connections with other art teachers. 

Art education conferences offer a variety of workshops and presentations. Plus, the good news is that many districts cover the cost of attending. The most common in-person conferences are national and state, each held once a year. If you’re looking for a virtual option, sign up for the next NOW Conference, held twice a year. Conferences highlight the latest art room teaching strategies and art techniques. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other art teachers of all experience levels! Use these connections to begin building a network of support and collaboration. 

Learn more about the art education conference experience with the links below:

artmaking landscape painting

3. Hone in on your artistic skills and embrace your artistic practice.

Using your art skills and getting to make a lot of art is one of the joys of teaching visual art! You get to use your abilities to make examples, demo techniques, and help students improve their art skills. If you are completely new to teaching or making art, consider attending art workshops or classes to gain confidence with the content you teach. Set aside time each week to practice and create. The best way to learn when it comes to art is to dive in and explore without the pressure of completing anything.

Here are some ways to ignite your creative side:

sketchbook with water pen

4. Develop your portfolio through community outreach.

A portfolio is any body of work and can be student work or your own. Often, your principal or art supervisor will want to see both! A collection of student artwork showcases your art teaching skills. Documentation of your personal artwork shows your passion and specific skill sets. This can be a physical binder or a digital website or presentation. If you’re not in the art room yet or the portfolio concept is new to you, there are still many ways to build a portfolio.

Gain student work for your portfolio with these methods:

Remember to take tons of photos and videos of students working and their completed artwork! You can also include photos of how you set up the artmaking space and displayed student work. Be sure to follow your organization’s guidelines for permissions around sharing students and their work.

Compile personal artwork for your portfolio with the ideas in the previous section. Experiment with a variety of mediums and subject matter. Teaching art requires a vast repertoire of skills and knowledge so it’s good to dabble in a bit of everything. Document your process and artwork for your portfolio.  

sketchbook flowers

5. Understand the unique challenges of classroom management in the art room.

Art rooms are unique! They are often more complex than other content areas because of the sheer amount of supplies, tools, and processes. Although managing an art room well requires extra considerations, there are many aspects that can carry over from a general education classroom. Setting and consistently reinforcing clear expectations and routines is key to a smooth class period. Plus, building relationships with students is vital to a classroom culture of respect and cultivating a safe space. Take a look at the YouTube mini-series below, Run the Art Room, as Keisha Casiano equips you with tips and tricks to add to your classroom management toolkit.

Discover art-specific classroom management strategies with the resources below:

6. Learn from experienced art teachers.

The best way to get better at teaching is to see other veteran art teachers in action. Take the novel things you notice and apply them to your classroom and teaching practice. It’s a process of trial and error; if it works, keep it, and if it bombs, tweak it or try something else. Remember that what works well for one teacher may not transfer well to another situation. If you are the only art teacher in your building or district, or you want to branch out beyond the networks you already have, watch the YouTube series, A Day in the Life of an Art Teacher to “virtually” observe other teachers across the globe!

Take a look at some other ways to connect with veteran art teachers:

sitting in a circle with sketchbooks

Finding certification requirements, learning art techniques, and establishing new networks are not for the faint of heart. Use your prior knowledge and these tips to start your new creative journey strong! Teaching art has many unique challenges when it comes to classroom management, so sit back and relax by making a lot of art with your students. Enjoy having a job where you can exercise your creative muscles in new ways every single day! Use this time to hone your artistic skills, practice, and develop a portfolio. Before you know it, you’ll be the seasoned pro the next general education teacher comes to for advice about transitioning to the art room.

If you’re eager to learn more, check out these additional resources as you make the leap into the art room:

What advice do you have for general education teachers going into art education?

How did your classroom management techniques from the general education classroom transfer to the art room? 

The post 6 Helpful Tips for General Ed Teachers Transitioning to the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Love Letters: 3 Amazing Ways to Integrate Calligraphy, Cursive, and Typography https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/feb-love-letters-3-amazing-ways-to-integrate-calligraphy-cursive-and-typography/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:00:21 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=459795 It’s the season of love—so let’s talk about love letters in your classroom! In our digital world, handwritten cards and notes are becoming scarce. However, nothing beats the sentiment of a handwritten note. Plus, handwriting is still a key skill our students need to thrive! It enhances fine motor skills, aids with clear communication, cultivates […]

The post Love Letters: 3 Amazing Ways to Integrate Calligraphy, Cursive, and Typography appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
It’s the season of love—so let’s talk about love letters in your classroom! In our digital world, handwritten cards and notes are becoming scarce. However, nothing beats the sentiment of a handwritten note. Plus, handwriting is still a key skill our students need to thrive! It enhances fine motor skills, aids with clear communication, cultivates appreciation and kindness, preserves tradition, and builds community. Grab an ink pen and come explore the history of love notes. We’ll dive into how to use them in your art room with calligraphy, cursive, and typography to make learning dreamy and meaningful! 

Where did our love story with love letters begin? 

Our love story with handwritten treasures dates back centuries. They were a way to communicate raw emotion and intimacy. Much like a piece of art, they also reflected the passions and values of the lovers. While we have grown accustomed to our era of instant communication, there’s a growing nostalgia for the tangible, sentimental, and personal. We see this in the rise of handwritten wedding invitations carefully and beautifully scripted by calligraphers. Calligraphy and cursive writing are experiencing a revival as people enroll in workshops to master these skills. We see calligraphy on home decor, custom shop signs, and graphic brand designs. In embracing the loveliness of handwritten letters and the artistry of calligraphy, we find a noteworthy (pun intended) reminder of the power of personal connection.

Your students will fall head over heels for calligraphy, cursive, and typography with the list of ideas below!

handwriting drills

Calligraphy: Skills for Our Students and Their Minds

The angle and pressure at which an ink pen meets the paper’s surface are essential for creating thick and thin strokes in calligraphy. Achieving consistency in letter size, slant, and spacing is a hallmark of a skilled calligrapher. Mastery in calligraphy requires practice and refinement. This teaches students control, sharpens fine motor skills, and encourages students to slow down. Students can still learn these skills without fancy calligraphy pens—imitate the look of calligraphy and double up your downstrokes to make them thicker. Calligraphy isn’t just about beautiful writing—it can also be a calming and peaceful escape from the fast-paced busyness of life. If you desire a calm classroom full of focused students, keep reading for addicting exercises!

Calligraphy Activities:

  • Love Letters
    Students write a love letter to express their gratitude to a person who is important to them. Use calligraphic elements to add a special touch. This can be with the recipient’s name on the envelope or their signature at the close of the letter. 
  • Affirmation and Encouragement Notes
    Students write short,
    positive messages in calligraphy. This boosts confidence and spreads joy to others. Give these to specific people or post them anonymously on the bathroom mirrors.

ink pens

Cursive: A Lost Art Rediscovered

Cursive writing is another hidden treasure! Some districts removed or displaced cursive from the curriculum. Plus, with the increase in typing and digital assignments, cursive was simply forgotten. However, we are so glad cursive is making a comeback! Recent studies found that practicing cursive handwriting can have a positive impact on retention and comprehension. It requires more brain activity to connect the letters in a continuous flow and it shows children as they write how letters and sounds come together. Reignite your love for cursive with the activities below!

Cursive Activities:

  • Artist Signature
    Students learn how to write their name in cursive to create their own artist signature. They can practice their signatures by signing each others’ sketchbooks, much like a yearbook signing. Students replicate their official signature on their next finished piece!
  • Short Story Illustration
    Students write and illustrate a short story. Use cursive to exaggerate certain sounds, words, or phrases in the text. 
  • Artist Love Letters
    Students write heartfelt love letters to their favorite artist, past or present, in cursive.
  • Reflective Journaling
    Students journal to reflection prompts in their sketchbooks using cursive. This practice combines self-expression,
    writing skills, and reflection. 

calligraphy practice sheet

Typography: A Bridge Between Tradition and Technology

In the realm of art education, typography emerges as a dynamic and essential component of modern design. It acts as a bridge and connects the rich traditions of handwritten communication with the digital age of expression. Typography goes beyond fonts and styles and can evoke expression and emotion. Understanding typography is pivotal for art educators seeking to empower their students with versatile visual communication skills. For more ways to infuse typography into your curriculum, try the Integrating Graphic Design Collection in FLEX Curriculum or enroll in the Studio: Graphic Design course. 

Typography Activities:

  • Typography Posters
    Students create visually striking posters using typography as the primary element. Experiment with fonts, sizes, and colors to convey emotion or deliver a powerful message.
  • Digital Love Letters
    Students compose digital love letters, using typography to enhance the visual appeal and emotional impact. This activity combines the art of typography with the sentiment of traditional love letters.
  • Positive and Negative Shape Collages
    Introduce students to Robert Indiana to see how words can become imagery. Students cut out letters and words from magazines or printed materials to create typographic collages. Focus on positive and negative space, shape, and balance. 
  • Text Portraits
    Students compose
    portraits using only text. Create value and depth with thicker and thinner fonts and vary the size and number of layers. 

digital drawing on a tablet

We cherish calligraphy, cursive, and typography because each offers unique avenues for expressing love and admiration. From the soothing strokes of calligraphy to the timeless elegance of cursive and the dynamic versatility of typography, these skills and art forms can enrich our curriculums. Nurture these delicate traditions to instill in your students appreciation and culture. Encourage a new generation of calligraphers, cursive writers, and typographers to share their stories, express their love, and leave their mark on the world, one beautifully crafted word at a time. 

How can you use love letters to enhance your curriculum?

Share what you and your students love about calligraphy, cursive, and typography!

The post Love Letters: 3 Amazing Ways to Integrate Calligraphy, Cursive, and Typography appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Embracing the Magic: A Love Letter to Pinhole Photography in the Art Room https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/feb-embracing-the-magic-a-love-letter-to-pinhole-photography-in-the-art-room/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 11:00:15 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=460052 Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with your students.  Are you searching for a way to engage students amidst the constant stimulation from technology, devices, and screens? If your students love to snap photos with their Chromebook or phone, introduce them to […]

The post Embracing the Magic: A Love Letter to Pinhole Photography in the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with your students. 

Are you searching for a way to engage students amidst the constant stimulation from technology, devices, and screens? If your students love to snap photos with their Chromebook or phone, introduce them to pinhole photography! Pinhole photography is a great way to tie something students love with innovation and science. Keep reading to discover what pinhole photography is and why it’s so special.

pinhole camera and students

Let’s take a look at what pinhole photography is, if you really need a darkroom or not, and five reasons pinhole photography is an art form of love!

What is pinhole photography?

First, let’s talk about what a pinhole camera is and where it originated from. The camera obscura, Latin for “dark room,” is a perfect art history component to introduce with pinhole photography. The camera obscura was the first drawing aid used by artists in the old days. In a nutshell, a camera obscura is a darkroom with a small opening. The opening allows light into the “room,” which then projects the outside world onto the surface on the opposing side. The image will be inverted because light travels in a straight line.

A pinhole camera is a camera obscura with film material inside to record the image. Students can make pinhole cameras out of everyday items. Pinhole photography is a basic form of taking pictures using a simple camera without a lens. Instead of a lens, it has a tiny hole that lets light in. This light creates an upside-down image on a special light-sensitive paper inside the camera. It’s a hands-on and creative way to make unique, often dreamy-looking photos. 

pinhole photo of students

What if I don’t have a darkroom?

If you don’t have a darkroom or cameras, there are many ways you can incorporate photography into your art room. However, if you are passionate about keeping darkroom photography alive—set one up! While darkrooms can take a lot of extra love, care, and attention, they are easier to get up and running than you think. Two big factors to consider before converting your space are proper disposal of chemicals and ventilation to the outside to remove fumes. If you are worried about the toxicity of darkroom chemistry and the environmental impact, use non-toxic substitutes!

Building a temporary darkroom space may seem daunting, but it’s not impossible! My storage closet goes through a conversion each year for this unit. The reward of seeing the joy and excitement on students’ faces is well worth the prep and planning! See what a darkroom photography class looks like in the Day in the Life of an Art Teacher episode with Tasha Newton, below.

1. Breaks the monotony of digital devices.

The quick and straightforward process of digital photography can become monotonous to students. The instant gratification of digital photography can lead to a sense of routine and predictability. There is no mystery to the final product with digital photography. Traditional methods of photography, including pinhole photography, provide a sense of surprise and anticipation. Pinhole photography builds the ownership and investment that goes into taking a single photograph. Students crave the hands-on experience of constructing a pinhole camera and developing their own prints in the darkroom!

pinhole camera and phone

2. Makes cross-curricular connections.

There are a multitude of cross-curricular opportunities with pinhole photography. The study of pinhole photography crosses over to history, science, and math. The camera obscura is a perfect way to incorporate history as students investigate how artists used it as a drawing aid to render perspective views. If you have a window in your classroom, the entire classroom can be transformed into a camera obscura with basic materials. Show the work of Abelardo Morel who is utilizing historical methods to create art today. 

cityscape on wall
https://www.abelardomorell.net/selectedworks/camera-obscura

3. Encourages patience and resilience. 

The immediate nature of digital photography encourages an attitude of instant gratification. Pinhole photography makes students slow down and fall in love with the process of making a photograph. Creating a good exposure from a pinhole camera can be trial and error due to variables like weather and lighting. The problem-solving and experimentation to achieve a properly exposed print engages students’ curiosity and critical thinking skills.

Have a camera already tested for light leaks and exposure times before the lesson. Create the camera and test it or purchase one in advance. This will dip students’ toes in with a quick win to generate excitement. Once students have their exposures nailed, they can push their creativity further by exploring multiple exposures or ghost prints using their own pinhole cameras. 

pinhole worksheet and photo

4. Embraces the power of simplicity.

Aside from darkroom chemistry and paper film, the pinhole camera only requires basic materials to construct. Take a few minutes to find these materials—they’re probably already in your classroom! Watch students’ jaws drop in awe when they see how to make a photograph with just a few simple things. What’s not to love about simplicity?

pinhole supplies

Here are the materials you’ll need:

  • Light-tight box or container (Cell phone boxes or gift boxes with lids are the best!)
  • Aluminum sheets, pie pans, or empty cans
  • Small needle or push pin
  • Scissors
  • Black tape
  • Matte black spray paint or paint
  • Fine grit sandpaper

Here are the steps to build a pinhole camera:

  1. Prepare the container.
    Paint the inside and outside with black matte spray paint to make the interior light-tight.
  2. Prepare the container lid.
    Cut a small square opening in the center of the container’s removable lid or on the side of your container.
  3. Make the pinhole.
    Pierce a small hole in a piece of black matte construction paper or aluminum for the “lens.” 
  4. Attach the pinhole.
    From the inside of the container, line up and tape the pinhole to the small square opening just cut.
  5. Create the shutter.
    Place a small piece of black tape on the outside of the pinhole to act as the shutter. 

Here are the steps to load and develop a print: 

  1. Load the paper.
    In the darkroom or under a darkroom light, load the photo paper into the pinhole camera and position it opposite the pinhole.
  2. Seal the camera.
    In the darkroom, seal the container and lid tightly with black tape to make it light-tight.
  3. Capture an image.
    Go outside in daylight and steadily point the pinhole camera towards your subject. Remove the tape from the pinhole to expose the photo paper to light.
  4. Develop the paper.
    In the darkroom, remove the photo paper and develop it in the developer solution.
  5. Fix and rinse.
    Follow the development process with a stop bath, fixing, and rinsing to make the image permanent.
  6. Dry and examine.
    Dry the image. The image will be a negative, but if you want to make a positive print, use an enlarger or contact printing to expose it to another piece of photo paper. 

5. Keeps darkroom photography alive!

Developing pinhole photographs may be the only opportunity students have to experience using a darkroom. Many students’ limited darkroom knowledge comes from shows or movies. Use the darkroom for an enjoyable, immersive, and hands-on way to introduce students to the old-fashioned process of making photographs. 

darkroom timer

There is a lot to love about pinhole photography! Instead of snapping a photo with a click of a button, students can experience what it is like to take a photograph from start to finish. This lovely art form can overlap with math, science, and history to create the perfect cross-curricular lesson. Students will naturally be more engaged and motivated with their learning as they experiment, dabble in chemistry, and focus on making something with their hands. Make pinhole cameras your next unit to bring the magic and joy of this historical process to your students!

Here are two additional resources to build your photography confidence:

  1. Creative Approaches to Beginning Photography Pack in PRO Learning
  2. Studio: Photography Course

How will you incorporate pinhole photography into your classroom?

Share your favorite photography unit! 

The post Embracing the Magic: A Love Letter to Pinhole Photography in the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
A Love Letter to Yarn: 5 Reasons Why Art Teachers Are Obsessed https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/feb-a-love-letter-to-yarn-5-reasons-why-art-teachers-are-obsessed/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 11:00:27 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=459463 There’s something so appealing about yarn! The colors, textures, and artistic possibilities have art teachers wandering down the yarn aisle every time they’re at the craft store. Before you know it, you have a cart full of yarn to add to your collection. Yarn draws students and art teachers alike, making it a “go-to” fun […]

The post A Love Letter to Yarn: 5 Reasons Why Art Teachers Are Obsessed appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
There’s something so appealing about yarn! The colors, textures, and artistic possibilities have art teachers wandering down the yarn aisle every time they’re at the craft store. Before you know it, you have a cart full of yarn to add to your collection. Yarn draws students and art teachers alike, making it a “go-to” fun medium in the art room.

Yarn can be a staple supply in a fibers unit—but it doesn’t have to be! There are many other inventive ways to use yarn. Check out five fiber art projects from Sarah Krajewski in the video below and many other neat ideas in the rest of the article!

Let’s explore five reasons why art teachers love yarn!

1. Tactile

Using yarn is a tactile experience. Yarn can be fuzzy, velvety, or even bumpy! Its soft, squishy texture makes it appealing. Students enjoy handling it and weaving it through looms to make tapestries. Every once in a while you may find a student using a yarn skein as a pillow!

Artwork containing yarn also makes viewers want to reach out and run their hands over or through it. This makes for a prime opportunity to teach proper etiquette when viewing tactile pieces. Show students how they can still enjoy and appreciate artwork without touching it!

girl with yarn pillow

2. Sustainable

You can purchase yarn made of natural fibers like cotton, wool, or bamboo. These options cut down on the use of synthetic materials which contribute to pollution and don’t break down easily in a landfill. While there are plenty of synthetic yarns out there, the abundance of sustainable options makes it easy to make eco-friendly choices. Talk to students about the difference between the types of yarn to help them make responsible material choices in the future.

3. Connectable

Yarn has been around for thousands of years and it has a rich history intertwined with many cultures. Peruvians use tapestries to tell stories and keep their history alive. The Huichol people of Mexico create elaborate yarn paintings with the same patterns their ancestors used to communicate with deities. Even ancient Egyptians spun yarn in textile workshops.

While it has a deep connection to many ancient cultures, yarn hasn’t lost its appeal in the modern world. Every day people participate in yarn bombing, where they cover objects in crocheted or knitted yarn to bring joy to those who see it. Contemporary artists also use yarn in their artwork, like Victoria Villasana, who overlays yarn onto photographs to make social commentaries. Molly Murphy Adams uses yarn and other mediums to reflect her mixed culture background. Yarn is a great option to connect to the past or make something new in the present.

yarn painting
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/huichol-yarn-painting-archives-du-mus%C3%A9e-olympique/fgElJg17BoLpEg?ms=%7B%22x%22:0.5,%22y%22:0.5,%22z%22:9.285513979491062,%22size%22:%7B%22width%22:1.469924016582592,%22height%22:1.2375109681699905%7D%7D

4. Scalable

You can use yarn in small-scale projects like jewelry or large-scale ones like installations. Yarn can create a personal item or transform an entire space. Lauren Porter is famous for her life-sized knit Ferrari, but she also creates smaller pieces, like a knit teapot. Whether your vision is big or small, yarn can do it all!

5. Versatile

Yarn has so much potential! Yarn spans the range of visual arts from handcraft to fine art. Add yarn to two-dimensional or three-dimensional artwork. Students can use it to create something functional, aesthetic, or both.

yarn

Here are eight fun yarn projects your students will love.

1. Weaving

Even super young students can be successful with simple cardboard loom weavings. The up-and-down motion is cathartic and easy to get the hang of. Students who want to level up their weaving projects can make larger tapestries or create three-dimensional weavings, like pouches. Watch the PRO Learning Pack, Basic Weaving Techniques, if you’re new, or Advanced Fiber Arts, if you’re a seasoned pro. Then, take the lesson ideas in the Wonders of Weaving Collection in FLEX Curriculum to your students.

2. Yarn Painting

Traditionally, yarn painting uses wax to adhere the yarn design to a board. In the art classroom, students can create yarn paintings with glue. Yarn paintings can be intricate portrayals of landscapes and people or they can be simple patterns and colors. Yarn painting is a great art form that accommodates all students’ skill levels and interests!

3. Yarn-Fetti

Do you want to cut down on waste and find a way to use all those extra yarn scraps? Try turning them into yarn-fetti! Add them as a little extra flair to any mixed-media project.

4. Punch Needle Designs

This is a great way to switch up a surface design unit or lesson. Punch needling allows students to embroider using yarn. It goes faster than traditional embroidery with thread, perfect for short attention spans and students who want to see results fast. Check out the Punch Needle Design Lesson in FLEX Curriculum to guide your students through the process with step-by-step instructions!

punch needle

5. Yarn Installations

If you have students who like to think big, yarn installations are the way to go! Create an installation to brighten up a corner of your school or bring your installation into the community.

6. Crocheting

A decade or so ago, crocheting was considered a “grandma activity.” In the last few years, it’s made a glorious comeback among the younger generations! They love to crochet everything from simple coasters to complex amigurumi stuffed animals and clothes. Brush up on your crocheting skills or start from scratch with the Pack, Getting Started With Crocheting, in PRO Learning.

crocheted bear

7. Mixed Media

Yarn is a great addition to mixed-media artwork because students can combine it with pretty much anything! Use it as a surface design on top of existing two-dimensional artwork or add unique lines by laying it onto a mono-printing or gel plate. Glue or sew yarn onto one area of a drawing or painting to serve as a delightful accent. Read this article to see how easy embroidering on paper can be with fun artists to introduce to your students.

8. Textile Sculptures

Yarn usually isn’t the first thing students think of when they select sculpture materials. However, all yarn needs is an armature! Students can wrap yarn around the entire wire or cardboard armature or they can accent an existing sculpture with yarn. Students can press yarn into wet plaster or clay to create surface texture. Try a textile sculpture with the Fiber Cactus Sculpture Lesson in FLEX Curriculum.

There are so many reasons to love yarn! It’s tactile and sustainable. It has traditional roots and modern-day appeal. Students can use it to make small artworks to bring home or big projects to transform an environment. Its versatility means students can use yarn to make weavings, yarn paintings, punch needle surface designs, installations, crocheted creations, mixed media art, and textile sculptures. The possibilities are endless, making yarn a medium art teachers and art students obsess over!

What is your favorite yarn project?

Why do your students love yarn?

The post A Love Letter to Yarn: 5 Reasons Why Art Teachers Are Obsessed appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
A Brush with History: 10 Ways to Use Presidential Portraits in the Art Room  https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/feb-a-brush-with-history-3-ways-to-use-presidential-portraits-in-the-art-room/ Mon, 19 Feb 2024 11:00:50 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=459800 Brush up on your history, because today we’re preparing for a presidential portrait party! Art education plays a pivotal role in connecting students with history. It offers them a unique lens through which to explore and understand the past. As we celebrate President’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the leaders who have shaped the […]

The post A Brush with History: 10 Ways to Use Presidential Portraits in the Art Room  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Brush up on your history, because today we’re preparing for a presidential portrait party! Art education plays a pivotal role in connecting students with history. It offers them a unique lens through which to explore and understand the past. As we celebrate President’s Day, a day dedicated to honoring the leaders who have shaped the course of American history, it is an opportune moment to reflect upon the impact of their presidential portraits. These special portraits give us a glimpse into the time’s cultural, political, and artistic trends. In this article, we’ll uncover the rich historical value of presidential portraits through hands-on art activities. Use these portraits as engaging learning tools in the classroom to bring history to life!

Presidential Portraits: History and Context

Exploring the evolution of presidential portraiture is a fascinating journey through American art history. Historically, presidential portraits represented power. It was expensive and time-consuming to get a portrait painted. Plus, portraits were the only way to capture what the individual looked like before cameras. Many portraits also incorporate symbols such as specific architecture, poses, and items to convey strength and leadership. Initially, most presidential portraits were in the classical European style. However, variations from this tradition soon emerged. Portraits like Theodore Roosevelt by John Singer Sargent, John F. Kennedy by Elaine de Kooning, and Bill Clinton by Chuck Close are notable examples of this evolution.

Find out how to integrate presidential portraits into your classroom with the 10 ideas below.

presidential portraits
https://npg.si.edu/learn/access-programs/verbal-description-tours/william-j-clinton https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.68.14 https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.2018.16?destination=edan-search/default_search%3Fedan_local%3D1%26edan_q%3Dobama

Write about presidential portraits.

Presidential portraits in your curriculum offer a rich tapestry of opportunities to engage students in written exploration. Let’s see how these portraits inspire writing exercises that connect to multiple subject areas.

Here are two strong cross-curricular connections: 

  1. English and Language Arts
    Students compose a dating or social media profile to capture the president’s character traits and interests based on what they observe in the portrait. This exercise encourages storytelling and a deeper curiosity of the subject’s character.
  2. Social Studies
    Students analyze a portrait during class and research background information. Focus the investigation on the era so students can connect the dots between art and history. Collaborate with your social studies department to see what time periods and major historical events they cover to narrow down the portraits from which your students select.

Use presidential portraits as primary sources.

Every brushstroke in a presidential portrait is a deliberate choice. Beyond aesthetics, presidential portraits are valuable primary sources. They reveal presidents’ physical appearance and cultural values. Encourage your students to treat these portraits as historical documents and delve into the nuances of clothing, accessories, and symbols present in the artwork.

Here are three activities to guide your students:

  1. Craft an artist statement to explore motivations.
    Students research the president and the corresponding artist. Explore historical context, achievements or challenges during their term, and the artist’s background and style. Students imagine themselves as the artist and write a brief artistic rationale explaining their creative choices. What message do they want to convey? How do they want to project the president’s image to the public? This exercise promotes critical thinking about the politics of image-making and its relevance in modern media.
  2. Search for symbols of power to draw deeper conclusions.
    Select a prominent presidential portrait rich in symbols of power. Organize a visual scavenger hunt where students locate a list of symbols and elements in the portrait, such as flags, columns, and specific items of attire. Facilitate a discussion about the significance of these symbols and encourage students to speculate about the artist’s message.
  3. Depict a person of authority to brainstorm original symbols.
    Students create their own symbolic portrait illustrating a current leader or figure of authority. It can be a teacher, principal, parent—or even them as a future president! Select symbols to convey power and authority specific to the person and their role and responsibilities. This activity promotes reflection about what they value in a leader.

presidential portraits
https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.2001.13 https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.68.28 https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.65.50

Teach proportion through portraiture.

One of the most compelling aspects of presidential portraiture is the opportunity they present for teaching proportions—a fundamental skill we often struggle to teach. This skill not only enhances students’ ability to create realistic portraits of their own but it also sharpens their observational skills and deepens their understanding of the human figure.

Here are two simple ways to bring proportion into your lesson:

  1. Trace the essentials to identify clear placement.
    Assign each student a presidential portrait. Provide them with tracing paper, a layer in Photoshop, or a piece of acetate. Students overlay their chosen medium on top of the portrait and draw proportion lines, marking key points like the eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. This exercise helps students see and understand the precise placement of facial features.
  2. Time students for a fun gesture challenge.
    Provide portraits that show more of the president’s body and pose. Set a timer for your students to create quick gesture drawings. We can’t afford professional models for our drawing classes, but we have a great collection of presidential portraits! They’re perfect for practicing figure drawing with any age group.

Compare and contrast portraits.

Comparing and contrasting presidential portraits exposes students to the diverse styles and techniques of famous artists. Provide students with a selection of presidential portraits from different eras. Encourage them to conduct a visual analysis where they identify key similarities and differences in style, technique, and subject portrayal.

Here are three out-of-the-box ways students can compare and contrast:

  1. Design an artist trading card to introduce students to famous portrait artists.
    Assign each student a famous portrait artist to create an artist trading card. The front will be their rendition of the portrait. The back will feature key information including a brief biography and snippet about the artist’s signature style. Students present their cards to their peers and share stories about the artist. Allow students to trade cards with classmates after the presentations.
  2. Participate in a fast-paced “Speed Dating” game to learn fun facts.
    This game is perfect for older students! Students research the artists and record their findings. Add in your own fun facts, like how George W. Bush went on to exhibit his own portrait paintings after his presidency. Rearrange the classroom into several stations with each artist’s information at a station. Students rotate through the stations in small groups to get to know each artist. They will jot down their thoughts on “artist journal cards.” Once students have made it through all of the stations, discuss which artists stood out as the “best date!”
  3. Recreate a portrait with a modern twist to make relevant connections.
    In an advanced course, students select a presidential portrait and analyze its artistic techniques. Students hone in on the medium, color palette, lighting, and style. Students recreate the portrait in a more modern art style. They also will consider how the president would look if they were alive today and update the clothes, hairstyle, and background. Introduce new portrait artists like Jonathan Mcafee or  Oliver Winconek to provide stylistic inspiration.

presidential portraits
https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.65.84 https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.99.75 https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.68.49

Jumpstart your next portrait lesson with resources!

There is a wealth of resources to make incorporating presidential portraits into your art room a breeze. Talk with your school’s library or media center specialist to see what books are already on campus for your students to use. Reach out to your local historical society to see if they have resources about your county. Speak to your social studies department about collaborating on cross-curricular lessons.

Check out the links below for more information and tips:

The fusion of presidential portraits and art education is a remarkable connection that can fill our classrooms with curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper tie to history. By delving into the artistry, narratives, and symbolism behind these portraits, students refine their artistic skills and gain a profound appreciation for the power of visual storytelling. As art teachers, we have the privilege of guiding our students on this inspiring exploration, where brushes and canvases become windows into the past. We have the opportunity to show how artistic techniques to render a likeness meld with history, politics, and communication. Let’s continue to paint a brighter future for the next generation of artists, historians, and critical thinkers by exploring presidential portraits of the past.

How will you incorporate presidential portraits into your curriculum? 

What is your favorite presidential portrait and why? 

The post A Brush with History: 10 Ways to Use Presidential Portraits in the Art Room  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
How to Harness Data to Confidently Advocate for Your Art Program: State of Art Education 2024 https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/how-to-harness-data-to-confidently-advocate-for-your-art-program-state-of-art-education-2024/ Fri, 16 Feb 2024 11:00:30 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=461341 Developing and running a successful art program takes time, energy, and creativity. It also takes advocacy. One important area to focus on when growing a program is data. Using data to tell a compelling story is a surefire way to get the attention of decision-makers in your district. Learning how to deliver a confident, data-driven […]

The post How to Harness Data to Confidently Advocate for Your Art Program: State of Art Education 2024 appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Developing and running a successful art program takes time, energy, and creativity. It also takes advocacy. One important area to focus on when growing a program is data. Using data to tell a compelling story is a surefire way to get the attention of decision-makers in your district. Learning how to deliver a confident, data-driven pitch will help garner respect for your art program and advocate for your budding artists.

Take a look at how you can use data to advocate for your program by sharing the biggest findings from the 2024 State of Art Education survey. Let’s dig into the data!

state of art ed data

What is data?

Before we get started, let’s discuss what data is and the different types. Understanding this will help you determine what data will best support your request. Data is factual information used as a foundation for making decisions or having a discussion. There are two main types of data: quantitative and qualitative.

Here are the two main types of data:

  1. Quantitative
    Quantitative data is represented numerically and answers questions such as, “how many,” “how much,” and “how often.” Examples include attendance, course enrollment numbers, artwork quantities, and how many people attended your huge end-of-year art show.
  2. Qualitative
    Qualitative data is represented in words and images. Examples include written student reflections, video clips of students actively engaged in artmaking, and a student portfolio of a deeply conceptual body of work.

One fabulous way to find quantitative data is the State of Art Education Survey! Each year, we ask thousands of art teachers to answer questions about a variety of topics in art education. We compile the results into a handy resource with easy-to-read colorful graphics. Download and read the results to see how the data from the survey may help you advocate for your needs.downloadable resource

Download Now!

For a deeper dive into the data, grab the results from previous years here:

Let’s look at four examples of how an art teacher may use the State of Art Education survey data as an advocacy tool. 

Use the scenarios below as inspiration to craft your own pitch. Navigate the process step-by-step and start by identifying a need, your specific ask, and the audience. Then, see if you can use the survey data to help you tell a compelling story!

request PD

1. Request art-specific professional development.

According to the State of Art Education survey data, over the past several years, more than 60% of art teachers shared that they feel supported by their administrators. However, the data showed that art teachers wish they had access to better professional development (PD) options. Half of art teachers say their professional development needs improvement and it’s not personalized or relevant. Administrators are very busy and may not have the time to seek out subject-specific PD for all teachers in the building. When you advocate for your needs and provide specific solutions, it makes it easier for an administrator to say “yes” to your request. They need your help!

Let’s say you want to advocate for better professional development to your district art supervisor. Schedule 5-10 minutes to stop by their office and bring a few handouts to supplement your discussion. Try a pitch like the one below and don’t forget to follow up with a thank you note!

Hi! I’m Lindsey McGinnis, the high school art teacher at Laurel. As a teacher, I strive to have a growth mindset because I know there is always something new to learn to bring to my students! I need art-specific professional development so I can fully participate in PD exercises and walk away with tangible strategies and ideas that will work in my art room. The Art of Education University provides two online professional development opportunities for districts like ours. PRO Learning is an on-demand PD platform designed for K-12 art teachers with hands-on tutorial videos and teacher-facing resources. It will be really helpful to have for our six PD days that are already on the calendar! The NOW Conference is the largest online conference held twice a year for K-12 art teachers. They have amazing speakers such as Devon Rodriguez, the most followed visual artist in the world! This week, will you take a look at what they offer and see if it will fit into the budget for next school year? 

digital art

2. Promote digital art.

Drawing and painting are our forte as art teachers. Unfortunately, in the State of Art Education survey data, only 24% of art teachers listed digital art as the medium they are most comfortable with and more than half of art teachers want to learn more about it. This is something we need to address since we are teaching 21st-century skills in a digital world! A great place to start is to enroll in the Studio: Graphic Design course to learn foundational design skills and how to teach digital art through real-world problems. Ask for this course using a process similar to the example above. Once you’re feeling more confident with your digital art skills, it’s time to bring the experience to your students!

Your students are curious about exploring digital art, so you need a class set of iPads. You started a fundraiser but would like the PTA’s help. Ask to speak at the next meeting and deliver a pitch like the one below. Show your appreciation by having your students create thank you cards on the new iPads!

Hi! I’m Lindsey McGinnis and I’ve been teaching art here for the past 12 years. I’m excited to be a part of the PTA and all of the wonderful things you do for our school! I just completed a digital art graduate course and would love to bring the skills and experience to our students. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly all US teens use the internet every day (96%). The amount of teens who are online “almost constantly” has doubled in the past almost decade. To meet our students where they are and prepare them for life beyond the classroom, we need to hone their digital communication skills. In art, students can explore digital citizenship and visual communication with digital art! I already have an online fundraiser to get a class set of iPads. Will you share the link via your social platforms and monthly newsletter? Will you see if you have extra funds to fulfill this need? 

photography

3. Champion for more photography opportunities.

Whatever level you teach, both traditional darkroom and digital photography can be daunting. Just like with digital art, only 25% of art teachers in the State of Art Education survey data feel confident teaching this artform. The good news is, there are ways to bring photography principles into any grade level and classroom situation. The best places to start are to enroll in the Studio: Photography course or watch the Packs Digital Photography Basics or Creative Approaches to Beginning Photography in PRO Learning. Then, select a few ideas to capture your students’ attention!

One non-darkroom photography process is cyanotypes. You want to ask your local craft store to provide enough sun printing paper for all of your students. Swing by the store to speak to the manager with a pitch like the one below and bring a printout of the sun paper you’d like with the specific quantity and total cost of your ask. 

Hi! I’m Lindsey McGinnis and I’m the high school art teacher at Laurel. Our school doesn’t have a darkroom but I’d love to bring some hands-on, screen-free photography processes to our students. I see you carry sun printing paper; would you be willing to donate enough for 200 students? Our budget is $5 per student for the year, making this special paper very expensive. Our school bookkeeper can provide you with a donation receipt or letter, if needed. We’d love to display the final cyanotypes on the empty bulletin board by the front door to help draw students and their families into your store.

download resources

4. Ask for ready student-facing resources.

We often think, “If only there were more hours in the day, I could…” Although art teachers are getting more planning time (more than half of art teachers have 45 minutes or more per day), lack of time is still a challenge. Where does the time go? We know art teachers have many responsibilities and roles, but according to the State of Art Education survey data, 81% spend the time creating their own resources. Imagine if you could have classroom-ready resources for your students! In fact, 73% of you believed having classroom-ready resources would allow you to be a better art teacher. Let’s show you how to get access to a vast archive of student-facing resources!

You’d love FLEX Curriculum and plan to ask your principal for it. Stop by your principal’s office and provide samples of FLEX for them to flip through while you give a pitch similar to the one below. Download the Elements and Principles guides and a complimentary artist bio. Share the What is Collage? preview video and how you already use these items in your classroom!

Hi! I’d love to chat with you about my recent observation and how I use student-facing resources in my art room. I received a high score for the planning and preparation I put into my lessons. It took me two hours to create the resources for this one lesson/observation and it took me eight hours total to create all of the resources I needed for all of my classes for that week. This is four more hours than my planning time. I am proud of the handouts and presentations I create; however, spending this much time on them is unsustainable. I would love access to a bank of high-quality student-facing resources I can pull from to allow more time to communicate with parents, help with other school initiatives, and grade assignments. FLEX Curriculum is a standards-aligned K-12 art curriculum with step-by-step lesson plans, customizable rubrics and assessments, artist bios, project photos, videos, and more. This week, will you take a few minutes to look at FLEX and check to see if the school has the budget to provide these resources for our students?

You may love making art with students in your cozy art room. However, if you want to grow your art program and provide more opportunities for you and your students, you will need to step outside of your comfort zone—and your cozy art room. This step may look like diving into data and learning how to make and give a confident pitch to get a need fulfilled. We did the hard work and outlined six steps for you to take, compiled data from 1,700+ art teachers to use in your request, and gave four examples you can easily customize. Now that you’re set to solve any problem that may come your way, get ready for your confidence and art program to soar! 

Are you a data lover or hater? 

What is something you or your program need to grow?

The post How to Harness Data to Confidently Advocate for Your Art Program: State of Art Education 2024 appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
With Gratitude: A Love Letter to Art Teachers and Their Artful Ways  https://theartofeducation.edu/2024/02/feb-with-gratitude-a-love-letter-to-art-teachers-and-their-artful-ways/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:00:31 +0000 https://theartofeducation.edu/?p=460007 Being an art teacher is a special and unique job that requires certain skills. You may save paper towel rolls, collect old magazines, and manage a group of 30 kindergarten students using paint and glue. Your superpower is finding order in all creative messes and making art from things that most people see as garbage. […]

The post With Gratitude: A Love Letter to Art Teachers and Their Artful Ways  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>
Being an art teacher is a special and unique job that requires certain skills. You may save paper towel rolls, collect old magazines, and manage a group of 30 kindergarten students using paint and glue. Your superpower is finding order in all creative messes and making art from things that most people see as garbage. Check out why we appreciate and admire you, art teachers, for your unique and quirky ways! 

heart coil pot

Dear Art Teacher,

We love you for hoarding with a purpose (or what you would call being resourceful).

We understand your collection of unique items not found in art supply catalogs. Your bins of old shoes and seashells make sense. We understand you start saving anything and everything for the inevitable moment when budgets decrease and class sizes increase. You can see value in something others may see as waste. The jars you saved from the trash work great for storing a collection of buttons or watercolor paint made from dried-up markers. Every scrap of paper, lost marker top, and broken crayon is worth keeping as you embrace the desire to collect and preserve all materials for future purposes

watercolor markers

We love you for the innovative ways you use cardboard.

Someone else’s trash is often your treasure. Stacks of broken-down boxes are a sign of wealth in your eyes. We admire your ingenuity in transforming pizza boxes into easels, using scraps for hot glue drip catchers, and recycling egg cartons as paint palettes. You grant cardboard multiple lives and new uses in your classroom. It may love you just as much as we do for giving it a second chance—or maybe even a third!

Check out three ways you can use cardboard in your room:

  1. Two Stunning Projects Made Entirely From Recycled Materials 
  2. 8 Unique Ways to Use Toilet Paper Tubes 
  3. An Art Teacher’s Love Letter to Cardboard: 12 Uses for Cardboard 

corrugated cardboard closeup

We love you for your ability to adapt and modify.

No Sink? You use buckets. No kiln? You use air-dry clay. No art supplies? You use whatever you find. Aside from glue, it is not uncommon for art teachers to find themselves in sticky situations! The growth mindset is strong in art teachers like you. You teach your students how to engage and persist, which is exactly what you do every day. Regardless of the circumstances, you find innovative ways to adapt to your student’s needs. Curve balls thrown at you daily are blank canvases ready for your masterpiece solutions. 

See innovative ways art teachers use noteworthy solutions in their classrooms in the resources below:

water pouring into a bucket

We love you for finding beauty in the great outdoors.

Students learn to turn mistakes into masterpieces through the process of learning how to see the world like an artist. You help students discover beauty in the most unlikely places. Thank you for teaching students to see the extraordinary in the ordinary through your artist’s mind. Simple leaves and tree bark become texture rubbings and rocks and twigs become collaborative sculptures. Bringing your art classroom outdoors provides an opportunity for your students to make art wherever you are! 

Do you need ideas for how to utilize the outdoors in your art lessons? Check out these resources:

leaf closeup

We love you for striking a balance between organized chaos and organized creativity.

Paint drips, scattered art supplies, and messy hands are chaos to an untrained eye. To an art teacher, these are signs of creative energy cultivated within your art room. You provide a safe space for students to express themselves within organized chaos. The systems you create within your classroom give students a space to harness their imaginations and gain useful skills that extend beyond your art room. Students will remember the way you prompted them to think outside of the box. 

Are you interested in ways to create organizational systems in your art room? Check out the YouTube mini-series, Artfully Organized!

We love you for your collaboration.

Being an art teacher often means taking on extra responsibilities, like collaborating with other departments to make cross-curricular connections and hosting an art and music show. When you showcase your students’ artwork around school, you’re not only promoting your art program but also spreading joy to others. We are thankful for your willingness to work together with people in your school and community. We know how much you love your students and how much they love you! 

cardboard flowers

We love you for being more than just the art teacher. 

Lastly, thank you for being more than just an art teacher. Thank you for sewing up holes in students’ clothes, supergluing broken glasses, and being the glue that holds so many other things together. You also have a special set of skills that are unique to you as an art teacher. On paper, students will learn color theory and how to make a pinch pot in your classroom. But in reality, students will discover how to make art from their mistakes, gain problem-solving skills, and creatively express themselves. You provide an environment for students to be themselves in a safe space. Whether you teach tiny humans or big kids, the difference you make in their lives each day matters.

thank you envelope

Thank you for being your quirky and unique self.

With Gratitude,

Your AOEU Community Who Appreciates You and Your Artful Ways

What do you love about being an art teacher?

The post With Gratitude: A Love Letter to Art Teachers and Their Artful Ways  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

]]>