Art Made Easy

Teaching art to hundreds of children requires creativity, passion, and buckets of planning time. I spent years developing an art program that represented my personal preferences for art but also incorporated elements that brought out the best in even the most reluctant artist.

Download the Art Teacher’s Toolkit and follow along as I share what to consider so that your art program allows you to teach with clarity, confidence, and ease.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

DOWNLOAD THE ART TEACHER'S TOOLKIT

Click the yellow button to receive your Art Teacher's Toolkit via email!

SHOW NOTES:

AME 062: How One Classroom Teacher Transitioned to her Dream Job as an Art Teacher with Denise Lediaev

Art Curator for Kids with Cindy Ingram

Painted Paper Art with Laura Lohmann

The Best Art Products to Use with Kids - Art Made Easy 020

Tips to Help Gauge if an Art Project is Right for Your Class

The SPARKLE Method for Lesson Development - Art Made Easy 032

Evernote 

The Organized Art Teacher AME: 037

Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Page

Former classroom teacher, Denise Lediaev, didn’t know how much she loved teaching art until she became a full-time art teacher in Adelaide, Australia. Listen to how Denise transitioned to this role with grace and enthusiasm. She is humbled to have a supportive school, loads of resources and an assistant but it’s her love of teaching art that truly makes her happy.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: 

How Denise transitioned from a classroom teacher to an art teacher (and how she filled some big shoes in the process)

How teaching art in Australia is similar to teaching in the United States

The biggest challenge Denise has faced teaching art and how she is working towards a solution

Denise’s favorite types of art lessons and mediums she uses in the art room

The special considerations that teachers must be aware of before embarking on an Aboriginal project.

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

SYDNEY HARBOR LESSON PLAN

Inspired by Australian artist, Ken Done, children create a drawing of Sydney Harbour, including the famous Sydney Opera House and Sydney Bridge.

You can find this lesson inside the Sparklers Club, in the Art From Australia Bundle. The Sparklers’ Club has thousands of fully standardized lesson plans to make curriculum planning effortless. Join the waitlist for the Sparklers Club!

SHOW NOTES: 

Tjanpi Desert Weavers Website & Facebook Page

Australian Artist Ken Done

Aboriginal Art Information

Sharing Cultures (How to)

The Desert Weavers that Denise loves!

Youtube video of Collecting Color. The book Denise uses as inspiration with her students.

We all have a dream—something we long to do if only…the if only’s have a tendency to get in the way for most of us, but not Kristy.

Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, Kristy remembers always gravitating towards anything creative. But in an educational climate where only academics are encouraged, Kristy was encouraged to pursue math and business. She became an accountant and now helps her husband run their construction business.

The urge to draw, paint and create was just too strong. So, despite many obstacles, Kristy decided that she would open an art studio for children. No experience. No teaching degree. Just desire.

In this episode of our art series, Art Stories from Around the World, Kristy shares her story of how she started her art camp for kids and what her plans are for the future.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

Why Kristy went in a different direction with her career despite having a passion for the arts

Reasons why there isn’t a focus on art for grades K through 6 in Trinidad & Tobago

How Kristy strived to pursue her creative endeavours outside of her career in accounting

Why Kristy involves the culture of her country into the art curriculum she teaches children

How Kristy plans to change the perception of art in her community

Why the classroom should be a place of difference as well as kindness

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DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE...

You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:

Discover how Louise McKeon turned her career as an illustrator and graphic artist to a full time career as an art teacher for all ages. Using the stunning natural surroundings of Cork, Ireland to inspire her lessons, Louise believes in teaching the fundamentals of how to use different mediums as a base for many projects.

Louise shares the history of the Skellig Island as the inspiration for two art project ideas that she plans to use during her summer art camps in her small town.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:•How Louise’s teaching curriculum changes for primary school aged children through to teenagers and adults•How she introduces children to the use of pencils in their art (and a common item that she often has them draw using pencil)•What the one thing is that Louise wants the rest of the world to know about the teaching of art in her country•What some of the warm-up exercises are that she has her students do before taking an art exam

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE...

You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:

SHOW NOTES: 

Louise’s Website

Kinsale Art Academy Facebook Page

* Link to Louise’s Art Lesson for Listeners (Puffins, Seals, etc.)

*Link to Louise’s Charcoal Monkees Facebook post (couldn’t find on her page!)

*Link to Patty’s Treasure Map lesson that Louise mentions

AME 059: Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India

How do you introduce children to art in a remote region of the world where  children have little exposure to expressive art? Where do you start? Where do you find supplies?

Celia Fisher not only has the resume, but the passion. Working with slum kids in Southern India, an indigenous school in Queensland and at an International school in Vietnam, Celia knows what is required to create an art program that celebrates children.

In our third installment of our summer podcast series, Art Stories Around the World, Celia shares what it’s like to teach in a school she and her husband built in Northern India.

Scroll down to download the art project created by Celia that represents her student’s village.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

• Celia's biggest challenges and the strategies she uses to overcome them.• How this rural community views education and how that differs from other cultures.• Why Celia does the work she does, even when the community doesn’t understand its importance• How she is able to broaden the children’s knowledge of culture and their ways of thinking on a daily basis

DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE...

In the interview, Celia paints a lovely picture of what its like living in this part of the world: how the rainy season impacts the community, the topography of the region and how art is perceived. Celia offers two approaches to bringing art to her students in a way that connects them with their community.

You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

SHOW NOTES

Get in touch with Celia and see what art projects her students are working on by clicking HERE for the RightHope School Facebook page.

QUESTIONS FOR OUR LISTENERS:

Have you ever been to India? Have you created an art project based on the Indian culture?

I'd love to hear what your experiences have been!

Sana Asad is the second art teacher featured in our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in Bahrain.

Born in Pakistan and into a culture where art is considered a craft to pass the time, Sana stuck to her dream of pursuing a career in art. After moving to Saudi Arabia and later to Bahrain, Sana opened an art studio in her home and began teaching children. Now she has a full-time after school art schedule, teaches workshops to adults and plans beautiful exhibits of her students work.

Today, we’re traveling to Bahrain to meet art teacher, Sana Asad.

Make sure to download Sana's Bahrain Inspired art projects! Scroll down for the download button.

https://d3ndagut9sanks.cloudfront.net/2017-D/VID-06/AME+058+Sana+Asad+Video.mp4

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

What art was like for Sana growing up in Pakistan

How there are certain challenges teaching art in Bahrain

Why she doesn’t only teach drawing and sketching

What the difference is between teaching in the public school system versus private institutions in Bahrain

What’s the most popular social media platform in the Middle East

Why word of mouth is more valuable than anything to Sana

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DOWNLOAD 2 FREE LESSONS!

Sana created two art projects that represent Bahrain: An architectural lesson that merges POP art and color theory (ages 6-10) and a Hamsa Fiber Arts project that builds fine motor skills (ages 3-5).

Just click on the blue box, add your name and email and watch your inbox!

LINKS

Wild About Art and Craft Facebook Page

AME 057: Art Stories from Around the World - China

I'm so excited to kick off our summer podcast series, Art Stories from Around the World! After starting Deep Space Sparkle's membership program last year, I couldn't help but marvel at what global sharing community we created. We have members from every corner of the globe...Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, France, UK, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, India....it goes on and on.

What we all notice and appreciate is that we share the same passion. And it is surprising how similar our struggles are. Whether you're teaching around a kitchen table in Wisconsin or at an International School in Wuhan, we can all relate to the joys and struggles of being an art teacher.

Lexi Conrad kicks off our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in China.

I have always wondered how creativity is taught in China. Do schools embrace art in the same way as we do in America? Is the art focused on realism or rote mechanics? How do the children behave? is classroom management a big deal like it is here? So many questions!

Lexi was so kind to walk us through what it's like teaching to her group of international students. She shares what the differences are between private and public schools and the surprising differences in how the Chinese people view art.

Make sure to download the Chinese Clay Bells art project that Lexi created for you! Scroll down for the download button.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

How the amazing art experiences Lexi herself had at a young age influenced her own teaching style

What effects censorship and cultural differences have teaching art in China

How the Chinese community at large embraces art

What can happen when you have access to beautiful art supplies

Lexi’s favorite projects and how she’s introduced art to her colleagues in China

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SHOW NOTES

Lexi created this clay art project to represent the historical significance of bells in the town of Wuhan, China.  To access this free art project, just click on the blue button below.

Subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes so you won't miss the next episode of the Summer Podcast Series, Art Stories Around the World.

Next time on Art Stories from Around the World...San Asad from Bahrain shares what it's like growing up in Pakistan, going to design school in a time when art wasn't considered a career and ultimately teaching art in her home.

There is a huge effort to mainstream children with special needs but often teachers have no formal training in the special needs area. Debi London experienced this first hand as an art teacher and as a mother of a child with autism how important it is to be aware of the small things a teacher can do to create a warm, nurturing and inspiring environment for all children.

This episode is for art teachers seeking inspiration and guidance from another art teacher who has walked the walk. Learn how Debi approaches her lessons, how she sets up her classroom to accommodate all learners and the resources that have made a difference to her.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

Helpful tips for helping you to create an art program that is accessible for all children

Why it’s important to know the specific needs of all your children, including their likes and dislikes

How a sensory center in the classroom can be used to benefit children with special needs

How it’s ok to teach at different paces to accommodate specific learning speeds

Why you need to be aware of and consider each child’s attention span

How to juggle the needs of all students while maintaining positive reinforcement

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HERE IS SOME GUIDANCE FOR APPROACHING YOUR LESSONS:

1. Provide a Sensory Center- The student should have access to a sensory sand box (kinesthetic sand is a great option), Lego, blocks, larger paper for coloring or stamping, access to iPads with head phones (students can be noise sensitive).  Rain sticks can be soothing. A few bean bags on floor, a small carpeted area and access to a few stuffed animals. Allow movement like: walking and stretching to meet needs.

2. Be understanding of some students because they are unable to fully focus because they: fidget, flap (stem). Allow them to have access to these things at the sensory center area as usage of items will help the flow of teaching art.

3. Soft classical music helps to create a calming environment.

4. Allow for breaks (sometimes a timer helps).

5. Get to know the students. Find out likes and dislikes to avoid a meltdown.

6. Pair students with friends or pair with one-on-one help from teacher.

SHOW NOTES

Monsters Love School Lesson

Eric Carle’s Website

Special Artists Handbook: Art Activities and Adaptive Aids for Handicapped Students by Susan Rodriguez and Paul D. Blumenthal(affiliate link)

My Brother Charlie by Holly Robinson Peete (affiliate link)

Sesame Street: Meet Julia Video

What is Autism?

The absolute worst experience for any teacher is receiving a negative comment from a parent or peer. When the negative comment comes in the form of an email asking why you disciplined a child the way you did, you start to question everything.

But it doesn’t have to derail your efforts. By examining the perspective of both the parent, student and the teacher, you start to see that everyone is after the same thing.

This week’s episode answers a question from a Sparkler. Here’s the question:

How do you balance all the positive feedback with that one email from a parent about how you've disciplined their child and they dread coming to art?

IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

How there are three groups of people involved in an escalation of emotions

Why it’s beneficial to establish relationships with as many parents as you can

Why you should try to avoid connecting with parents via email

How it’s important to get to know the children outside of the classroom (like on the playground, for example)

Why feeding the negative energy of a parent will not provide a resolution

Why children respond best to a consistent classroom management plan and how that builds trust

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HERE ARE A FEW THINSG TO KEEP IN MIND:

1. Parent's Perspective

Allow parents to explain or vent or say what they have to say. Don’t feed or antagonize the situation by explaining what was really going on. They don’t want to hear it…at least not yet.

You never know what kind of day this person has had. It feels horrible to be on the wrong end of someone’s bad day so allowing space for the person to vent is the fastest way to resolution.

Accept responsibility and suggest a solution.

Tell her you understand how hard it can be to understand what goes on inside a classroom. Students are very different with parents than with teachers. And kids are different with one teacher than another.

2. Student's Perspective

All students want to be good. They want to learn. They want to come to class. No kid wants to go to class with a grumpy teacher or a teacher who is always mad at them. Every kid wants to be liked or talked to in a kind, encouraging way. Every kid wants to be the kid the teacher likes….BUT only if they like and trust you.

Building trust through a very consistent classroom management plan is the most important thing you can do.

Building trust with consistent behavior is the second most important thing to do.

Always ask yourself…how can I be more consistent with this child?

Sometimes the answer is to be very firm with expectations. Some kids just push the boundaries. If they do, they must deal with the consequences. You need to be able to explain in crystal clear terms why and what the student did that broke the rules.

3. Teacher’s Perspective

Look for the golden nuggets (or piece of truth) inside every negative comments or criticism

Accept that you may get it wrong. If you do. Apologize.

Find the humor in the cycles of teaching. The end of the year can be challenging for kids because there are more opportunities for classroom management strategies to fall by the way side…more field trips, more assemblies, more school fairs, etc.

This sounds harsh, but try to accept that you’re not perfect, nor are parents and nor are students. Cultivate the “we’re in this together approach” and just try to improve.

SHOW NOTES

Sign up for Smart Classroom Management Newsletter

Easy Classroom Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Class with Michael Linsin: AME 012

Smart Classroom Management Interview with Tips to Help you Succeed

YOUR TURN:

What is your strategy for dealing with parents in the classroom? Do you have a Classroom Management Plan that holds students accountable?

Share your experiences below:

Teaching art to kids in your home or at school for the very first time is exciting, but challenging. Developing your teaching style, understanding how children create, and determining what style of lessons to teach can be a slow process.

Today’s show features Deep Space Sparkle member, Lesly Chamate from Florida. As a first time art teacher, Lesly joined our Sparkler community to learn how to teach art to kids. Over the past year she has grown from a mom unsure how to teach art to kids, to dreaming of how to expand her small studio to reach even more kids and adults.

We chat about how to manage children working at different paces, how to deliver art instructions so all children are eager to participate and how to optimize an art studio with limited space.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

What the differences are between teaching inside and outside of the home

How to set the right intention when kids want to do their own thing

How Lesly has evolved as an art teacher by constantly learning new things

What you can do when your children work at different paces

Why a curious teacher is the best type of teacher

How you don’t have to do everything when starting out, but build from where you’re at

What Lesly is doing to grow as an artist and ways she’s looking to expand what services she offers

LISTEN TO THE SHOW

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Laura Lohmann’s, Painted Paper Art

Rachelle Doorley’s, Tinker Lab

Creativebug Website

Creative Boot Camp with Lisa Congdon

Ladies Drawing Night: Make Art, Get Inspired, Join the Party by Julia Rothman (affiliate link)

Draw Every Day, Draw Every Way by Jennifer Orkin Lewis (affiliate link)

Granny’s Clan: A Tale of Wild Orcas by Dr.Sally Hodson & Ann Jones (affiliate link)

You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram

Patty Palmer At Home Instagram