Everyday Art Room

Humor is a very interesting tool to use in the classroom, and it can be used for good. But sometimes, it can bring about some not-so-good consequences as well. In today's episode, Nic talks about how humor can be fun, but we still need to be careful with what we say to our kids. Listen for her advice on cutting out sarcasm, getting people to laugh, and the best ways to relate to the students in your classroom.

• 5 Ways to Incorporate Humor into Your Classroom
• Nic's Humor in the Classroom Blog Post
• Pinterest Shutdown Has Teachers Searching for Immediate Alternatives

Assessment is something that rarely comes easy, but it can come a little easier when you're willing to try something new. In today's episode, Nic talks to elementary teacher Catie Nasser about all the amazing things she does in her classroom. Listen as they discuss the importance of new experiences, artistic innovation, and why we need to take chances as teachers.

• You can find Catie's website here
• The Mini Matisse Blog for this episode
• Follow Catie on Twitter
• Mr. Adam Welcome
• PBL Works

You never know when inspiration will strike, especially when it comes to art. In today's episode, Nic discusses the importance of collecting art and how art can improve your surroundings. Listen as she discusses whom she reaches out to and why, what she's looking for in the art she collects, and how her collection makes her a better teacher.

Creating a Welcome Wall Ways to Balance Teaching Art and Creating Art 7 Ways to Add Fuel to Your Artistic Fire

Assessment can be difficult. But when you do them right, they can turn your art classroom into a more fun, positive place that is authentic and accessible. Today, Emily Compton is on the show to share some of her best games for assessing her students. Listen as she talks to Nic about critical thinking, creativity, and why assessments are strongest when they are based on a strong, scaffolded art curriculum.

• Follow Emily on Instagram
• See Emily's website here
• Here is Nic's post about the episode
• Games in the Art Room PRO Learning Pack

Do you flip your classroom? Should you? For a lot of teachers, it can be a huge help for your teaching. Nic has been flipping her classroom for years, and in this episode, she will tell you all about flipped videos, how you make those videos, and most importantly, how you use those videos with your students to enhance your instruction.

• Flip Your Rules and Procedures to Save Your Sanity
• Some of the equipment Nic discussed can be found here
• Important information (and a download) about flipping your classroom!
• How to flip to support absent students
• Nic's PRO Pack on Flipping Basics

As teachers, we always have far too much on our plates and far too many things to do. Today, Nic has some advice on one way that you can handle things--Goal or Soul. When you are deciding on whether to take on something new, you need to ask yourself "Does this reach a goal? Does this feed my soul?" Listen as she discusses the importance of these questions and breaks down her decision-making process.

• Nic's Corresponding Blog Post
• A Deep Dive into the AOE Archives for a Nic discussion on Goal or Soul
• Another Nic post about Goal or Soul from last summer

One of elementary art teachers' biggest struggles is the lack of time. If you don't have the time you need, how do you make learning stick? In this episode, Nic talks about how we can get information to our kids in a memorable way. Listen as she talks about how to approach this idea in your classroom, how to take the concept across classes, and how to make it fun.

• Nic talks more about this on her blog
• More about Nic's Bit-o-Bio that she discussed
• Read about Nic's monsters here

At the beginning of the year, the big question looms over everything: how will you set up and organize your classroom this year? In this episode, Nic talks you through her art room and gives her best advice on how to set up your studio for success. Listen as she discusses flow and layout, procedures and routines, and what you may want to focus on this school year.

• Nic mentioned the Managing the Art Room graduate course
• Here is the PRO Learning Pack on Managing the Classroom
• 12 Ways to Make the Beginning of the Year Run Smoothly
• Ways to create a welcoming art room

On the same day Nic and Billy present at the Art Ed Now conference, they are together on the podcast as well! Today they tell the story of their collaborative work at Nic's school in Minnesota. Listen as they discuss the power of collaboration, the benefits of a visiting artist, and all the reasons you need to try to get an artist into your school soon.

• Billy's website can be found here
• Check out Billy on Instagram
• The local write-up of Billy visiting Nic's school
• Read Nic's blog post about Billy's project at her school

If you follow Nic's blog or social media accounts, you know all about the Artist Trading Card swap. In today's episode, she talks about the story behind how the swap got started and how her first trade kept her interested in doing more. Listen as she discusses why you might want to do a swap, the benefits for your students, and some how-tos if you want to implement it in your classroom.

• Nic's First Trade
• Kids Reflecting on the First Trade from Japan
• Information on a Trade with Denmark
• Check Out the 'Flipping the Art Room' Course Nic Mentioned!