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Marker Set Storage
Crayola Markers are my go-to product when I want a lesson with bright colors and easy clean-up. Last year I experimented with Crayola’s “washable” markers and now I’m sold on them! Most washable...
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“Mona! Lisa!” Attention Signal
I’m excited to share the best classroom management technique I’ve tried in years.… the “Mona! Lisa!” attention signal. I used this new technique in all my K-8 classes this week, and it was even more...
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Stay on Schedule with the Time Timer
My students and I LOVE our new Time Timer! I first learned about the Time Timer on the Art of Education site. The Time Timer is a fabulous time management tool for any classroom. It comes in three...
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A Safer Way to Send Artwork Home
Without a doubt, the best way to send artwork home is tucked safely inside a portfolio, or a homework folder if the art is a smaller size. But when that’s not an option, here’s your next best bet.…...
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“Class Cards” for Class Management
Using “Class Cards” as a management tool is an idea I picked up from class management guru, Rick Morris. (If you’re not already familiar with Rick’s many teaching tools and techniques, be sure to...
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Basic Collage with Positive and Negative Shapes
I do this project with my first graders every year to help them understand the concept of positive and negative shapes. This project also teaches symmetry and offers important practice in cutting on...
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Emergency Sub Plans
Most schools require their teachers to keep a folder of sub plans in their classroom, which is great for that occasional illness or emergency that causes you to be away from school for a few days....
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How to Create Your Own Art Lessons Inspired by Children’s Books
If you love kids’ art, you’ve probably had the experience of being totally charmed and inspired by a book written and illustrated for kids! And chances are, the book that captured your attention will...
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“Teaching with Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom” by Jim Fay...
If you’ve ever felt stressed by classroom management, you need this book… Teaching with Love and Logic: Taking Control of the Classroom by Jim Fay and David Funk. It may sound corny to say that this...
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National Online Conference for Art Teachers
The first ever online conference for Art educators is coming soon! Jessica Balsey and her team at AOE (Art of Education) have put together an exciting line up of high quality presentations for this...
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Art Hanging System from IKEA
Parents, ever wonder how to display all that wonderful artwork your kids bring home at the end of the school year? The mom of one of my students shared this great idea with me (thank you, Molly...
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Save Your Catalogs!
Catalogs of all kinds can be a great resource for collage projects and more. Here are two of my favorites, which I’m always happy to find in my mailbox! I save them for their pages full of color,...
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Volunteering as an Art Educator
Opportunities abound for volunteering as an Art Educator! If you’ve got a little extra free time this summer, why not take advantage of this chance to share your expertise with others in your...
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Teachers On Pinterest
Pinterest has become the go-to source for inspiration for teachers. I could get lost for hours in this sea of creative ideas! In an effort to engage with the teaching community in an even bigger way,...
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Create a Successful All-School Display
Sometimes life can take some unexpected turns! A few months ago, I had to take a leave of absence from my teaching position to deal with a family emergency. My dad had passed away leaving no plan for...
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How to Start an Art Program at Your Child’s School
The one question my readers ask more than any other is something along the line of, “Do you have any advice for parents who want to teach Art in their child’s class?” And my answer is, yes.… actually,...
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10 Mistakes Every Art Teacher Can Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made more than my share of mistakes.… and many of them more than once! We all make mistakes, but we can learn from each other and at least avoid some of the common ones. Here are...
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How to Sharpen Colored Pencils
If you’ve ever been frustrated by colored pencils that break as you sharpen them, you’re not alone! Colored pencils are prone to breakage whether you’re using inexpensive student grade pencils or...
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6 Tips for Watercolor Success with Kids
Watercolor is a great medium for kids! It’s affordable, mixes well, cleans up quickly, and (usually) doesn’t stain clothing. Here are six tips to help you and your younger students find success when...
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How to Ruin a Paintbrush in One Simple Step
Watercolor or tempera paint in cake form offers lots of advantages for elementary students. But this kind of paint can also be hard on brushes! When younger students are used to painting with liquid...
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