Beginning of the school year art ideas

I LOVE Libraryland! Have I mentioned that before? I have always been an avid volunteer, one that likes to try new things.. and I love connecting. Now, is libraryland overwhelming.. it sure is! Another thing I love is learning from others (and having a space to offer to different activities is great as well) The title of this blog is collaboration.. but when rethinking and writing it, I realize that the collaboration that I had with my art teacher was bouncing ideas off of each other.. and…

Use our step-by-step drawing tutorial to create a unique and colorful name art project for kids. Great for upper elementary & middle school!

The first days of school are always hectic and stressful. If this is your first year teaching elementary art it probably feels downright overwhelming. For me it is about getting to know my students, getting them comfortable with me, introducing rules, and giving them a quick drawing activity. I do it the same every year and it works great for me. I have 30-40 minute classes. I move very quickly through the following activities. I also have these steps outlined on the board, so that I don't…

Are you nervous about starting the school year? Or are you excited to get things going? Even though this is my lucky 13th year teaching, I still get anxious to go back. It’s a combo of nerves, excitem

This is a great project to try at the beginning of the year or as your students are reviewing the alphabet and beginning to learn to write words and phrases. I got this idea from the book Dynamic Art Projects for Children. Ours are not exactly as the ones in this book, but very similar. We started by looking at the art of Stuart Davis and reading the phrases, words and numbers that we saw in his artwork. The … Read more... →

First grade back to school art project using the book, "Be Big!"

Top art teacher blog posts of 2018 from Art Class Curator — the lesson plans and blog posts readers loved most in 2018. Enjoy them year after year!

These up-and-coming influencers share amazing ideas for teaching our children through art, nature, and play.

These are my favorite 50 free short art activities I have used over the past 20 years when I just need a quick and simple art activity.

Each year, I love to have the kids create something personal and little for the bulletin board on our classroom's front door. I always try to teach with the door open (unless the air conditioner is on!) and I love to have it show something inviting. Here's what I came up with this year: lol, my hand seems {huge!} in the middle :) This is such a super-easy project and the kids loved it! All you will need are: cardstock Sharipes markers & color pencils scissors I first decorated my own hand…