Inside: A collection of posts and resources with artworks by women artists, including art projects, book suggestions, and more to teach lessons about famous women artists. Art historians have traditionally focused on artworks made by white men. Teaching art with this limited focus robs students of the chance to learn about themselves and the experiences…
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Teaching the Past, Creating the Future: Black History Month Art Lessons
Inside: A collection of posts and resources with artworks by black artists, civil rights art, African art, art projects, book suggestions, and more to teach Black History art lessons. When students are exposed to a variety of works of art, they learn about the world and themselves. Children deserve to see the wide variety of…
The Ultimate Collection of Principles of Design Examples and Definitions
Inside: The ultimate collection of principles of design examples and definitions, plus helpful resources for teaching the elements and principles of art. What are the Elements and Principles of Art? The elements of art and principles of design are the fundamental pieces that make up an artwork. Most works of art will make use of many…
The Secret to Planning a Successful Field Trip from Start to Finish
Inside: Planning a field trip? Here’s everything you need to plan a successful art field trip to a museum this year–from managing field trip chaperone behavior to scheduling the buses to preparing your students. I know. I know! Planning a field trip can be a stressful nightmare. Coordinating with administrators, obtaining transportation, getting permission slips,…
The Ultimate Collection of Elements of Art Examples and Definitions
Inside: The ultimate collection of elements of art examples and elements of art definitions, plus helpful resources for teaching the elements of art. What are the Elements and Principles of Art? The elements of art and principles of design are the fundamental pieces that make up an artwork. Most works of art will make use of…
Judith and Holofernes Paintings: A Compare and Contrast Art Lesson
Inside: Art lesson ideas and activities for comparing two Baroque Judith and Holofernes paintings. Which was made by a man and which was painted by a woman? Let’s talk about decapitation for a minute. Did I draw you in with that hook? Whether you rose your eyebrows or nodded with excitement, you’re curious about what I’m…
15: Play-based Art Education with George Szekely
As teachers, not only do we strive to make an impact on students, but we also strive to continue learning. Sometimes this means trying new methods to see what works best for us as well as the students. George Szekely is with me today to talk about his hands-on approach with teaching art and how…
How to Avoid Classroom Management Problems in the Art Room
Inside: Tips for avoiding classroom management problems by creating a culture of trust and respect. Whether you’ve been teaching for a year or a decade, you’ve no doubt learned the importance of avoiding classroom management problems. When a student doesn’t behave, it can keep the whole class from learning, and it doesn’t take long for…
14: Tips for Leading a Powerful Art Discussion with Cindy Ingram
Today I’m doing something I’ve never done before, and instead of having a guest, I’m going solo today. Join me as I answer frequently asked questions from listeners and students. Show Highlights: Art Making versus Art Looking How to facilitate discussion during Art History Techniques to try so your students will know you’re listening How…
6 Juicy Artworks for the First Day of School
Inside: Six works of art with discussion questions and creative activities that make perfect first day of school art activities for art teachers of any grade. August is coming… I know. Summer just started! You’ve barely had a chance to sunbathe or swim, and yet it’s almost time to attend in-service meetings, set up your…
09: Killing Your Color Wheels with Jim O’Donnell
The rigidity of rules may be hindering creativity for young artists. Jim O’Donnell didn’t take his first art class until he was almost graduated from high school. Jim is proof that you’re not doomed if you didn’t learn the technicalities at a young age. Listen to him share his experience with how his…
What Makes Art Good? A Lesson and Explanation of Art Theories
Inside: An explanation of four popular art theories and how each of them defines what makes a work of art good. What makes an artwork good? When it adheres to design principles? If it looks true to life? Should it turn our worldview upside down? Must it fill us with emotions? The issue of…
5 Tips for Meaningful Classroom Art Discussion
Inside: Five tips for how to lead a classroom art discussion that will get your students thinking about and enjoying works of art. Looking at art is an inspirational and emotional experience. Talking about art is a launching pad for creativity, collaboration, and cognition. A meaningful classroom art discussion helps students develop empathy, flex thinking…
Things Said About Us: Art-Inspired Self Esteem Activity for Kids
Inside: In this art lesson, students analyze an artwork by Molly Crabapple and discuss how it relates to self-confidence and contemporary culture. Paired with art-inspired self esteem activities for kids where students compliment one another, they’ll discover the power of words. Our students’ self-worth is under attack. Social media allows bullying and harassment to take place…
Portraits for a New Century: Kehinde Wiley Art Lesson
Inside: In this Kehinde Wiley art lesson, have students compare and contrast the Kehinde Wiley stained class, Mary Comforter of the Afflicted with an earlier depiction of the same subject. Use the art appreciation worksheet bundle to further your student’s exploration of this artwork. I’m shining the spotlight on contemporary portrait painter Kehinde Wiley. His timely…
Art Worksheets to Interpret and Connect with Art
Over the past three years, I have excitedly passed out my free printable worksheets for art to all new subscribers to my email list. I love these art worksheets, and they have benefited so many students and classroom across the world. I am happy to announce that these art worksheets have just gotten a big…
Islamic Art for Kids: Calligraphy Art Project inspired by the Islamic Tughra
Inside: In this Islamic art for kids lesson, your students will learn the basics of the Islam religion, the characteristics of Islamic art and architecture, study the ottoman tugra, and create a calligraphic design of their own inspired by an Islamic tughra. Have you ever had a moment in your teaching that just took your…
Exploring Works of Art with the Five Senses
Inside: Hone your art senses! These multisensory artworks can be explored through the lens of the five senses. Use this free art worksheet to analyze these artworks with your students. Have you ever completely lost yourself in a painting? Last year, I was at the Art Institute of Chicago when El Greco’s The Feast in…
How to Teach Abstract Art
Inside: Use this abstract art lesson to teach abstract art to your middle school and high school students. Students draw a bull four ways and look at art by the Bull Series’ by Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein to learn the process from realistic to abstract art. My kids could do that! How many times…
Super Fun Art Description and Drawing Activity for Developing Language Skills
Have you ever had a learning activity that was so fun that your students laughed until they cried and fell out of their chairs? This art description and drawing art appreciation activity is one of my go-to activities for great practice at analyzing art while making amusing art connections. In this activity, students are forced…
