Shows
Art Made EasyStrategies for the First Day of Art Class: AME 063Whether you are a brand new teacher preparing for your first art class or an experienced art teacher looking to change things up, knowing what to do on the first day of school can be challenging. We all have questions: Do you create art right away or do you establish a management plan? You may wonder what projects to do or what supplies to prep. This episode offers a few ideas to think about as you start to plan for your big day back.
Download the First Day of Art Class Freebie and Back to School Guide, and start planning...2024-08-1233 minArt Made EasyClean Up Strategies & Routines for the Art Room: AME 132It's 5 minutes before the end of art class, the room is a mess. Some kids are finishing up their projects, others are not. The clock is ticking and you know what comes next... clean up time.
What do you do next? That depends on you... today on Art Made Easy, I help you outline the best clean up routine for YOU.
That little phrase always puts me in panic mode. Why? Because I didn't have a system... at least, not one in which I identified as sound.
I've always been honest about this failing of mine. I like to create...2023-05-1136 minArt Made Easy10 Tips to Make the Most out of Your Summer: AME 095Which statement rings true for you: summer is too short OR summer is long enough?
If you're like most of us, you probably feel as though it is way too short.
By the time you’re back in the classroom in August or September it can feel as those past two months was just enough time to catch your breath, but not enough to fully recharged and get aligned.
So how do you make the most out of your time?
Do you tackle all the stuff on your to-do list early on so you can relax later? Do you completely ve...2022-06-1438 minArt Made EasyHow to Cultivate Creative Thinkers at Home: AME 153The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It's early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people are just plain confused.
Folks deal with these types of events differently. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to stay put, not travel, hoard toilet paper and stock up on Chardonnay. So I thought it might be helpful to offer you a permission slip to slow down, calm down and take this pandemic day by day.
There are so many opportunities lurking behind every bored moment, teaching challenge and frustrations. You never really know when you'll...2020-03-1823 minArt Made EasyThe Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days: AME 151As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the more classes a project requires, the more likely it is that kids will fall behind. And that means a portfolio of unfinished work.
One of the most effective ways to tackle unfinished work is to schedule a make-up art day for your students. Not only are they helpful in building the confidence level of your young artists but they’ll have more finished art to choose from for your annual art show. It’s a win-win!
Why...2020-03-0421 minArt Made Easy5 Unconventional Ways to Connect with your Students: AME 150Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive?
Don't throw out your behavior management plan just yet. All you might need is a change in how you engage with your students.
Here are my favorite - and slightly unconventional ways - to connect with your students so your art room is engaging, happy and fun.
1. Get to know your students
There is always a story behind the struggle and sometimes the most gentle way to show a child you care is to sit and ask...2020-02-2641 minArt Made EasyHow to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student's year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be overwhelming.
Whether you're excited to put this together (or expected to) it's always a good idea to plan ahead.
In this episode, I'll take you through each step to prepare yourself and what you can do to make sure your art show is a success.
Download my Art Show Checklist below and follow along with me in today's podcast.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How to select the right projects for display
...2020-02-1241 minArt Made EasyNailing Your Art Demo: AME 147When you demonstrate a project, your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students. A demo lays out the steps, so each student can fully understand the steps and complete the lesson.
The question is how do you do that?
In this episode, I'll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that I've tried for art demos (what worked and didn't work.) Plus, classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo.
Need some more art lesson inspiration? Click below to check out more lesson posts on my blog:
...2020-02-0539 minArt Made EasyThe Art of Slowing Things Down: AME 146I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t able to work on the same project for extended periods of time — even as little as 30 minutes. They get bored or anxious, so they rush through the project in a haphazard way just to get to the next activity.
If this is the reality then perhaps we can reconsider how we engage with our students. To hold a child’s attention, a new strategy might be the best way to get them excited to participate in the...2020-01-2928 minArt Made EasyThe 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth: AME 145When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn't really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience - a few sessions in my kid's classroom crafting quilt squares, but no elaborate art projects. I felt like I jumped into the deep end without any preparation...
But what I did have was a vision for what I wanted to accomplish. I knew I had a unique opportunity to inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I could make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself...2020-01-2238 minArt Made EasyHow to Think Your Way to a Happy New Year: AME 144My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity.
For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn't always the case. We don't have to radically reinvent ourselves in order to find happiness.
To quote one of my favorite authors, "the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it." - Eckhart Tolle
The most important thing that you can do for yourself, to live a happy life is to be present. Don't worry too much on what will be in the future. Don't dwell on what...2020-01-1526 minArt Made EasyThe 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving Their Job: AME 142Being successful as an art teacher means more than teaching kids how to draw or paint. It means getting kids to listen and sit and follow directions so that they have the capacity to learn to draw and paint.
It isn't easy.
If you've been feeling a bit discouraged with how your students are behaving in your art room - especially if their behavior is really causing you to rethink your occupation-- then it might mean it's time to take a step back and give yourself a little check up.
Even if everyone tell you that you're doing fine or...2019-12-1131 minArt Made EasyHow to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities: AME 140Patty chats with Gold Star Sparkler, Jennifer Ford Pace, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in her community of Henrico, Virginia.
It’s a dive deep conversation on how Jennifer engages with her emotionally disabled students.
If low attention spans, below grade level art skills, or technology hungry kids are part of your classroom landscape, listen in to hear how Jennifers transcends these issues by creating connection.
If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to...2019-07-3146 minArt Made EasyHow One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression: AME 137Felicia Merrick is a veteran classroom teacher of 22 years before becoming an art teacher. It’s a position she feels embodies all that she loves: creativity and children.
But a series of devastating losses lead to a debilitating battle with anxiety and depression. Through daily calming practices, the right medication, and a full self-help toolbox, Felicia is determined to manage anxiety.
She hopes that by sharing her story, other art teachers will earn to identify the trigger points and to find the necessary help.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- Felicia’s journey to become an art teacher
- How she deals w...2019-07-1046 minArt Made EasyHow to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections: AME 133Do you have students who speak limited English? Teaching art in a community with language barriers is a ripe opportunity for engagement and connection.
You might just need to approach teaching differently.
Today's guest, classroom teacher Hannah Coggins, teaches 1st and 2nd grade in Africa. She shares her strategies for engaging and slowing children down long enough to reflect on their art so they can truly be the best version of themselves.
Hannah is a member of The Sparkler's Club and was featured as our spotlight teacher for May. Like all Spotlight guests, Hannah turns the interview around and asks...2019-06-1235 minArt Made EasyHow to Use Mantras to Create Connection & Consistency with Your Students: AME 128Do you have a mantra? Something you say out loud before every class?
I sort of did.
My mantra of every child is somebody's baby was something I thought about before the students poked their heads inside the art room. But it never occurred to me to pick something to say loud and proud.
Enter Sarah Krajewski, AKA Art Room Glitter Fairy. She created a mantra that is spoken before every one of her art classes. Sometimes with matching actions. Sometimes silently. But always with the students.
Sarah shares her heart-felt strategies for connecting with her students in a very...2019-03-2754 minArt Made EasyTurn Your Art Room into Your Dream Art Space: AME 111Need a little art room make-over? Yvette Ackerman is passionate about making her art room feel like home. By using warm, textural elements and a strategy for student inspiration, Yvette's art room is a dreamy example of what's possible. Yvette is a former classroom teacher turned art teacher for her local Charter School in Northern California. Yvette is also a brand new Sparkler having joined the membership last August and turns the interview to ask Patty questions about work-life balance, what's in the future for Deep Space Sparkle (BIG reveal here) and strategies for art assessment.
Check out Yvette's Bulletin...2018-10-1743 minArt Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – Why I Don’t Use Pencils in the Art Room: AME 110Today on AME, I’m continuing with my series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing the reason behind one of my biggest art preference …why don’t I use pencils in the art room.
As Deep Space Sparkle reaches more and more teachers from around the world, I get asked a few questions a lot and one of them is why I d...2018-10-1025 minArt Made EasyFrom Dance Instructor to Art Teacher: AME 109Are you a relatively new art teacher who’s trying to figure it all out? Guest teacher, Tamara Evans shares her how she gets her students to help with prep and clean up. And it’s pretty easy!
Tamara Thomas Evans, teaches K-8th art in Hendersonville, North Carolina after a long career as a dance instructor. Tamara is a Sparkler and was invited to share her experiences as a relatively new art teacher.
In the first half on the show, Tamara shares her systems for keeping her classroom calm and her students engaged as learners and helpers.
Then, we swit...2018-10-0340 minArt Made EasyDo You Feel Like A Machine? AME 108Do you have enough time to prep?
Are you able to enjoy your job?
When do you sit and breathe?
I teach over 850 students at my school. There is little time built into my day to lesson plan, grade, hang/take down work, clean the room, and what ever the next thing is that admin assigns to me.
This was a question posted last week in the private Sparkler Facebook group. Perhaps you feel the same way? I know that at one point in my career, I had similar thoughts. And I suspect most art teachers would say this would...2018-09-2643 minArt Made EasyDraw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat – How to Host Art Sessions in Your Home: AME 107Today on AME, I'm continuing with my new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my new book and give you extra insight to how my teaching philosophy has worked throughout the years and how it can help you create art with your kids.
I taught in an elementary art room for 13 years before going full time with Deep Space Sparkle. And over the past few years of writing this book and helping parents in my membership program, the Sparklers Club, I realized that teaching or facilitating art at home is different than teaching large...2018-09-1227 minArt Made EasyHow to Transition from an Unpaid Volunteer to a For-Profit Business: AME 105You probably know someone just like today's guest. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, creative, and organized. She's the gale that takes on everything and does it so well. You may even find that she reminds you of YOU.
Ashley Bruce is our Sparkler Spotlight for September. Ashley started her own art business in San Diego, California and visits local schools to help start and support art programs.
We chat about how her business started and how it impacted her life then and now. And because she is a featured Sparkler, Ashley turns the table on a typical episode to ask...2018-08-2946 minArt Made EasyCultivating a Management Mindset: AME 104If there is one thing I know for sure, it's that you can't teach art unless you have some sort of management plan in place. Art is really exciting for kids and often you'll have eager students ready to create art, but it's also very common to experience predictable issues like these:
- Talkative students
- Disruptive or disrespectful students
- Students who refuse to work
- Absent or continually tardy students
- Loud of out-of-control behaviors
Doesn't matter what type of teacher you are: one who values organization and control or one who values connection, fun and chaos. Everyone...2018-08-1548 minArt Made EasyHow to Get What You Really Want This School Year: AME 103What is the ONE thing you want most this school year?
A healthier lifestyle? More money? A more organized classroom? While I can't claim to hold the secret to achieving these things, I can share the one secret that I know will transform your school year...if only you stay open to it.
The biggest impact for me, in both my personal and business life, has been asking for help. Knowing when my desires were too big to do alone or that my obsession with doing it all wasn't working anymore, wasn't all that easy to figure out.
Asking and...2018-08-0836 minArt Made EasyMorning Routines, Inspiration & Wellness AME 102While on vacation this month in Canada, I have had lots of time to reflect on what is working in my life and what needs adjusting.
I identified a few things that are an absolute must for living a healthy, inspiring and productive life.
This podcast takes a deep dive into morning routines, the essentials of inspiration (including how I cultivate mine) and the hard facts of aging well.
I can’t wait to hear how and where you find inspiration, if you have a morning routine and how you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
THINGS YOU’LL DISCOVER:
Why a morni...2018-07-2535 minArt Made EasyHow to Teach Art with Heart: AME 101Connecting with children through art is an essential ingredient in the success and longevity of artist, Jill Hatcher. Jill teaches children ages 4-12 in a public school, does after school art classes and hosts private classes in her home. And she doesn't hold a teaching degree! It's hard to imagine where she finds the energy until you meet her. Jill is enthusiastic, warm and loves connecting with both her students and fellow teachers.
We spotlight Jill in our Sparkle magazine and asked her to share her story on Art Made Easy.
This episode is for anyone who is not a...2018-07-1839 minArt Made EasyDrawing with Children with Mona Brookes: AME 100DRAWING WITH CHILDREN WITH MONA BROOKES: AME 100
I wondered how to make this milestone episode special. When I thought back to all the episodes, there is one thread that runs through them. And that is that no matter where you teach art, how you teach art, or what stage you are at in your teaching journey...you are not alone.
We're here for you.
When I began teaching art in 2004, and had no idea how to teach kids, there was someone there for me, too. An hour after I was offered the job, I went to borders and bought Drawing...2018-07-1150 minArt Made Easy10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099Do you have a mantra that you live by each day?
As creatives, we often gravitate towards specific sayings or guideposts. And in Mary’s case, she adopts her own.
Mary Crowlie taught in a classroom for 20 years before changing paths and becoming the art teacher for 800 children in grades 1st-5th.
This was her realization of nabbing her dream job. But it was more challenging than she expected. To keep her spirits and energy up, Mary adopted a mantra that she uses to both inspire, humor and keep her radiant outlook.
I love this episode because it shines a li...2018-07-0444 minArt Made EasyDo You Want To Write A Book? AME: 098Do you want to write a book? Chances are, you do. It's a dream many of us share until you sit down and stare at an empty screen. Perhaps you wonder if you have it in you. The endurance to see it through to the end. Maybe you do and maybe you don't. This episode will share 5 action steps that I think are critical to you success as a writer.
A few years ago, I was asked to write a book. I considered the invitation, said yes and went through a process of writing a book proposal, waffling between self-publishing...2018-06-2740 minArt Made EasyTransitioning from Art Volunteer to Art Specialist: AME 097After volunteering in her children's classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab at pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few schools in her district, June was offered the job as an art specialist.
If you ever wondered what opportunities are available for those who do not have a teaching credential, this episode is for you.
June and I chat about her unusual approach to managing her schedule, what projects she uses as a cornerstone for her skills and what advice she would give others looking to move into teaching art.
As a Sparkler Spotlight recipient in...2018-06-2048 minArt Made EasyWhy Did You Become an Art Teacher? AME: 096As an artist and a teacher you have the unique ability to inspire kids...to help THEM become artists, critical thinkers, decision makers and creators.
As art teachers, we strive to be completely original, to inspire passion through process and pattern, and hopefully our students will appreciate our efforts.
But if it's our goal to generate original ideas and projects that lure children away from their iPhone's and back to their sketchbooks, we have to work hard.
It's hard to develop a program that addresses the emotional, creative and academic needs of all kids. Not to mention the requirement to...2018-06-1330 minArt Made EasyHow to Use Flow Learning™ to Engage Students in Art Making: AME 094Have you ever heard of Flow Learning™?
It’s a technique that Joseph Cornell from the Sharing Nature Foundation developed to help children channel their natural tendencies and curiosities into focused learning.
A fellow Sparkler, Chandi Holliman, shared this approach with me and I was immediately intrigued. In this episode of Art Made Easy, Chandi shares how she used this approach with her pre-school and young Kinders in the art room.
Chandi is a brand new Sparkler and is our featured Sparkler Spotlight for May. What I love about Chandi is her calm, intentional approach to children’s art making and he...2018-05-2350 minArt Made EasyCharge What You’re Worth: AME 093Today on AME, I'm talking all about money...specifically how it applies to art teachers who run classes or workshops or have a product to sell. I'm revealing my strategies for determining how to set the right price for your product service.
After 10 years of running an online business, I've learned a thing or two about what price to charge for products. And although I didn't always get it right, I did learn that business - any business - has 3 main components:
1. Business strategies are the easiest to implement as they are things you can learn: management systems, email list...2018-05-1632 minArt Made EasyHow To Cultivate Craftsmanship in Your Art Room: AME 092Today I'm talking to an art teacher who confesses to being focused on the end result.
Before you judge, listen to how Britt Curley, from the blog, Art Room Britt, sets her intention with her students as they work through mediums, learn techniques and create a beautiful piece of art in the process.
Britt puts a lot of attention on a finely tuned finished product. Craftsmanship, neatness and detail are integrated into her art classes and children respond with enthusiasm and confidence.
Britt shares how she came to teach children in her home, growing from one class with only a...2018-05-0947 minArt Made EasyBest Practices for Acrylic Paints: AME 091Today I'm talking to acrylic artist Anna Bartlett about all things acrylic paints, art studios, paint parties and how to make the easiest sketch books ever. Anna is an artist from Queensland, Australia and the owner of Shiny Happy Art. We met through Instagram and instantly connected over our shared love of bright colors and happy art.
Anna shares her journey of transitioning from an accountant to art studio owner and how she positions her business as a premium service. For anyone who struggles with charging enough to run a profitable business, Anna's thought process just might convince you to...2018-05-0259 minArt Made EasyHead, Heart & Hand: The Waldorf Approach to Managing Young Artists: AME 090Sally Haughey Fowler brings absolute wonder to her students through the Waldorf environment. She walks into an art room with intention, passion and enough drama to rival a Disney production. In this episode, Sally discusses her 10 tips for teaching art to kids with emphasis on the Waldorf approach to art. She shares her three art teacher superpowers that reveal exactly how children think.
Sally was a featured presenter at the Deep Space Sparkle 2017 Art Workshop in Santa Barbara. I loved her workshop presentation so much that I wanted to share it with you and the Art Made Easy audience. Click...2018-04-2550 minArt Made EasyHow a 20-Year Classroom Veteran Transitioned to Teaching Art: AME 089Wonder what it's like to step into the art room serving 500 kids a week after being in a classroom for 20 years? I was curious too, so I asked Crissy Harvey if she would share what that experience was like for her.
Crissy is a Sparkler in The Sparklers Club. What she was sharing in our private Facebook group was blowing me away. As a first-time art teacher, I was amazed at the attention to detail, the variety of lessons and the courage to tackle painted paper for the first time.
Deep Space Sparkle selected Crissy for our Sparkle Spotlight in...2018-04-1847 minArt Made EasyHow One Classroom Teacher Went from Art Breakdown to Art Star: AME 087Michelle Gifford, a second-grade teacher from Thousand Oaks California, confessed to failing miserably with her first attempt at teaching art. She had followed her school's purchased art program but never felt confident that she was giving her students the best art experience.
After a miserable open house, where parents expressed disappointment with her art attempts, Michelle plucked up the determination to learn how to teach art. After learning all she could, Michelle went all in with her art education and is now known as the teacher who does "all the art".
This episode is for anyone who doesn't consider themselves...2018-03-2849 minArt Made EasyHow to Know When It’s Time to Open Your Art Studio: AME 086If you've ever wondered if opening your own art studio is the right path for you, today's guest, Arielle Goddard from Art Camp, will share what factors played a significant role in her decision to transition from an art teacher to creative entrepreneur...
Arielle will share how she transitioned from a program director and teacher of an art academy to a sole entrepreneur of her own art studio. She will share how she transformed her home to an inviting creative space, how she determines her fees and what triggered her decision to step out of what was comfortable to the...2018-03-2159 minArt Made EasyManifesting Your Ultimate Goal: AME 085Do you have a dream that you've been working towards? The goal that when accomplished, will fill your bucket list and give you permission to say, I did it?
What if, after working tirelessly for years on this one dream, you decide to abandon it...give up.
What would that say about you?
Are you a quitter?
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I'm sharing my book publishing journey...how it started, what I learned and ultimately, how different my dream looked in the end.
This episode is for anyone who wants to pursue writing a book and how...2018-03-1439 minArt Made Easy3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084This is a special bonus episode in response to a beautiful outpouring from a Sparkler inside our private Facebook Group. Her anticipated art show generated only a few attendees and as we can all imagine, low attendance just doesn’t feel great.
I know I’ve coordinated many art shows that ranged from just a few parents here and there to shoulder to shoulder crowds.
This episode shares 3 simple steps to ensure that your definition of success doesn’t start at the opening of the show.
3 Steps to a Successful Art Show:1. Keep it simple2. Get help from unlikely sources3. Releas...2018-03-1013 minArt Made EasyTeaching Kids to Paint: AME 083Today I'm answering the most asked questions I receive about teaching kids to paint. This is the second episode in our series, Questions You Were Afraid To Ask.
If you want to know how to prevent your paper from curling, wonder why the salting technique doesn't work for you or whether you should buy acrylic or tempera paint, this episode is perfect for you.
Make sure to download the free PDF that lists each question and answer plus offers bonus videos for you to view on Deep Space Sparkle.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- Why I feel it is...2018-03-0736 minArt Made EasySupporting & Appreciating Others (plus a few folks who are amazing): AME 080In this episode, I share why I feel so strongly about supporting and sharing with others. Why it's good for me and how sharing, collaborating and being positive shapes my life. I call it living with abundance but it can also be called The Golden Rule: Do to others what you would want them to do for you.
This episode shares a few stories about how giving and sharing has made a huge difference in my happiness, prosperity and job satisfaction and ways it can work for you, too.
I'll talk about...
• What “abundance” means to me
• How living with abundanc...2018-02-0734 minArt Made EasyHow to Protect Your Content: AME 079AME 079: How to Protect Your Creative Content
Do you offer tutorials, projects or handouts on social media, but get uneasy when someone swipes your idea? Protecting your creative content, from your Insta-Stories to your blog posts takes consideration. I know exactly how it feels when someone posts your content as their own and it’s not great.Today’s episode shares 3 options to consider when deciding HOW to share your content without feeling like you got ripped off.
Also, a few updates on a Sparklers meet-up in Seattle, our upcoming Art workshop this summer and what I took from hearing Cond...2018-01-3138 minArt Made EasyArt Meets Storytime: AME 078Art Meets Storytime
My favorite way to transition a classroom full of kids to an art class is to read a picture book. I've been a longtime fan of children's literature and art so when you put the two together, you have a enraptured audience.
Today's guest is Julia Linsteadt, the co-founder of KidArtLit, a subscription box company that delivers storytime and art kits every month to young families. It's really two of my favorite things. Julia shares her story of how she began her business and why she thinks it's so successful.
Make sure to click over to the...2018-01-2438 minArt Made EasyWord of the Year: AME 077What’s Your Word of the Year?
In today’s episode, I’ll share how I use mine and how you can incorporate a Word of the Year into your life. There are parts of this conversation that move past picking a word to represent how you want to feel or what action you want to take in the new year.
My word evolved because of a bad situation in one of my past art classes. In order not to repeat the scenario, I created an intention that I still follow today.
I’d love to hear what your Word of the Ye...2018-01-1724 minArt Made EasyHow To Love Your Job: AME 075Have you ever felt frustrated or flustered at work? Perhaps a bit anxious or uncertain? Creating art lessons, prepping supplies, managing behaviors and dealing with uncertainty can challenge even the best of us.
Today’s episode of Art Made Easy takes a look at how one book, Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield changed the way I approached my day. As a writer, it made a huge difference in my productivity and as a teacher it allowed me to look at my job with more focus and less distraction.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
• How having a professional mindset can help you...2017-12-1334 minArt Made Easy5 Ways You Are Making A Difference: AME 074Occasionally, our efforts to make an impact show up in sweet love notes from a first-grader or a required essay to a favorite teacher. Sometimes it’s larger and grander in scale like your annual art show. Other days, the monotony of daily routines, sassy kids and challenging schedules make it hard to tell if what we are doing is having any impact at all.
On this episode of Art Made Easy, Patty shares 5 likely ways you are making an impact without even being aware of it.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
• How many children our members are impacting worldwide
• Why you...2017-12-0628 minArt Made EasyThe Life Journey of a Creative: AME 073Bar Rucci grew up in a creative household. She was determined to go to art school despite her parent’s plea to become a computer programmer. As a true creative, she compromised on the selection of her major, attended Skidmore College and graduated with a degree in Art and a minor in Early Childhood Development.
What followed was a series of experiences: mural painting, clothing businesses, and finally, a long stint as a graphic designer. It was this last venture that became her calling, allowing her to stay home and raise her children.
Barbara’s journey has many elements that many C...2017-11-2242 minArt Made EasyArt from India: AME 071Whenever I explore cultural art projects, I wonder if the lesson I plan will reflect on the values and traditions of the designated country. There have been so many times when I’m knee-deep in Google searches that I wish I could just call someone and have them tell me the most popular art styles in their country.
Today’s interview is that type of conversation. I spoke with Sparkler, Payal Wachhar, an art teacher from India who teaches in Australia. Payal and I talk about her passion for inquiry base learning and her favorite Indian art influences. Oh my good...2017-11-0853 minArt Made Easy5 Literacy Strategies for the Art Room: AME 070Are you using literacy strategies in your art room? If you are, you know how effective they can be for engaging students, connecting content areas with your lessons and providing an opportunity for children to analyze art.
If you’re not sure, you might be surprised with how easy you can adapt simple literacy strategies in your art room—so easy in fact, that you might be using some without even knowing it!
My guest today is Marisa Gebert. If her name sounds familiar, that’s because she is chief curriculum creator at Team Sparkle. Marisa aligns Common Core, Visual Art St...2017-10-2550 minArt Made EasyTips for Teaching Art in a Title One School: AME 069Teaching art in a Title 1 school can be challenging. Often there is limited funding for art supplies, behavioral issues and lack of support. Although, depending on your perspective, teaching at a Title 1 school can be no different than any other school.
At least that’s how it was for me.
I taught in a Title 1 school for 6 years and loved it.
So why do some teachers thrive in challenging situations while others struggle?
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I’m answering a question that I have put aside for over a year. The question that came from a clea...2017-10-1743 minArt Made EasyFive Questions to Ask to Set Your Art Curriculum Intentions: AME 066Have you ever wondered whether it is better to have a plethora of creative works at the end of a term so that students have a general working knowledge of many styles and techniques OR just a few projects that dive deep into just a few areas at a time?
When it comes to elementary students, we can frame our curriculum any number of ways. It all depends on what our admins expect us to do, what we feel is important to teach our students and what is in our wheelhouse.
Sometimes it’s just a matter of becoming crystal cl...2017-09-2032 minArt Made EasyHow One Classroom Teacher Transitioned to her Dream Job as an Art Teacher with Denise Lediaev: AME 062Former 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 Unite...2017-07-2639 minArt Made EasyTaking a Chance & Pursuing Passion with Kristy GoPaul from Trinidad: AME 061We 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 exp...2017-07-1934 minArt Made EasyDrawing Tips & Teaching Art to All Ages: AME 060Discover 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...2017-07-0743 minArt Made EasyTeaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India: AME 059How 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...2017-06-2036 minArt Made EasyArt Stories From Around the World – China: AME 057I'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 Wu...2017-06-0740 minArt Made EasyTeaching Art to Children with Special Needs: AME 056There 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 a...2017-05-3147 minArt Made EasyHow to Deal with Negative Feedback: AME 055The 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...2017-05-2440 minArt Made Easy6 Factors for a Successful Management Plan: AME 053Classroom management is one of the hardest elements of being an art teacher. If you don’t have a plan, philosophy or strategy then art-making takes a back seat.
I believe it’s all about creating an environment in which your students look forward to coming to your class and equally important, creating an environment in which YOU want to come to class.
Here are my 6 factors to consider when making your classroom management plan.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why the environment in the art room is so important to consider
How I used my own energy as a basi...2017-05-1045 minArt Made Easy3 Techniques to Try with Tempera Paint: AME 052When it comes to painting techniques, most of us think about watercolor paints. There is so much you can do with these watery colors: resist, wet-on-wet, salting, etc. But if you use liquid tempera paint for most of your art projects, you may feel like you’re stuck with a simple stroke application. For me, tempera paints offer kids the chance to explore paint mixing and achieve bold blasts of color.
This podcast explains why I love using tempera paint, what type of brands are best, and how to get the most out of using tempera paints.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’L...2017-05-0329 minArt Made EasySummer Camp Start-Up Advice: AME 051As the school year starts to wind down, now is a good time to consider your summer plans. I hope they involve a deck and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc but if your mind is wandering towards earning some extra money, this episode is for you.
I want to give you permission to finally say YES to your dreams of hosting a summer camp, starting your own studio or paint party class. Whatever it is, operating a small, part-time business that features your talents can be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done.
This is not a checklist of how...2017-04-2634 minArt Made EasyRetirement Dreams & Children’s Books with Sparkler Gloria Mathews: AME 050Today’s episode is special. Deep Space Sparkle member, Gloria Mathews is the quintessential Sparkler: creative, sharing, and kind. She is always the first one to comment, cheer on and celebrate other’s success in their journey as an art teacher.
Gloria is a retired classroom teacher who transitioned to teaching art a couple of days per week to her group of students in grades K-2. Hear how she designed an art program that suited her lifestyle and goals and how you can do it, too.
Gloria and I chat about what makes a children’s book successful, how to get star...2017-04-1954 minArt Made EasyTeaching Art at Home: AME 049With the deadline of my first book approaching, I have uncovered a few differences between teaching art in a small group setting and teaching art in a classroom. Having a series of private workshops for the kids who are helping me with my book has allowed me to witness first hand what a private or small-group based art-making experience is like for parents and studio owners. I'm able to explore paint options and drawing techniques that I might have avoided in a traditional classroom setting but seems really natural with a small group. While the distinctions will be featured in my b...2017-04-1231 minArt Made EasyFrom Nurse to Watercolor Artist with Gina Lee Kim: AME 047Did you go to school for one thing only to end up doing something entirely different? Most often these types of career pivots happen to us once we discover that we need to create. If you yearn to create art full-time but are in a job you know isn’t meant for you, Gina’s story will resonate with you. Gina shares what moved her to create art, how she got published in magazines and how it all lead to a book deal.
Gina shares practical tips on how to keep inspired and how to work through obstacles.
IN THIS EPISO...2017-03-2945 minArt Made EasyAvoiding the Comparison Trap: AME 044Have you ever felt defeated when teachers receive more recognition than you? Do you wonder how others get more followers on social media or why some speaker's sessions are packed?
If you ever felt that awful feeling of comparing yourself to others, this episode is for you. I share my business journey from when I started my blog to how I ended up in a mastermind that launched my full-time business. And believe me, I fell into the comparison trap plenty of times!
It’s not always easy to avoid comparing yourself to others, especially in this online world, but my three ti...2017-03-0842 minArt Made EasyHow to Engage, Inspire and Create Art Room Magic with Sally Haughey: AME 042On today’s episode, I’m talking with Sally Haughey from Fairy Dust Teaching. If you’re not familiar with her work, you really need to check out her blog, Fairy Dust Teaching. Sally and I chat about the best way to engage young children in the art making space. You’ll learn why the method Sally uses is just so important and effective with not only young children, but ones of all ages.
This episode is for anyone who struggles with finding the right balance between a creative art-making space and behavioral expectations.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How Sally decided...2017-02-2256 minArt Made EasySparkler Spotlight & Small Studio Advice: AME 040Since the creation of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members Club (join waitlist) last June, I’ve made it my goal to help serve and support teachers on their path as art teachers.
One of the newest features of the membership is the Sparkler Spotlight. This is where I share members stories on how they became an art teacher, what they struggle with and where they find their inspiration. I’m excited to announce that my first spotlight is member Kristina Massey!
Kristina has her own art studio called Corbie Arts in Washington State and teaches after school classes to a small b...2017-02-0831 minArt Made EasySame Project, Different Results: Art Made Easy 038Does this sound familiar?
You teach a lesson and it goes terrific: the students understand the concepts and are totally engaged, but then you go to teach the same lesson at a different school, and it fails. The students don't grasp the concepts and want to do their own thing. What do you do?
This was the discussion last week inside the Members Club Facebook group. First time art teacher, Traci Ann wondered why this happens and how it can be avoided.
If you’ve taught art for any length of time, you know this happens and that it happens to...2017-01-1827 minArt Made EasyThe Organized Art Teacher: Art Made Easy 037Do you feel overwhelmed when you look at your stacks of lesson plans and project ideas? Ever wondered how other art teachers store their lesson plans and samples? And what is the best way to store artwork?
Start the year off with an organized mindset by hearing how Patty organized her hundreds of lesson plans and stacks of student art.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why it’s never too late to organize, regardless of what point in the year it is
How mindset plays a key role in successful organization
Why listening to how other art teachers do thing...2017-01-1138 minArt Made EasyIncorporating STEAM Projects into your Art Room: Art Made Easy 036Are you looking to incorporate a few STEAM art activities into your curriculum this year? Ana Dziengle from Babble, Dabble Do is this week's guest on the podcast. If you haven't met Ana before, I know you'll love her. She's the type of girl you want as a friend. And since she is originally from Santa Barbara, I'm claiming her as mine! Ana shares her favorite STEAM projects that engage kids and encourages them to think for themselves. And isn't that what we all want? This episode is perfect for anyone wants to explore a few STEAM projects with their ki...2017-01-0442 minArt Made EasyHow to Handle the Holiday Crush – AME 034The holidays don’t need to be a time for stressful schedules and hectic classes. Make this season your best ever by determining what your holiday intentions are, how to navigate your school’s holiday celebration parameters and what projects to do with your students that will deliver smiles for all.
In this episode, Patty addresses the big issues art teachers face every December:
What should you do when your school doesn’t celebrate the Holidays?
How to handle children who can’t participate in anything remotely seasonal.
How to set your intentions so you can enjoy the season and bring fo...2016-11-2344 minArt Made EasyTop Tips for being an Awesome Art Room Volunteer- Art Made Easy 033In today’s episode, I answer a question from Ashley, a member of Deep Space Sparkle's Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability?
This is such a great question. I've been a volunteer in my children's classes and had the opportunity to work with some of the best parents in the world. And let me just say, there's a learning curve to both sides. In this episode I help you clarify the message and task list you send to your volunteers and help parents maximize their time spent as a...2016-11-0939 minArt Made EasyThe SPARKLE Method for Lesson Development – Art Made Easy 032Developing art lessons can be overwhelming to create with a busy schedule. Sure you can use the same art lessons every year but every now and again, you’ll want (or be required) to create lessons for a very specific topic or subject.
Over the years, I created a criteria for assessing whether or not a lesson will work in my art program. I call it my SPARKLE method for lesson development. These 7 key steps will help you create art projects that are unique to you, your art program and that your students will love.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEAR...2016-11-0250 minArt Made EasyHow to Manage Overwhelm: Art Made Easy 031Are you feeling overwhelmed? I must admit that this year has been an intentionally busy one for me. In order to prevent overwhelm, I fall back on 5 strategies that keep me focused on what is important, what I value and the most important tasks I need to accomplished in a day.
This episode will help you identify when you are about to go down that overwhelm hole and how to get yourself back on track.
After you listen to the episode, let me know how you handle overwhelm. Share in the comments below...
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How cha...2016-10-2640 minArt Made EasyCrafting with Red Ted Art: Art Made Easy 030Do you love creating crafts with your kids? Or creating art based on famous artists? Learn how engineer turned crafter, Maggy Woodley started Red Ted Art, an arts & craft blog for kids. The success of her blog lead to her first book deal, Cute & Easy Crafts for Kids and grew her Facebook page to 1.8 million fans and almost 91K subscribers on You Tube.
Amazing, right?
Maggy was so much fun to talk to. She shares so many secrets of how she grew her blog following while raising a family. Even if you aren't a blogger, I know you'll find so ma...2016-10-1945 minArt Made EasyPerfect Timing: Solutions for Early Finishers – Art Made Easy 029Do you get frustrated when your students rush to finish a project to work on free drawing or a coloring sheet?
Do you find you are constantly being challenge to find solutions for early finishers?
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I walk you through strategies to help your students finish an art project during the scheduled time plus tips to help you assess your lesson timelines, free choice activities and grade-level projects.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
Why you really need to step back and look at the reasons why timing is problematic in the first place
What...2016-10-1242 minArt Made EasyLife After Teaching Part II – Art Made Easy 028Have you ever wondered whether you could run your own creative business? In this episode, I'll walk you through what its like owning a business, qualities you need to possess to be an entrepreneur and what to look for when deciding what type of business you would like to run.
This episode is perfect for anyone who is looking to supplement a teaching income, explore ways to teach art outside of school and general tips for starting your own creative business.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
What my definition of entrepreneurship is and the various ups and downs of bein...2016-10-0650 minArt Made EasyLife After Teaching – Art Made Easy 027Are you dreaming of what life will look like after you retire from teaching art?
Or perhaps you’ve had enough of teaching and are ready to move on?
Today’s episode helps a reader bridge the gap between finding happiness as a K-8 public elementary art teacher and her dreams of opening up a children’s art studio.
This is Part I of a two-part series on exploring creative opportunities after teaching.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
What are three main courses of action you can take when you feel like you’re ready to switch things up
How it was...2016-09-2944 minArt Made EasyUnlocking Your Potential with Personality Tests – Art Made Easy 026In this episode of Art Made Easy I’m diving down the rabbit hole of personality tests. Don't know if you are a fan, but I've been literally obsessed with the Myers-Briggs test since I listen to The Mind Your Business podcast a few months ago.
Here's what I learned; by knowing what makes you tick, you can learn how to become a better teacher, engage in activities that bring you more joy and be around people who compliment you. You may not be overly familiar with personality test, but trust me, knowing the reasons why you do what you do r...2016-09-2139 minArt Made EasyCreative Books to Read This Summer – Art Made Easy 024Today is the last episode of Art Made Easy Season One!
When I embarked on this podcast journey, my intentions was to test out the platform, see if anyone was interested in listening to what I had to say and to share my love of teaching art through others.
I'm proud that the show has over 65K downloads and has been in the New & Noteworthy section as well as the What's Hot section in iTunes (K-12 education) since we began. That means that many of you tune in every week to listen.
Thank you!
To me there is no better way...2016-06-1529 minArt Made EasyYour School Year in Review – Art Made Easy 023New Year's Resolutions aren't just for January!
As the school year draws to a close, now is the perfect time to reflect on your year, celebrate your achievements, review what you want to improve on and get clear on how you want the 2016-17 year to look and feel.
Reflecting upon your successes, failures (yes, we all had them) and bright spots in your year may feel unnecessary but I PROMISE YOU, it’s the BEST thing you can do for yourself.
Creating a positive space for self-reflection in your life is the fastest way to become happier and more co...2016-06-0843 minArt Made EasyHow to Use Pinterest in the Art Room – Art Made Easy 022I'm excited for you to meet art teacher and anointed Pinterest Art Queen, Donna Staten. Donna is an art teacher from Austin, Texas who is known for her HUGE following on Pinterest. And because of her Pinterest efforts, Donna has been invited to be a part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council.
Pretty impressive, right?
This episode is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how Donna grew her Pinterest following to over 100K followers. (Hint: it takes some time! ) She also outlines her top ten best practices for growing a following and ways that Pinterest can be us...2016-06-0141 minArt Made EasyHow to Break Down Barriers & Showcase Your Talent – Art Made Easy 021Art teacher and blogger, Ginger Bowerman-Pacer of Paintbrush Rocket shares how she pushed past the barriers that were holding her back from creating a platform for her teaching resources.
In an honest and vulnerable conversation about the joys and struggles of teaching art, Ginger confronts the stories she told herself that prevented her from starting a blog and sharing her talents with others to being partners in an exciting new art adventure.
If you love conversations about change, following your gut, taking a leap of faith, pushing away blocks, then you will love listening to Ginger.
PS In the introduction...2016-05-2551 minArt Made EasyHow to Host Your Own Art Workshop – Art Made Easy 018Do peers ever ask you to share your teaching secrets? Do you specialize in an area of art-making? Does generating extra income sound appealing?
If there is a yes in there somewhere, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I unpack how I developed and executed my successful Art Workshop. I break down the process from the idea to how to book a facility to structuring the projects plus much more. This process may sound scary or unrealistic to some of you. You maybe asking why anyone would attend your workshop, let alone pay for one. But they will. You ca...2016-05-0448 minArt Made EasyTeaching from a Cart – Art Made Easy 017Do you teach art from a cart?
Or travel from school to school with your car packed with art supplies and resources?
Today’s guest Heidi O’Hanley has spent most of her career traveling from school to school and teaching from a cart. It sounds impossible and maybe even a bit scary, but Heidi is here to help you.
Heidi shares what art projects are best, what art supplies to use and ways to make teaching art with little storage or space to work for you.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
- What to do when your classroom has no wa...2016-04-2740 minArt Made Easy5 Mindset Shifts That Made a Difference in My Life – Art Made Easy 016Why do things always seem to work out for some people and not for others?Do you have goals in your life that just don't seem attainable? I'm a firm believer that you can achieve anything you want--happiness in your job, great relationship with your spouse, joy-filled hobbies--but there are some age-old philosophies that make it possible.This episode is a bit of a stretch for me. I don't often talk about how I feel about ego or intuition and living a life with intention. But tapping into these two things has allowed me to know what path to take...2016-04-2030 minArt Made EasyHow to Draw with Kids & Create a Rockin’ YouTube Show – Art Made Easy 015Drawing with kids is probably the best job in the world which is exactly what Rob Jensen does with his three kids 5 days a week. After starting Art Hub for Kids in 2012, Rob shares his love of art with his kids by committing to a 5-day a week art show in YouTube.
His success has been exponential. He shares his YouTube secrets of how to get subscribers, staying engaged with you audience and how to record your own art videos.
IN THIS SHOW YOU'LL LEARN:
- The top three things you should look for in a camera
- Learning about...2016-04-1338 minArt Made EasyFrom Blog to Book- Art Made Easy 014Jeanette Nyberg, author of the popular art blog Craftwhack and former professional artist, traded in her paintbrushes for a keyboard after the birth of her kids. Discovering that her love of kid’s art was just as passionate as her former painting days, Jeanette started a blog that changed, transformed and ultimately lead her to her first book deal.
In this episode, Jeanette shares her struggles with blogging and how she reigned in her focus that resulted in the publication of her first art book for kids and adults.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How doin...2016-04-0632 minArt Made EasyEasy Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Class – Art Made Easy 012Do your students blurt out at random moments during your demonstrations? Do you have trouble getting kids to listen or take you seriously? Do you have children that always seem to be pushing your buttons? Does your clean-up routine border on chaotic?
I know that I've struggled with behavioral issues, stressful transitions and more than a few wild classes and I learned that unless I got those things under control, I wasn't able to be an effective teacher.
Although it may seem like achieving a happy balance between creating a consistent management philosophy and allowing freedom and creativity in your art roo...2016-03-2337 minArt Made EasyWorking Through Mistakes- Art Made Easy 011If you teach art to children, no doubt that you’ve come across a child who is unhappy with their work. Some children become rattled by a torn piece of paper or even a color choice. What can you do to help these children work through the sticky points of art-making?
There is plenty of advice out there but sometimes the best way to help a child is to put yourself in their shoes. In today’s show, I share my philosophy and how I approach frustrated artists, what I say and how I help children enjoy the creative process.
LISTE...2016-03-1630 minArt Made EasyTips for Running an After-School Art Program – Art Made Easy 010Kathy Barbro was one of the first art educators to offer online art resources through her site, Art Project for Kids. No doubt you have seen or purchased her wonderful artist-inspired collaborative murals for your students to color. After speaking with Kathy for the first time in January, I realized there was so much more to Kathy than how-to-draw handouts.
Kathy is a busy gal.
Not only does she teach full-time in Southern California and manages her blog, but she runs a thriving after-school art program. This is where we spent some time. Kathy shares her story of how her af...2016-03-0936 minArt Made EasyFrom Art Educator to Art Entrepreneur: AME 009Megan Schiller is the founder of The Art Pantry, a design studio specializing in children’s creative play spaces. She is a former Reggio-inspired preschool teacher and art educator and her mission is to encourage creative independence and learning through inspired spaces. Megan works one-on-one with people in Northern California looking to set up creative play spaces in their homes or schools She has launched a series of DIY guides that are available through her site.
In today's episode, Megan talks about her evolution from a preschool art teacher to offering art classes in her home to a designer of cre...2016-03-0254 minArt Made EasySecrets of a Teachers Pay Teachers Top Seller: AME 008Have your colleagues ever told you how well you explained a lesson? Or how creative you are? Do people always ask you for advice?
If any of these questions ring true for you then you need to listen to this episode.
Jennifer White shares how she went from teaching during the day and working as a cashier at night to making $14K in her first THREE months of selling her craft products on Teachers Pay Teachers. Crazy, right?
I know I sound like an informercial, but I guarantee you that Jennifer is humble yet strategic about her success. I loved talking...2016-02-2447 minArt Made EasyHow to Create a Thematic Art Unit with Laura Lohmann: AME 007Have you ever wondered how art teachers come up with so many fabulous lessons? Today I talk to Laura Lohmann from the blog, Painted Paper, on her strategy for designing & implementing her amazing school-wide thematic units.
She walks you through the steps she uses to select a year long art theme, strategies that go into designing the curriculum and how she creates the projects with her students.
You can download a free worksheet that will help you design the art curriculum of your dreams!
This episode is for anyone who wants to learn how design a thematic art unit from the...2016-02-1742 minArt Made EasyTips to Help Gauge if an Art Project is Right for Your Class: AME 006How do I gauge if a lesson is too easy or too complicated for an age group?
I get asked that a lot. And Heaven's knows, I've tried to answer that question myself on more than one occasion. But here's the thing: judging whether a lesson will work with your little charges gets easier and easier. Still, I resort to a framework that I established by about my fifth year of teaching.
These are my very general guidelines as to what kids in a K-6 art room are comfortable learning while at the same time challenged enough to promote artistic g...2016-02-1049 minArt Made EasyArtful Practices for Young Makers with Rachelle Doorley: AME 005Today is episode 5 of Art made Easy. I promised you back in November that if I decided to host a podcast, I would commit to at least 6-months. The learning curve has been steep and the investment of time is immense, but I love having conversations with creative folks in our industry. I'm learning how a podcast works ( as many of you are!) so please bear with me as I learn how to interview, talk into a mic and carry a conversation for 45-minutes. That's the fun part; moving past comfort zones and learning new things.
Today I talk with Rac...2016-02-0350 minArt Made EasyThe Secret to a Joy-Filled Art Room & How To Teach Collaborative Projects: AME 004Thank you so much for all of your support during the launch of Art Made Easy. I was super excited to see my logo in iTunes New & Noteworthy section of the podcast page (Kids & Family) and as the TOP podcast in iTunes Education (k-12) Category. What a thrill! And it was all because you downloaded the show and subscribed in iTunes.
Today may be the best show yet. Cassie Stephens takes you inside her art room and shares her teaching strategies from how she teaches directed drawing, how she handles early finishers, and the process she uses to create collaborative...2016-01-2854 minArt Made EasySteps to Hosting Painting Parties and Overcoming Obstacles with Heidi Easley: AME 002Today on the podcast, I interview Heidi Easley, owner of Texas Art & Soul. Not only is Heidi a part-time K-5 art teacher but she runs a thriving paint party business in Dallas, Texas. Heidi is going to walk you through the process of hosting your own painting party, whether you host a small event with family and friends or for a large group.
I'm so inspired by Heidi's entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to make it work no matter what the obstacle. And this is the part of her story that is really impactful; how she went from losing everything to cr...2016-01-2046 min