Art Made Easy: Recent Episodes
Patty Palmer
Welcome to Art Made Easy, a weekly podcast to help you teach art to kids. I'm excited to bring you interviews with the best in the biz; inspiring art teachers, authors, creative souls and teaching experts. Join me to navigate the World of Kid's Art Through Stories, Tips and Practical How-To's!
It'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 not clean!This use to worry me and make me feel like a fraud. Real art teachers know what to do! They have their classroom procedures used control.What I know now that I didn't know then...But lucky for you, I have a few strategies that will help YOU identify the best clean-up routine for your art room.There are three phases of clean up:1. Getting Attention: How do you transition from actively working on projects to stopping? Do you ring a bell? Play a clean up song? Yell? Dim the lights?2. Cleaning Up: What do you want the kids to do? Why? What will help you the most?3. Exiting: Do you need time to offer rewards or calculate class points after the clean up? Exit games? Or do you just need them to get out.All three parts are unique to you. YOU get to decide how each phase looks for your classroom. The kids will respond to whatever YOU decide.The real trick is to do it consistently.I've found that there are 4 different styles of teaching art.Figuring out which style fits your personality can help you decide on a way to get your students' attention, and that style will flow into the rest of your clean up routine. It’s all about knowing what is best for YOU and sticking to it.The Manager:This is the art teacher who manages every minute of an art session: entering, transitioning, demonstration, creating, etc.They often use repetition as their classroom management tool—few bells and whistles.This is the teacher who thrives on managing expectations by never deviating from the plan.Clean up for the Manager often looks controlled, orderly and efficient. In fact, a good allotment of time is spent on transitions.The Manager does this systematically, so notes or complex charts are often not needed.The Minimalist:This is the art teacher who likes to keep things very simple: as few steps as possible.1. Art on Rack2. Brushes & Paint on Sink Counter3. Tools in Tray4. Recycle paperThe Minimalist gives the students simple tasks and oversees the execution.The Counter:This is the teacher who incorporates countdowns into every facet of the art sessions.Counting how many paper scraps children pick up or counting down to get kids to pay attention.There may be overlaps between the Manager and the Counter personalities, however the counter uses numerically based tactics.The Performer:This is the teacher who relies on fun antics and high engagement to get their kids excited about clean-up.There may be a song, dance moves, hand drawn clean-up posters, and/or props to get the party started.There’s often a reward system to motivate the students.This takes a lot of brain power and work if you aren’t naturally gifted in this area.I have included a helpful poster that may work for you and your class room. You can find the poster at the end of this blog post as a free PDF download.THINGS YOU’LL LEARN: - How different clean up methods work for others in their classroom- The three phases of a clean up routine- Four teaching styles and different strategies that work for them- The importance of finding your style and fitting it into every aspect of your teaching methodLISTEN TO THE SHOWLINKS & RESOURCES:Download your free cleanup checklist poster by clicking the button below.Add your name and email and we’ll email it straight to you...
Whether 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 through www.deepspacesparkle.com and start planning your awesome week! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How deciding what you want your students to experience when they step into your art room is a great way to begin your year
What painted paper is and how children can have fun with it.
Why I created student portfolios and the best system on how to do this.
How line drawings can be used as a project technique (and may be the most effective one)
How self-portraits can be a great option for demonstrating student improvement in art throughout the year
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
DOWNLOAD THE FIRST DAY OF ART CLASS FREEBIE
SHOW NOTES PDF – First Day of Art, with lessons and resources How to Make Painted Paper Dot Day on Sept. 15th THE DOT by Peter H. Reynolds AME:013 Scoping the Sequencing on Portrait Making Managing Artwork with Student Portfolios Watch this video to see how to make painted paper
Which 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 veg and catch up on Netflix? Our summer plans feel differently for all of us, because we are all unique in how we restore ourselves. If you’re coming off a chaotic teaching season into a chaotic summer, an introverted teacher can feel completely overwhelmed. If you have nothing on your plate and your days are unstructured, an extrovert may feel completely unfulfilled. It’s also possible for both personality extremes to overestimate what you can accomplish in this relatively small parcel of time. Introverted and extroverted personality types may require radically different summer agendas, so keeping in mind both personalities... Here are my top 10 tips for making summer feel restful, enjoyable & energizing —
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
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Why learning new perspectives is the quickest way to become happy
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How you can recognize the small happy moments that occur every day
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How to choose one goal you want to accomplish
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Why we need to schedule alone time, become more active and in the process, gain more energy
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What to do if you are not getting enjoyment out of what you are doing
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Download my free Summer Planning & Creating Guide PDF by clicking the white box below. Enter your name and email and we'll send it to you!
LINKS & RESOURCES
16 Personalities Test
The Enneagram Test
(one of Team's Sparkle's favorite personality test) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook & Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com Our 2018 and 2019 Online Workshops are on Sale for your all your Summer creative PD hour needs —
The 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 hit your stride of capturing moments for your students and children during this disruption.
This episode shares insights on how boredom is the biggest precursor to creativity. How pulling back maybe the best way to ignite children’s creativity.
Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you’re grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does.
You’re not alone.
One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations.
And believe me, I’ve had a few.
If you struggle with any of the above then I’m happy to say that the solution easy. Today, I’m sharing how a communication plan will empower you with a clear message that will virtually eliminate any confusion with parents, teachers and your administration.
"When you are confident in your approach, art philosophy, rules and procedures, you can bet others will be confident in YOU.” — Patty Palmer
As 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 you should schedule a Make-up day:
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Students can select which projects mean the most to them
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Students feel a sense of accomplishment
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Portfolios reflect the full body of work the student has created
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More projects to select from for the art Show
HOW:
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Set up your space to reflect how students will move through their projects
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Pull out portfolios and lay on table
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Determine the projects that have the most unfinished work
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Set up individual tables with the supplies to work on those projects
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Allow children to move from table to table
Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I’d love to hear your main takeaways from this week’s podcast.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/
LINKS & RESOURCES:
https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-school-art-show-ame-148/
Do 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.
Are you a credentialed art teacher?
Or are you teaching art without an art related degree?
I'm curious because this topic has been a HOT one in our Facebook groups. And truthfully, if I get any hate mail at all, it's usually because of two things: selling art lessons or saying you can teach art even if you’re not an artist.
I do both because I believe in both. Especially the latter.
In this episode of Art Made Easy, I talk about the friction that can happen when these two types of art educators collide.
I’ll go over my strategies that can help you adjust your mindset in order to stay positive and be confident with the skills that you have.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
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Helpful practices from my experience as a non-credentialed art teacher
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How to overcome your feelings and change your mindset
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Strategies to keep your focus on happy art and happy kids
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Tips for staying motivated
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How to avoid toxic thoughts
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Art Made Easy Aftershow Discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/
The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo: https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcasts/
How to Lead for Female Entrepreneurs Podcast by Kris Plachy: https://krisplachy.com/podcast/
Hosting 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 make sure your art show is a success.
Download my Art Show Checklist below:
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
-How to select the right projects for display
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Who you should contact to help coordinate your event
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Why student portfolios are important
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What are the most important things you’ll need to do one month, one week and a day before the show
Join us in the Dazzlers Podcast Aftershow Discussion to chat more about art shows and share your best art show successes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Sparkler Krista Hillman’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/artsatplaceracademy/
Sarah Krajewski’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/artroomglitterfairy/
Art Show Guidebook: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/shop/art-show-guidebook/
(**Sparkler Club members you have access to this in your TEACHER AIDES)
When you demonstrate a project your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students what they need to do to finish successfully.
The question is how do you do that?
In this episode, I’ll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that are useful for art demos and classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
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Answers to the most common questions I get about art demos
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How you can switch up your demos for different grade levels
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What you can do to command their attention during a demo
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How to teach a guided drawing to a class
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The pros and cons of using a document camera versus demonstrating on your whiteboard and teaching around a table
Join us in the Dazzlers Facebook Group Podcast Aftershow to talk more about demo tips + share pictures of your demonstration style. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/
Looking for some extra inspiration? Check my website at: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/
LINKS & RESOURCES:
https://www.instagram.com/ackermans_amazing_artists
https://www.instagram.com/sierramadres
I 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 lesson.
In this episode, I’ll offer my tips and tricks to keep your class focused and teach your students how to enjoy the creative process by slowing down.
Join us in the Facebook Dazzler Group - After Show Discussion to discuss your process in the art room. What are your tips to engage early finishers? What’s the pace of your classroom? We want to hear what works for you, or maybe what areas you want to improve in.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- How to keep early finishers engaged
- How your energy affects students (*if you get this down you’re golden)
- How to help kids make a connection to art using different mediums
- How to encourage students to be invested in the project and develop craftsmanship
When 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 was pushed 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 wanted to make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself to making it feel special. I backed my ideas up with lessons, then plans, and finally a curriculum that I was proud of.
As the years went on, I recognized that I was getting better, and I started to ask myself what’s next? I created goals and identified milestones for myself. I wanted to maintain focus and stay confident in my teaching skills, without getting stale.
In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 5 Stages of Teacher Growth, and give you the tools to move you to the next stage. Listen as I share my roadmap and help you identify where you might be in your teaching career, and how to start creating your own milestones.
Be sure to download a copy of my 5 Stages of Teacher Growth below.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:
- How I define a Stage 1 teacher, and the way that their passion for art leads them to teaching
- What are the goals and milestones for Stage One teachers, including art fundamentals
- How you develop your style and start using different media and techniques as a Stage Two teacher
- Why a Stage Three teacher focuses on building confidence and adopting an art philosophy
- What ways a Stage Four teacher shares their expertise with others
- How a Stage Five teacher can use his or her mastery to set and use processes
LINKS & RESOURCES:
https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/about-guided-drawings-art-made-easy-025/
https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/don-massey
My 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 was in the past… But be happy in the now.
In this episode, I’ll share my recipe for inner-peace. Part of that is finding clarity, and using that clarity to help you create a more focused and intentional lifestyle.
In this podcast, I will talk to you about how I use “I CAN,” statements in my own life to help cultivate happiness and give you advice to help you align your thoughts with your goals.
Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook group to share your ‘word of the year’ for 2020 and let me know what kind of online course you’d be interested in.
In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase… and that’s, “cookie cutter art”.
It really drives me nuts. It used to send me into a tail spin of feeling upset and discouraged about myself as an art teacher.
But today I see it as such a judgement and I feel that it’s time we have a very frank conversation about what it means when you say “cookie-cutter art” and what do you really mean to say.
So when did it “cookie-cutter” not allow students to become creative?
This episode is for all the newly hired art teachers to the experience art specialists, who can benefit from learning all sorts of ways of teaching art, and becoming aware of the energy that we give to one another for our teaching styles.
The truth is, is that there is not right or wrong was to teach this subject. Children are always changing as well as our own expectations as teachers and so we could use all the tools in our tool box we can get.
So we’re going there…sharing how I think the term “cookie-cutting” should be used and the truth behind it’s connotation.
Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your thoughts on how we can better support each other for the upcoming new year 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 your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle
Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-made-easy/id1076365673 and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
Welcome to the Art Made Easy Show where we talk about everything art—from techniques, project tips, management strategies but most of all what’s going on beneath the glitter and paint to reveal the true canvas of who you are as an art teacher. I’m your host, Patty Palmer, a former K-6 art teacher form Santa Barbara, CA and I help art teachers with the three magic actions of creating your dream art program: Reflect, Gather and Plan. In this episode I reveal the 3 things that hold teachers back from loving their job, and you’ll hear why it really doesn’t have to be this way!
Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage parents read to their children - and children are never to young or old!
Janey shares strategies on what to read, when to read and how to manage reluctant readers.
Make sure to download Janey’s Freebie on her favorite books to read before Kindergarten.
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 your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle or @darlingreaders
Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-made-easy/id1076365673 and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
Patty 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 your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle.
Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-made-easy/id1076365673 and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies on filling your classes or how to decide what art to create, she goes much, much deeper. We chat about how to know if you’re ready to expand and at the same time, how to slow down. We talk about the bigger issues of running a studio program for students: intention, environment, energy…all the good stuff! And of course, we talk about her new book, Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook.
WHAT’LL YOU LEARN:
• What Meri’s journey of growing and expanding has looked like
• How you too can be ready for that next step
• Where to begin transforming, scaling and growing
• Why word of mouth advertising and the power of ‘moms’ is so important to your success
• How your environment will become your third teacher
LINKS & RESOURCES:
https://www.mericherry.com
https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/success-secrets-of-a-process-based-art-studio-art-made-easy-039/
https://www.mericherry.com/2019/03/14/play-make-create-a-process-art-handbook/
Send screenshots of your rating & review on Apple Podcasts to support@deepspacesparkle.com
Kristin Damsetter is a full-time public school art teacher who is passionate about living a balanced and mindful life. She’s been practicing yoga, mindfulness and meditation since 2007 and teaching it since 2014. Growing up and moving around a lot in the public school system, she experienced 23 different classroom settings by the time she was 28. She noticed the tense or chaotic nature of some classrooms vs. the calming and nurturing feel of others. It wasn’t until recently at her own school, she noticed just how much support teachers needed when it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety related and how that energy transfers over to the students. She made it her new mission to help teachers reclaim the joy in their classrooms. She can help you to create calming learning environments while also reducing your stress by incorporating simple mindfulness practices into your daily routine.
Felicia 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.
Cassie Stephens joins Patty for the second time on Art Made Easy. And this time we’re pulling back the colorful curtain and diving into why she wanted to write a second book, why starting a podcast feels right and why it’s important to put social media in it’s place. And just for the fun of it, a behind-the-scenes peek at what it was like to be a contestant on Nailed It.
Do you ever wonder how the art moms on social media actually get their kids to create art? The photos are beautiful, the kids are engaged and the materials beg to be used. What’s their secret sauce?
Most likely, they’ve been inspired and nurtured by Jean Van’t Hul, the founder of The Artful Parent.
Jean started The Artful Parent partly to chronicle and share the experiences with her children’s art group, and also as a way for her to focus more on what it means to her to be an artful parent.
This episode is our conversation on what it’s been like growing the blog, writing books and engaging her passions.
Of the many daily challenges art teachers face, adopting a growth mindset may not be at the top of your list. Emily Gould, known as @sierramadres on instagram, is a K-12 art teacher who has done it all.
Throughout her years teaching art, her one main focus is to never stop learning, always move forwards and do what’s best for the students.
Sounds like a good plan, right?
Are you ready to create your dream art curriculum this year? Be the first in line when The Sparklers Club opens by joining the waitlist at https://deepspacesparkle.lpages.co/the-sparklers-club-waitlist/!
If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @deepspacesparkle, and Emily, @sierramadres.
I would also love if you subscribed to the podcast and left a review on Apple Podcasts, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/art-made-easy/id1076365673
Looking for more art teacher resources? Download your FREE curriculum Planning Guide (https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/) and listen to more Art Made Easy podcasts.
Do 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 that they can truly be the best version of themselves.
Do you listen to Art Made Easy on your phone? If so, grab a screenshot and share with me on Instagram. I’ll give you a shout-out and share you with the art teaching world.
You can find Patty on Instagram through @deepspacesparkle.
It’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 one in which I identified as sound.
By the end of my class, the area by my sink I’ve always been honest about this failing of mine. I like to create not clean! This use to worry me and make me feel like a fraud..real art teachers know what to do. They have their classroom procedures under control.
What I know now that I didn’t know then…
But lucky for you, I have a few strategies that will help YOU identify the best clean-up routine for your art room.
Eva Marie Kirby from Tennessee dreamt of being an art educator since graduating college but marriage and raising a family put her dreams on hold.
Fast forward twenty years, Eva Marie steps into the art room and finds herself on charge of 800 children ages 4-7. Her story is absolutely delightful and will inspire anyone who has waited before putting her career goals into action.
Eva Marie is our Sparkler Spotlight of the month for April. She’s one of the first people to comment and ask questions in our private Facebook group and is always there to support others.
At the end of the episode, Eva Marie asks me two questions about suitable art activities for developmentally delayed children and how to establish a clean-up routine.
I love listening to podcasts and over the past few years, mentions of the Enneagram personality test has popped up over an dover again. Last Fall, I decided to explore it further and happened upon a podcast interviewing Ian Cron. I was intrigued.
The podcast shared how valuable knowing your team’s personality profile and how it can help the team as they interact with each other. Being the team enthusiast that I am, I sent all of Team Sparkle a link to take the Enneagram Test with the expectations that we would share our results at our Team Retreat.
We did and it was really fun BUT…as I explored the Enneagram a bit more, through Ian Cron’s book The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, I was felt a sense of awakening that I never experienced before. And that’s why I decided to make The Road Back to You, Deep Space Sparkle’s book pick for Spring 2019.
I can’t wait for you to listen to how this book impacted how I think about myself and the work I do but also how it has helped improve how I interact with my team and my loved ones.
The field of art education is often overlooked as a viable career in most school counseling offices. Many college students aren’t even aware that the profession exists. Today’s guest, Kelsi Quicksall declared Communications as her major until a quiet suggestion from a loved one opened up a world of possibilities.
Now into her second year teaching art, Kelsi has a passion for teaching, a love and connection to her students and a strong following on Instagram.
She absolutely radiates positivity!
Make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com AME 130 for links to Kelsi’s favorite art teacher’s management tool.
Do 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 poke 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 real way. You’ll love Sarah’s honest advice, her commitment to her own artistic pursuits and how she wins her art program.
Make sure to head over to www.deepsacesparkle.com to download Sarah’s Mantra poster!
One of the small details that often gets overlooked is whether or not to cover your art tables during art class. What type of placemats work best? Should the whole table should be covered in paper? Fabric? Maybe it doesn’t even matter? It took me a few years to figure out this placemat thing but when I did, it streamlined my prep and clean up substantially.
Today’s episode answers a question from the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook Group.
Katie asks, Does anyone have an inexpensive way to make clay mats? My budget for the year has been used up, so I’m looking for out-of-pocket affordable solutions. Any cheap and quick ideas?
I totally hear you, Katie!
This episode is for you an all the art teachers who are wondering:
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what type of placemats work best
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when to use placemats
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when NOT to use placemats
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best mats for clay and ceramics.
Are your students coming to class attentive, respectful and ready to learn? Or do you spend most of your time battling challenging students? No one wants to admit that there are days—maybe weeks—when the students wear you down so badly that you sink to a low point of frustration and behavior. I know I’ve been there. And believe me, there’s no worse feeling than knowing you let down the students and yourself.
Today’s guest, Team Sparkle’s own Amy Clay shares four powerful management strategies that will help you get your class back on track. Her years of being a sub empowered her to tackle classroom management head on. She shares her passion for being an art sub and ways you can ensure that any substitute teacher who walks into your art room is welcomed and ready to create art with your students.
Make sure to download the free Art Substitute PDF. It’s filled with helpful forms and worksheets that will allow you to feel confident during those unpredictable sick days.
Amy Clay heads up the lesson development for Team Sparkle. She dreams, designs and creates the lessons that go into the art bundles inside our membership, The Sparklers Club.
Do you ever wonder what it takes to become teacher of the year? According to today’s guest, Barbara Hua, it wasn’t about having amazing art skills or years of experience — she had little of both. Instead it was something she didn’t realize was noticed — and her answer may surprise you.
Barbara Hua, an art teacher from Conroe, Texas is a member in our Sparklers Club and is our featured Sparkler of the Month. What we love about Barbara is her fresh approach to learning, staying curious and celebrating children’s creative expression.
Her road to becoming an art teacher started with a decision to to school in her forties. And she’s been paving the way ever since.
To learn more about Barbara and see pictures of her student’s art, head over to https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/125-2/
I’m diving deep into how to cultivate your creativity with daily practice and awareness by following the exercise in Twyla Tharp’s books The Creative Habit…our first book in the DSS book club…that’s today on Art Made Easy.
This book isn’t what you think it is. It’s not a quick checklist of creative activities to do so you feel like you accomplished something.
This book goes deep into the psyche of how creatives think. Not just visual artists but musicians, writers and dancers. It stabs you with truths and realizations that really make you think. So much that reading this book didn’t happen quickly. I would stop at a sentence and allow the words to sink in. It was hard to pick favorites but I managed to select my top 5 take-aways from the book.
After the episode, join me over on the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook page for a discussion on what you thought of The Creative Habit.
https://www.facebook.com/DeepSpaceSparklePage/photos/a.213047564099/10157055007324100/
How would you describe the vibe in your art room? What do you focus on? Art? Classroom Management? Colorful decor? Today’s guest, Rona Wilcox from New Zealand, claims that her focus is community. And she maintains that the strong community she has created is why she has a waitlist for her after school art classes.
Sounds intriguing, right?
In this episode, Rona and I talk about about the language that helps her students not only feel welcomed but brave and curious. Rona drops an art tip a minute so listen carefully her great advice!
Have you ever wanted to start an after school program? Today's guest, Pamela Saunders from Washington, D.C. was motivated to teach art when her children entered elementary school. Like many school districts, art was not offered, so Pamela took it upon herself to begin an after-school art program.
Pamela shares how she began her after-school art classes, what challenges she experienced and what motivates her to keep her vision alive.
Take a peak inside her art room and see what two projects were a home-run for her K-4th grade students.
As with all interviews with members of The Sparklers Club, Pamela turns the table and asks Patty a question.
Pamela asks, What are some creative ways that art teachers like me, who are self-employed, can creatively market their business in their communities? To hear Patty's response, listen to AME 122 by clicking the play button below.
Get to know and learn more about our February 2019 Sparkler Spotlight, Pamela Saunders
- What was your path/journey to becoming an art teacher.
I took a circuitous route! During collage I briefly worked with a non-profit art group developing a PR campaign as part of my course work in a grad level PR class. I ended up getting a summer job there teaching art to preschoolers and loved it. Years later, after becoming a decorative muralist and faux painter, I found my way back to teaching art at the preschool level. When my children reached elementary age, I started an art program at their school and added more schools after that.
- What do you feel is your best attribute or strength as an art teacher?
I am passionate about art and want my love of art to be contagious. When a parent told me that their child, who had never shown an interest in art prior to my class, was now looking up artists, asking great questions and talking about art movements with his parents at the dinner table, I was elated. The mom told me that she looked at her husband and said, "who is this kid?!"
- What do you do well in the art room and how does this benefit your students?
I am respectful of individual expression. In their art curriculum, they are expected to do things in a specific way. In my art club, I allow them to make artistic choices withing a framework. That is, if the assignment is to make a cat and the child asks if the cat can have big ears, I'll tell them, "you are the artist, so you get to decide." They are usually excited by the freedom to be expressive and that makes the artwork that they create more meaningful and interesting to look at!
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Why do you feel teaching art to kids is important?
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Children need space and time to get lost in their imagination
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Art enables children to learn not just hand-eye coordination, the elements of art, how to use materials, but more importantly how to collaborate with others, how to problem solve, how to focus, how to observe something from different points of view, persistence, working through frustration, time limits... the list goes on.
5. Why did you join the Sparklers Club and how has the joining the group helped you?
I joined because I needed some fresh ideas. It was taking me hours each week to develop lessons for my classes. Since I had so many repeat students session after session, I always tried (and succeeded) to never do the same lesson twice. It was exhausting but when I found DSS, I felt like I had all these incredible lessons at my fingertips. What I didn't realize was that by joining the Sparklers (and I am a founding member), was that along with it came the unexpected human resource - some refer to it as a tribe or sisterhood, a group of professional women (and men?) who understand the life of an art teacher like nobody else does and they are for you when you have a question, a problem, or a success. Being a Sparkler is priceless.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
- How Pamela's creative background and love of art eventually led to her art career
Have you ever wanted to start an after school art program? Today’s guest, Pamela Saunders from Washington, DC, was motivated to teach art when her children entered elementary school. Like many school districts, art was not offered, so Pamela took it upon herself to begin an after-school art program.
Pamela shares how she began her after-school art classes, what challenges she experienced and what motivate she to keep her vision alive. Visit https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/ame-122/ to learn more about Pamela, take a peak inside her art room and see what two projects were a home-run for her K-4th grade students.
As with all interviews with members of The Sparklers Club, Pamela turns the table and ask Patty a question.
Pamela asks, What are some creative ways that art teachers like me, who are self-employed, can creatively market their business in their communities?
To hear Patty’s response, listen to today’s podcast.
Have you ever considered what it must feel like to be overweight? Most of us can understand how it feels to be 20 pounds over-weight and even underweight, but weight on a grander scale —like 100-200 lbs might be more challenging to understand.
Todays’ guest, fellow art teacher and friend, Cindy Ingram, bravely opens up to share her story of what it was like to move through the world with the challenges she carried around: not just her weight but suffocating debt. Her story is inspiring and uplifting and shows that with the right mindset, you can accomplish anything.
It’s the end of January and while many of you are on well on your way to integrating your new year’s resolutions into your life, I feel like I’m lagging. Two months of family, work and holiday bustle has left me worn out and uninspired. But today is a new day and it’s because I realized the cause of my depletion was actually depletion. The lack of creativity in my life has had a profound effect on me: weight gain, lack of tolerance and the feeling that I just wasn’t myself.
But I need your help if I’m going to get my creative mojo back. The solution lies where all solutions lie…in a good book.
Join me for my very first Deep Space Sparkle Book Club selection and how I plan to use it to help me banish my creative depletion. In this episode I share 3 ways to identify burnout and what to do about it. Click through to https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/ame-120/ for the book club selections and group discussion.
Do you suffer from chronic overwhelm syndrome? Or as I like to say, do you know how to ask for help?
If you’re like most women, the thought of placing a burden on someone else is downright unthinkable. Or, you may be of the belief that its far easier to do the task yourself rather than take the time to explain it to someone else.
This episode shares the secret benefits of reaching out for help, ways to ask for help that benefit everyone and insights on how asking and receiving help has helped me become a happier teacher and business owner.
Do you deal with disrespectful students and general low engagement in the art room? If you just raised your hand, you are not alone. There have been a flurry of advice-seekers in our facebook group recently that are struggling with this very problem. So what’s an art teacher to do?
An effective classroom management plan is necessary yet sometimes our plan is not clearly defined or easily attained. In fact, we may start the year with a great plan only to have it waver. Students test the system and soon you find yourself immersed in a situation that isn’t benefiting anyone.
The first thing we might do is try new strategies: a new reward system or a new games only to find the class back where we started.
When practical solutions are no longer serving you, it helps to take look at what’s going on in your own head:
Here are some questions I used to ask myself when I felt a bit threatened in my class:
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Is it my ego talking or is this student truly evil? Another way of saying this is: Have I looked for solutions for this problem or justifications of my feeling? 2. Am I qualified to help this student? Have I reached out to my peers or admin for assistance?
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Is my art room set up in a way that meets the needs of this particular group of students?
Do you have an art degree? What about a teaching credential? I’m alway surprised at how many of us have found our dream job of teaching art to kids by tapping into our creativity and allowing our intuition to lead us to the perfect job.
Today’s guest is Sparkle Jackie May Hiller who after a career as an occupational therapist, followed her bliss and began teaching art in her children’s school.
Jackie and I talk about where we get our energy, the value of online classes, the importance of community and how to cultivate online friendships in the art teaching world.
Are you looking for ways to cultivate creativity, choice and personal expression in your art room? Today’s guest, Kat Clarke shares the five questions she asks her students as they work through an art project. If you need a injection of inspiration or an alternative way to approach teaching art, I invite you to listen to toady’s episode.
Kat’s journey to becoming an art teacher wasn’t easy. She didn’t have a curriculum or guideline sin which to develop her program. Perhaps like many of you, she had to come up with her own lessons and teaching style. Her philopsohy of “start by making a mess” and “ do it your way” evolved quickly because of her innate ability to see art through the eyes of her students.
Today’s episode shares Kat’s 5 Step Framework that she developed to help her students think about their own creativity and to provide lifelong skills that children could use beyond the classroom. It’s a brilliant process and we’re happy to share it with you.
You can download the freebie by visiting https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/the-5-step-frame…art-room-ame-116/
Many art teachers dream of running their own art studio. The freedom, the creativity and the chance to impact children on a deeper level appeals to many of us. Maureen Marks, a member of our Sparklers Club, shares how she went from teaching art in a public school to running a successful art business in her home town of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Maureen shares what made her decide to move out of her home and into a rented space, what she charges for her classes, what her biggest challenges are and her own special take on paint parties.
If you’re an art teacher considering the big move outside your art room to owning your own business, this episode is for you.
While I’ve been asked a hundred times, I rarely go out of my way to talk about it. Mostly, I’m afraid of the unwanted attention it would create. Or the feeling that I was abandoning my art teacher identify or that somehow my intentions were misguided. The It I’m talking about is how I transformed an art teacher’s side hustle into a thriving business that employs nine people and impacts thousands of teachers worldwide. T
he It is Deep Space Sparkle.
Today, I’m taking you behind the Sparkly curtain to share with you how I run DSS. From sharing how my early mentors influenced how I created content to how my current business coaches have literally changed the trajectory of my life.
In the past two years, I retired (or liberated as he puts it) Neil from corporate America, hired 7 ladies and developed a membership site that has over 5000 active members.
It hasn’t been an easy road but it was one fueled by passion, purpose and instinct.
If you know anyone who could benefit form this podcast, please share! It’s really easy. Just open up your podcast app on your iPhone, search for Art Made easy and click the share button. And while you’re there, please consider adding a rating or review.
Krista Hilmen is a former high school english teacher turned art teacher at her children’s charter school. Learn how Krista raises funds for her art program through a successful art auction. She shares what the most popular projects are, how her auction committee manages the tasks and how she decorates the venues. If you are considering doing an art fundraiser, this episode will leave you inspired!
We selected Krista for November’s Sparkler Spotlight and as a result, she gets to interview me! Krista asked these questions:
1. Is there a medium you really dislike using? If so, how do you work around that in the classroom knowing it's best to expose the kiddos to as much as possible?
2. Do you have a favorite artist, art movement or genre?
3. Your lessons are always successful with my students and one of the reasons I use them time and time again. What is your process for creating these and testing them to be sure you have created something with such guaranteed success?
To hear my answers and get to know Krista, click to listen to episode 113.
You can connect with Krista on Instagram at artsatplaceracademy
Do you dream of the day when you can spend all your time sipping tea and working on your art? For most of us, it’s a long-term goal and one in which Nicholas Wilton is far to familiar with. Nicholas calls this the Hibernation Stage, which according to his 6 Stages of the Creative Path is the stage practically everyone is in: those who wanted to make art but can’t seem to find the time.
Can you relate?
Nicholas offers a strategy that helps us understand the natural flow of creativity and how to move from one stage to the next. And even if you are not a working artist or have no desire to be one, his insight into our creative process can be applied to most anything we do.
About Nicholas… Nicholas is the founder of Art2Life, an online platform that strives to build, empower, and inspire the creative community. His online programs provide artistic, business and creative coaching to artists. With over 20 years working with creatives, Nicholas has developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process. He speaks and writes extensively on the subject of creativity, purpose and inspiration.
Wilton’s paintings are seen in yearly gallery exhibitions, International Art Fairs, and are included in numerous private and corporate collections in both the United States and Europe. His paintings have also been used on the covers of the national bestseller “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz, and Brene Brown’s “The Gift of Imperfection.” Recently, the US Postal Service issued a stamp featuring Wilton’s artwork.
Need 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.
Today 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 don’t use pencils in the art room. This episode shares the 3 big reasons why pencils just don’t work for me. But don’t worry, I’m not a pencil-hater. I feel there is a time and place for pencils and I’ll share when and why I draw that line.
Are 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 switch the tables and Tamara asks me how to keep children practicing craftsmanship, how to carve out creative time and how to submit lessons for publication within the Sparklers website.
Can you relate to this question?
Do you have enough time to prep? Are you able to enjoy your job? When do you sit and breathe? This is my question to art teachers: are you getting any fulfillment out of your job, or are you simply a machine providing a break for classroom teachers? 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 be true. But does it have to be your reality?
That’s what I want to explore today on the show: moving beyond technical tips or strategies and digging a bit deeper into the origins of this question.
We’re heading down the woo-woo path as I share my experiences with the Law of Attraction and how I used it to make me happier in my art room, happier at home and how I found my dream home.
Today 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 DSS. And over the past few 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 numbers of students.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing 5 tips that will reveal a few secret tips that will set both YOU and your child up for art at home success. This will help your art-making sessions be fluid, creative and stress-free.
Real quick before moving to number 3, if you’re a parent who loves to do art with your children or recognizes that your child needs more art in their lives, you’ll love my new book, DPS. You’ll discover easy ways to get started with art-making with basic supplies and flexible instructions.
Create art based on celebrated painters like Van Gogh, Monet and Pollock and explore engaging subjects inspired by nature and animals.
Be sure to head over to the book’s website: drawpaintsparkle.com to download a free art project and then, if you like it, order the book.
After you buy the book, come back to the website to access your bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids.
Like the book? I’d love for you to write a review on Amazon, which helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids. You can buy the DPS from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold.
Today on AME, I starting a brand new series: The Draw, Paint, Sparkle Book Chat, where I read sections of my 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.
Today’s episode talks all about Directed Drawing. While directed drawing, or guided drawings, are a gateway of possibilities for a child, sometimes a child or a parent is resistant to the idea.
I share my experiences working with directed drawings at home, help you navigate the often murky waters of creating art with your child and tips to avoid conflicts or frustration.
Draw, paint, Sparkle Creative Projects from an Elementary Art Teacher is written by Patty Palmer and published by Roost books. You can buy the book from Amazon, Barns and Noble and wherever good books are sold.
After you buy the book, head over to drawpaintsparkle.com to download your book bonuses: 27 Drawing Guides that you can download, print and use with your kids.
And while you’re there, why not write a review on Amazon? This helps the distribution of the book so more parents can create art with kids.
You probably know someone just like today’s guest. Someone who is passionate, dedicated, creative, and organized. She’s the gal 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 me questions. And this is where it gets good.
I’m pretty passionate about a few things when it comes to teaching art and running a business. Can you guess what some of them might be?
Ashley and I go deep on valuing your time, yourself and art. If you’ve been hired to start an art program in your school, you’ll find Ashley’s experience, ideas and resilience inspiring.
If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that you can’t teach art unless you have some sort of management plan. 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 or 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 experiences one or more of the above.
To manage the amount of frequency of the above behaviors, it’s all about setting expectations, establishing a flow and being consistent. This episode of Art Made Easy, is a recording of my featured presentation at one of my in-person art teacher workshops in Santa Barbara. Besides making art, I really wanted teachers to walk away with a few management nuggets. In this episode, you’re going to hear my approach to engaging with kids and how I use a positive mindset to create a safe, inspiring and efficient class.
If you are a member of The Sparklers Club, the video for this presentation plus handouts, extra management video tutorials and worksheets are available under TRAININGS. Plus, you get a certificate for 1 Clock Hour.
What 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 accepting help runs deep. I see the resistance everywhere: in my family, friends, business friends and especially art teachers. We think we are meant to do it all.
But I think there is a better way and in this episode, I share my journey of when I started saying yes to getting help and the impact it has had.
While 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.
Make sure to click through to the podcast episode here: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/
Connecting 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 spotlighted 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 credentialed teacher and wants to learn how others went form artist to art teacher.
Patty answers a few of Jill’s questions including an explanation of how Team Sparkle creates, designs and structures The Sparklers Club library of art lessons and what big things are in the pipeline for Deep Space Sparkle.
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 offer the job, I went to borders and bought Drawing with Children by Mona Brooke’s. I knew I struck gold. I flipped through the pages and chapter headings caught my eye…
Giving the artist the permission to unfold Creating a Supportive Climate Talk like an adult, with non judgment How we see….
The book didn’t focus on standards or academic tie-ins, it shared a strong philosophy on how to teach children to draw.
It was about what was possible.
I read the book in a few nights and felt so confident about teaching that I literally didn’t plan any lessons other than drawing with the kids for the first few weeks.
That was then, and I still refer to Mona’s instructions every now and again.
When we finally secured an interview time, I was giddy with excitement. I wasn’t sure how the interview would go.
We talked about the evolution of the book, Drawing with Children, and how it was created…the publicity, the backlash, and how it ended up a franchise.
It’s a fascinating story of how one idea channels into so many directions until in the end, it circles back to the origins. I hope it inspires you to push, dream and circle back.
Do you have a mantra that you live each day by? 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. To download Mary’s 10 Rules for Art Teacher’s, head over to www.deepspacesparkle.com/ .
Mary is a member of our Sparkler’s Club and was featured in July’s SPARKLE magazine. As a guest Sparkler on Art Made Easy, Mary selected a few questions to ask me. We chat about the evolution of Deep Space Sparkle, what inspires our lesson plans, and art philosophies.
Do 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 your 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 and traditional publishing and being both frustrated and fulfilled during the process.
This episode is for anyone who is thinking about writing a book and a few action steps to help you say yes!
After volunteering in her children’s classrooms teaching art, June Wood decided to take a stab of pursuing a paid position. After approaching a few schools in her distort, 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 The Sparklers’ Club, June complied three questions she wanted to ask Patty.
In the episode, Patty and June chat about…
How do you gauge how long a project will take? H
ow did you transition from being a parent volunteer to being paid for your art lessons?
How did you come up with the designs for your memory tile projects at Mt. View? and how did you keep the tiles from cracking?
As 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 iPhones 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 provide rubrics, assessments, scope & sequence, and essential questions.
It can get a little crazy!
You may start to wonder WHY you became an art teacher in the first place.
I put this show together because I sense some friction. I’m in a position to hear from many, many teachers…who teach in a variety of situations and locations.
I sense that there is a desire to move towards teaching art the right way. You want to inspire kids by day but come back to your own life at night…to come home inspired from teaching. To have the emotional and physical energy to enjoy your family, your friends and fill your own creative well.
One way to find a path that allows you to teach from the bets part of you is to identify what your strengths are and to hold onto them.
Perhaps one of the three types of art teacher resonates with you?
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Academic
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The Artist 3.
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The volunteer
In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing how these three types of teachers can not only help each other but reveal how you can live your best life.
Which 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 is way too short. By the time you’re back into the classroom in August or September it can feel as though you never left.
So how do you make the most out of your time off? Do you tackle all the stuff on your to-do list early on so you can relax later? Do you completely veg and catch up on Netflix?
Our summer plans feel differently for all of us, because we are all unique in how we restore ourselves. If you’re coming off a busy teaching season into an even busier summer, and introverted teacher can feel completely overwhelmed. If you have nothing on your plate or your days are unstructured, an extraverted teacher may feel completely unfulfilled. It’s also possible for both personality extremes to over-estimate what you can accomplish in this relatively small parcel of time. Introverted and extraverted personality types may require radically different summer agendas, so keeping in mind both personalities,
Here are my top 10 Tips for making your summer feel restful, enjoyable and energizing…
Have 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 her vigorous passion for arts, children and creating new opportunities.
Today 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 or service.
After 10 years of running an online business, I’ve learned a thing or tow 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:
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Business strategies These are the easiest to implement as they are things you can learn: management systems, email list, software, websites, marketing, social media, etc.
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Personality is what frames your offer. This is the what and who you are. This is energy and style you bring to whatever you are selling.
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Limiting beliefs are literally what holds you back. It’s the stories you tell yourself that have a DEEP impact on nay type of business you run: big or small. identifying your limiting beliefs will help you answer your money questions.
Today 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 couple of children to sold out classes and waiting lists.
You can learn how and what Britt does in her art class during our Draw, Paint, Make Summer Workshop in July. Her presentation, Cultivating Craftsmanship takes a deep dive into setting expectations for children, best tips for creating nuanced, layered art and a walk through of how she does one of her most detailed projects. You can learn more HERE: https://deepspacesparkle.mykajabi.com/p/drawpaintmake
Today I’m taking to acrylic artist Anna Bartlett about all things acrylic, 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 start charging what you’re worth.
Anna is a featured presenter at our online summer workshop, Draw, Paint, Make. Learn more at http://www.deepspacesparkle.com.
“The teacher is the true curriculum.”
Sally Haughey Fowler brings absolute wonder to her students. 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 own 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. Visit www.deepspacesparkle.com to download Sally’s information packed slide deck so that you can waltz into your art room and share your superpowers with your kids.
Wonder 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 April and as a featured member, she asked me a few questions. We talk about:
What art supplies are must-haves in your art room How to teach 30 Kinders and 1st graders without going crazy What to do when kids miss art class
This episode is for anyone who is a first time art teacher, teaches hundreds of kids a week and is interested in being the creative lead in a school production.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
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Crissy's biggest transition going from classroom to art teacher
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How Crissy's school has allowed her to craft a curriculum
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How Crissy decides which projects to do with her class
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The logistics in creating a school production while running an art class at the same time
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Tips for working with younger kids and suggestions for children who have missed class
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Which art supplies is recommended for longevity in the art room
LISTEN TO THE SHOW:
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Draw Paint Make Online Summer Workshop
Sparklers Club Waitlist You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com
Wonder what it’s like to step into an 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 Sparkler Spotlight in April and as a featured member, she asked me a few questions. We talk about:
• what art supplies are must-have’s in your art room
• how to teach 30 Kinders and 1st graders without going crazy
• what to do when kids miss art class
This episode is for anyone who is a first time art teacher, teaches hundreds of kids a week and is interested in being the creative lead in a school production.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could step into our art rooms and spend the entire session creating art? Not likely, right? Managing behavior, creating management plans, enforcing rules and asking children to stop talking costumes most of our energy.
And when our classroom management plan is no longer effective, any effort is literally exhausting. It’s easy to say, do this or do that and your problem will be solved. Managing the behavior of your students, your art room, your community requires a highly individualized effort.
Kaitlyn Edington knows this feeling well.
As a first year art teacher at a rural Title 1 school in South Carolina, Kaitlyn had to forget all she knew about management and create a system specifically for her unique group of students.
Today’s episode shares what she did and how she did it….
Michelle Gifford, a second grade teacher from Thousand Oaks California, confessed to failing miserably from her first attempt at teaching art to her students. She had followed her school’s art purchased art program but never felt confident that she was giving her students the best art experience. After a miserable open house, Michelle plucked up the determination to learn how to teach art and make art an important part of her student’s week. Now she is known as the teacher who does “all the art”.
This episode is for anyone who doesn’t consider themselves an artist or fears they don’t have the skills or resources to teach art to their students.
Links:
https://deepspacesparkle.mykajabi.com/p/registration-page
Want to brush up on your art skills?
Summer is the perfect time to get in some PD hours especially if it involves creativity. I invite you to join me and 7 artist and art teachers as we present inspiring ways to take your teaching to a new level.
This one day event focuses on learning the techniques that engage students on a richer, deeper level so that they can become more aware of craftsmanship and their own connection to their art.
For teachers, we want students to be engaged, to take pride in our work and often that starts with us…. showing them what’s possible and whats really exciting.
You’ll learn printmaking, watercolor, using tempera paint in unique ways, how to make colors pop, how to make dynamic projects with just crayons, using colored pencils and markers and so much more.
Make sure to enroll before April 13th to secure your early bird registration of only 119. Regular price $147.
If you’re a Sparkler, please make sure to use your special sparkler link to grab your Sparklers-only price.
Check out the details https://deepspacesparkle.mykajabi.com/p/registration-page
If you 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 great creative unknown.
Art Made Easy listeners will receive a 20% discount on any of Art Camp’s Art Box. Us ether code: Sparkle at checkout.
https://www.artcampla.com/store/
Do you have a dream that you 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 how this exact thing happened to me.
This 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.
Today 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.
We’re going back to basics today to answer 5 question that you may have been afraid to ask about teaching kids to draw.
I’ve been sharing how to teach drawing to kids for a long time but what I noticed was the same 5 questions were asked over and over again by my audience. These questions are the direct results of diving into an art project but experiencing a reaction from a child that was unexpected. Situations like being frustrated, drawing too small and experiencing perfectionism can leave even the most experienced teacher bewildered.
Make sure to download the complete Q & A guide from Deep Space Sparkle
The fine art of art demonstrations is not something we learn at school. Often, teachers are plunked in front of a class without knowing exactly what to do. Do you show a finished project? Where do kids sit? Do you have supplies on the table or do you offer a self-serve approach?
Believe me, I’ve been there!
This episode is in response to a question posed in our Sparkler Facebook group:
I'm curious, how do you all demonstrate a lesson? I'm on a cart and don't have access to a document camera. The flow of my lessons feels a little chaotic and I feel it is part due to students not understanding how to create the projects. I usually give verbal instructions and perhaps demonstrate a technique on scrap paper, but then those in the back have trouble seeing.
Such a great question, right?
This episode reveals my strategy of how I staged my demonstrations in my art room from how children enter the art room to working on a project.
Make sure to download the Free Seating Chart PDF by visiting the episode age on www.deepspacesparkle.com
In this episode, I share why I feel so strongly about supporting and sharing with others. Why it’s good for me and how it 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.
A few People I think are Amazing!
http://www.handmakery.com Ami Mayes Colorado
http://orangeeaselart.com Orange Easel art Allison Jensen Missouri
http://www.shinyhappyartonline.com Shiny Happy Art Anna Bartlett
Australia Art Camp LA Arielle Goddard
Robin Long Balanced Life Sisterhood
Jasmine Star Instagram 180 & the Social Curator
Tiffany Lee Bymaster Lights Camera Branding https://coachglitter.mykajabi.com/p/LCBwaitlist
Anna DiGillio Simple Skilled inSecond https://www.simplyskilledinsecond.com
Jessica Balsey Art of Education
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 share 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 Condoleezza Rice speak.
My favorite way to transition a classroom full of kids to an art class is to read a picture book. I’ve been 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 Kid ArtLit, 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 blog to get a special Art Made Easy discount code for your first order of your subscription box.
Have you selected your WORD of the year? In today’s episode, I’ll share mine, how I use and how you can incorporate it 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. One of my words evolved because of a bad situation in one of my art classes. In order not to repeat the scenario and prevent the situation from happening in the future, I created an intention that I still follow today.
I’d love to hear what your Word of the Year is, if you have one and how it has changed how you use in every day.
You may wonder how you can teach art to your students if you don’t consider yourself an artist. Here’s the thing…I don’t believe you need to be a great artist to teach art to kids. You just need a little bit of help. This episode of Art Made Easy offers you the tips and tricks (and the toolkit) to help classroom teachers teach art effectively when you don’t have an art room, lots of ideas or supplies. Be sure sure to download the Classroom Teacher’s Toolkit through the blog for links, tips and checklists.
https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/classroom-teacher-volunteer/
Teaching Art at Home 068
Art Teacher’s Toolkit 064
Classroom Teacher’s Guide to Teaching Art
Have 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 in the art room. You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/DeepSpaceSparklePage/
https://www.instagram.com/deepspacesparkle/
Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018 To learn more about The Sparklers Club, visit https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/tmc/learn-about-the-members-club/
Occasionally, 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.
You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/DeepSpaceSparklePage/
https://www.instagram.com/deepspacesparkle/
Videos on DSS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DeepSpaceSparklePage/videos/?ref=page_internal
Enrolling new Sparklers on January 3, 2018
To learn more about The Sparklers Club, visit https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/tmc/learn-about-the-members-club/
Bar 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 or another practical occupation.
As a true creative, she compromised and attended Skidmore College with a degree in Art and a minor in Early Childhood Development. What followed was a series of mural paintings, clothing businesses, and finally graphic design. 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 creative’s experience. This is what fascinated me throughout the interview: the constant yearning for a new experience, challenge or artistic pursuit. Can you relate?
Bar and I discuss the challenges and joys of teaching art at home and the magic of cardboard. Yes, cardboard…
Today I’m talking to Laurie Police Short, author of When Changing Nothing Changes Everything. In this episode we’re talking about how changing perspective can alter behavior and ultimately our life. With the help of four different lenses, Laurie shows you how the way you see can have an impact on how you live. This is deeply personal to me as I truly believe that teachers have the power to have the biggest impact on so many lives but the daily grind can definitely get in the way of our purpose.
Laurie walks us through four lenses:
The Big View: Our life isn’t merely shaped by the things that happen to us, it is also shaped by the way we live.
The Present View: Keep our eyes focused on what is in front of us is the only way to see the path ahead.
The Rear View: We don’t look back to stay back, we look back so we can choose what to take into our future. Otherwise stuff follows us without our vote.
The Higher View: Need is around us in every form, and when we allow it to be in front of us, something magical happens to our eyes.
Follow Patty on Instagram & Facebook @deepspacesparkle
For show notes & downloads, visit Art Made Easy
Whenever 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 speak with Sparkler, We talk about her passion for inquiry base learning and her favorite Indian art influences. Oh my goodness….the details, descriptions and her passion. So contagious.
Follow Patty on Instagram & Facebook @deepspacesparkle
For show notes & downloads, visit Art Made Easy
Are 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 Standards, plus assessments and writing exercises into our Sparklers Club lessons. And,, she is the architect behind the done-for-you art curriculum inside the Sparklers Club. She earned her Masters degree in education with an emphasis on literacy and is one smart cookie. Be sure to download Marisa’s 5 Literacy Strategies PDF at https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/category/podcasts/
Teaching 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 from a clearly frustrated teacher weighed on me until I felt I had enough perspective to answer her question. I’ll share my best tips for how to manage the challenging logistics of teaching art in a Title 1 school.
Teaching 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 clearly frustrated teacher weighed on me until I felt I had enough perspective to answer her question.
I’ll share my best tips for how to manage the challenging logistics of teaching art in a Title 1 school.
Here are my top tips:
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Be super organized.
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Accept you might not have all the art supplies you need, so be creative.
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Learn all you can about management. This will be your ticket to success.
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Don’t underestimate the power of choosing engaging subjects for your art lessons.
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Take care of yourself.
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Join a supportive learning community.
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Practice positivity & know you are impacting children at a level you may not be aware of
Ready to have a listen?
SHOW NOTES:
James Wedmore’s Mind Your Business Podcast
When Changing Nothing Changes Everything: The Power of Reframing Your Life by Laurie Police Short
The Abundance Code: How to Bust the 7 Money Myths for a Rich Life Now by Julie Ann Cairns
AME 067 with Lynda Gordon How to Seek Funding for your Art Program
AME 012 Easy Management Tips with Michael Linsin
Smart Classroom Management
Go Fund Me Website
Teaching art at home to a few children is quite different than teaching 30 children in a classroom. It means you have more flexibility and freedom to create art when and how you want. I’ve taught in classrooms, art rooms and around my dining room table and love the nuances that each setting brings. This podcasts shares some of my best tips for teaching art at home. Make sure to download the Art at Home Toolkit and follow along!
Teaching art at home to a few children is quite different than teaching 30 children in a classroom. It means you have more flexibility and freedom to create art when and how you want.
I’ve taught in classrooms, art rooms and around my dining room table and love the nuances that each setting brings.
This podcasts shares some of my best tips for teaching art at home. Make sure to download the Art at Home Toolkit and follow along! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How you don’t need to know everything about art when embarking on creating art with your kids, you just need an interest.
Why you need to establish your own intentions and expectations before teaching children
How the use of descriptive words will enrich children's vocabularies
Why developing a teacher’s mindset and establishing a routine can help so much when managing your child’s behavior
Creating a schedule can lead to increased focus and creativity in your children What’s the most important thing that you can give your child to develop their art skills
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
DOWNLOAD THIS ART RESOURCE GUIDE:
If you are new to teaching art at home, download this guide which will help identify management strategies, what art supplies to buy and helpful links that will get you teaching in no time!
NOTE: TO RECEIVE THE PDF, YOU MUST WHITELIST our email: patty.palmer@deepspacesparkle. IF YOU ARE A GMAIL customer, THAT MEANS MOVING OUR EMAILS OUT OF YOUR PROMOTIONS FOLDER (can't find anything in that!)
SHOW NOTES: AME 020: The Best Art Project to use with Kids AME 049: Teaching Art at Home
Are you a classroom teacher who is required to teach art but not sure where to start? Or perhaps you want to collaborate with your grade level peers and start an art rotation? Lynda Gordon, a third grade teacher from Lompoc, California can relate. When her school’s art teacher left, Lynda took on the role of finding the replacement. With no prospects lined up, Lynda resurrected the art program, managed the fundraising campaign, plus signed on as the new grade level art teacher is nothing less than amazing. How did she do it? This week’s episode shares how. Download Lynda’s fundraising strategy in the show notes at Art Made Easy 067 on www.deepspacesparkle.com
Have 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 clear on your intentions for your art program. Here are 5 questions to ask yourself that will help define your intentions so that you can create the best environment for your students.
International Dot Day, based on Peter Reynold’s book, The Dot, is coming up on September 15th. The Dot is the story of Vashti who is overwhelmed at the sight of a blank piece of paper. Her art teacher gently encourages her to explore art her way. Most art teachers consider Peter Reynold’s books essential reads for the art room as he addresses the issues children face when learning how to be an artist. What I love about the story is the underlying importance of expressive art. This episode takes a look at why expressive art is so important for children and offers you a variety of art projects that are not only percent for Dot Day. I can’t wait to hear how you celebrate Dot day and what projects work for you!
International Dot Day, based on Peter Reynold’s book, The Dot, is coming up on September 15th. The Dot is the story of Vashti who is overwhelmed at the sight of a blank piece of paper. Her art teacher gently encourages her to explore art her way. Most art teachers consider Peter Reynold’s books essential reads for the art room as he addresses the issues children face when learning how to be an artist. What I love about the story is the underlying importance of expressive art. This episode takes a look at why expressive art is so important for children and offers you a variety of art projects that are not only perfect for Dot Day. I can’t wait to hear how you celebrate Dot day and what projects work for you!
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
Why expressive art is so important to include in your art room plans
How The Dot can help you create a new focus for your class
What lessons can be learned from The Dot to overcome various challenges and empower your students
Why you need to take a cautious approach to doing any kind of directed drawing project, especially with younger children
How craft paper can be used for projects that all children contribute to
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES:
Dot Day Song
Dot Day Lyrics
LESSONS FROM THE PODCAST:
Here's a short video I created for a watercolor project to celebrate Dot Day. All you need is a square piece of watercolor paper, water-soluble oil pastels/gel sticks OR you can use non-soluble oil pastels to create a true resist.
Then, just use liquid watercolor paints to create this happy dot. Reminds me of a Yellowstone's Geyser!
https://d3ndagut9sanks.cloudfront.net/2017-D/VID-09/Dot+Day+Watercolor.mp4
Tint & Pattern Circles
Kandinsky and the Rainbow Art Project
Color, Line and Pattern Art Project
Hundertwasser Art Lesson for Kids
Teaching art to hundreds of children requires creativity, passion and buckets of planning time. I spent years developing an art program that represented my personal preferences for art but also incorporated elements that brought out the best in even the most reluctant artist. Download the Art Teacher’s Toolkit and follow along as I share what to consider so that you art program allows you to teach with clarity, confidence and ease. Download the Tool Kit here > https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/start-art-teacher/
Whether 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 through www.deepspacesparkle.com and start planning your awesome week!
Former 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.
Download Denise’s Australian art project inspired by Sydney Harbour and Opera House at www.deepspacesparkle.com
We 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 experience. No teaching degree. Just desire. In this episode of our art series, Art Stories from Around the World, Kristy shares her story of how she started her art camp for kids and what her plans are for the future.
Download 2 project ideas from Kristy inspired by Trinidad & Tobago at www.deepspacesparkle.com
Discover 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. To download the Project Plan, head over to www.deepspacesparkle.com episode 060.
Discover 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 through to teenagers and adults •How she introduces children to the use of pencils in their art (and a common item that she often has them draw using pencil) •What the one thing is that Louise wants the rest of the world to know about the teaching of art in her country •What some of the warm-up exercises are that she has her students do before taking an art exam
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE...
You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:
SHOW NOTES:
Louise’s Website
Kinsale Art Academy Facebook Page
- Link to Louise’s Art Lesson for Listeners (Puffins, Seals, etc.)
*Link to Louise’s Charcoal Monkees Facebook post (couldn’t find on her page!)
*Link to Patty’s Treasure Map lesson that Louise mentions
AME 059: Teaching Art in a Remote Village in Northern India
How do you introduce children to art in a remote region of the world with little exposure to 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 husband built in Northern India. Head over to https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ to download the art project created by Celia that represents her student’s village.
How 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 husband built in Northern India.
Scroll down to download the art project created by Celia that represents her student’s village.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
• Celia's biggest challenges and the strategies she uses to overcome them. • How this rural community views education and how that differs from other cultures. • Why Celia does the work she does, even when the community doesn’t understand its importance • How she is able to broaden the children’s knowledge of culture and their ways of thinking on a daily basis
DOWNLOAD A LESSON GUIDE...
In the interview, Celia paints a lovely picture of what its like living in this part of the world: how the rainy season impacts the community, the topography of the region and how art is perceived. Celia offers two approaches to bringing art to her students in a way that connects them with their community.
You can download this Lesson Guide BY CLICKING THE BLUE BOX BELOW:
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES
Get in touch with Celia and see what art projects her students are working on by clicking HERE for the RightHope School Facebook page.
QUESTIONS FOR OUR LISTENERS:
Have you ever been to India? Have you created an art project based on the Indian culture?
I'd love to hear what your experiences have been!
Sana Asad is the second art teacher featured in our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in Bahrain. Born in Pakistan and into a culture where art is considered a craft to pass the time, Sana stuck to her dream of pursuing a career in art. After moving to Saudi Arabia and later to Bahrain, Sana opened an art studio in her home and began teaching children. Now she has a full-time after school art schedule, teaches workshops to adults and plans beautiful exhibits of her students work.
Make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com/artmadeeasy to download Sana’s Bahrain Inspired art projects.
Today, we’re traveling to Bahrain to meet art teacher, Sana Asad.
Lexi Conrad kicks of our summer art series, Art Stories from Around the World by sharing her experiences while teaching art in China. Lexi shares the struggles and the surprising benefits of teaching art at an international school in China. Make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com/artmadeeasy to download Lexi’s Clay Bells Art project.
There 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 van 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 accommodate all learners and the resources that have made a difference to her.
The 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.
Teaching art to kids in your home or at school for the very first time is exciting, but challenging. Developing your teaching style, understanding how children create, and determining what style of lessons to teach can be a slow process. Today’s show features Deep Space Sparkle member, Lesly Chamate from Florida. As a first time art teacher, Lesly joined our Sparkler community to learn how to teach art to kids. Over the past year she has grown from a mom unsure how to teach art to kids to dreaming of how to expand her small studio to reach even more kids and adults. We chat about how to manage children working at different paces, how to deliver art instructions so all children are eager to participate and how to optimize an art studio with limited space.
Classroom 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.
When 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 how to get the most out of using tempera paints.
As the school year starts to wind down, now is a good time to consider your summer plans. I hope they involve a deck and some 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-to items: this is your call to action. To dig deep and figure out why you want to teach kids art in your off hours and why now is your time. Ready to dive in?
Today’s episode is special. Deep Space Sparkle member, Gloria Matthews 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 Patty also chat about what makes a children’s book successful and how to get started writing your own children’s book. Patty talks about how letting go of one dream allowed her to the space to achieve another dream.
With 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. The differences were fun to discover. I was able to explore paint options and drawing techniques that I might have avoided in a traditional classroom setting. Today’s episode is an informal chat about what I discovered and how it will impact my book.
With 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 book, today's episode will identify my initial reactions to the differences.
Today’s episode is an informal chat about what I discovered and how it will impact my book.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:
How I use workshops in my studio to help write my book
How the projects in the book differs from lessons plans found on Deep Space Sparkle
The differences in teaching for specific grade levels as opposed to a range of children’s ages
The benefits of leaving one part of an art project structured and leaving the rest to a child's creativity
What art supplies are great for small groups but not suited for large classroom settings
How children react differently in a classroom setting versus a small group setting
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A FREE LESSON FROM DRAW, PAINT, SPARKLE
SHOW NOTES:
My book deal and writing a book proposal
Join The Members Club waitlist
Marisa is a former K-8 art teacher from Georgia who was one of over 500 people who applied for a job as a standards writer for Deep Space Sparkle last Spring. Marisa helps teachers all over the world by providing documentation for all of the DSS lessons inside The Members Club. Life has changed a lot for Marisa, who went from working as an art teacher to staying home with her newborn so she could work from home. It’s not always an easy transition but she moved through it beautifully. Her positive approach to life has allowed her to make the decisions that have been right for her family.
Did 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.
Whenever I find myself stuck for inspiration, I always turn to books. Picture books are a secret passion of mine. I love looking at the exquisite illustrations as it puts me back in touch with why art is important. Children learn much about the world through books and as educators we can use books to help children understand what we are teaching. This episode shares my list of favorite art books not just for the art room but for everyday inspiration.
Hop over to the blog, http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ to read the selection of books with links to Amazon.
If you are wondering what STEAM based art education is all about, my friend Amy Zschaber will shine the light on what’s possible for art educators. Quite honestly, I was never a fan of replacing studio arts with anything digital or math related. Now I realize how short sighted I was. Amy describes an art curriculum that is rich in both creativity and discovery. In this episode, Amy shares her journey as an art educator, how she went from confused to confident and strategies to make the best in a struggling school environment. Amy Zschaber is an award-winning Art teacher from California. She began teaching in 2005 after discovering she had a “knack” for putting steps to elaborate art-based projects as a summer camp instructor. Her blog, Artful Artsy Amy (http://www.artfulartsyamy.com) shares hermits popular STEAM based Art Units with teachers.
Have you ever felt defeated that other teachers are getting more recognition than you? Do you wonder how others get more followers on social media or why some speakers sessions are packed? If you ever felt that awful feeling of comparing yourself to others, this episode is for you. Patty shares her business journey from how she start her blog to how she ended up in a mastermind that launched her full-time business while focusing on what she did best. It’s not always easy to avoid comparing yourself to others, especially in this online world, but Patty’s 3 tips will get you thinking about how to reframe your thinking.
Hosting a family art night can be the best way to build support for your art program, boost parent involvement and advocate for your art program within your community. In this episode, I share my experiences with my own family art night both as a parent and as the organizer. I walk you through what worked for me, how I set up the event, what projects were successful ( and which ones weren’t!) and ways to incorporate fundraising. make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ to download your free Family Art Night Freebie.
On 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, and how to gain their trust. You’ll learn why the method Sally uses is just so important and effective with not only young children, but ones of all ages.
One of the hardest parts about being an art teacher is advocating for your art program. Feeling vulnerable to budget cuts, constantly aligning with new standards, accommodating everyone’s perception and expectation of what art should be can be very challenging. Recently I asked the Sparklers to share what their biggest struggles are right now in the art room…I love questions like this because it really gives you insight on how people are feeling and what their current struggles are. And the most fascinating thing for me is that everyone can relate. Today’s episode addresses three very common struggles in the art room: reduced class time, art project expectations and explaining or defending art techniques or art philosophies. You may be surprised what all these struggles have in common and how to best eliminate them from your day.
Since the creation of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members Club 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 but growing number of students. She joined The Members’ Club to reduce the amount of work she spent in creating a curriculum for her classes but now is wondering how to best use her time in building a business. In this episode, we’re flipping the format and Kristina is asking me the questions! If you are a studio owner or teach after school art class, listen in as Kristina and I chat about artsy business stuff.
After hosting pop up art classes in her garage, art teacher and blogger Meri Cherry listened to her intuition and opened her first art studio in Southern California. Eight months later, Meri serves her creative community by offering everything from toddler art sessions to family art nights. Learn how Meri created a thriving business and an art studio of her dreams.
Does 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.
If you’ve taught art for any length of time, you know this happens. But for a first time teacher like Traci Ann, it can leave you with a sense of doubt.
This week’s episode addresses what to do when a proven project doesn’t work out so well.
Do 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? What’s 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. Visit the podcast show notes to download an Art Room Organization Guide.
Are you looking to incorporate a few STEAM art activities into your curriculum this year? Ana Dzingle from Babble, Dabble Do shares her favorite projects that engage kids and encourages them to think for themselves. This episode is perfect for anyone who isn’t sure what type of STEAM projects work best for the under 8 crowd. Be sure to visit the link to download two amazing STEAM printables.
Are you looking for ways to spruce up your art program? Move beyond traditional lesson plans with artist trading cards, a flipped classroom and QR codes. Nic Hahn, author of the popular blog, Mini Matisse, shares how she transitioned to a choice-based art room, how she uses videos to flip her classroom plus she shares the art projects that have been the most successful with her students.
The 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 focus to what brings you happiness.
- A list of non-religious art projects you can do in a short amount of time.
In today’s episode, Patty answers a question from a member of the Deep Space Sparkle Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability? Patty looks at both sides of the equation: the art teacher and the parent volunteer and offers 5 tips to making volunteering easy and enjoyable.
Developing art lessons can be overwhelming. 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.
Are 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.
Do you love creating crafts with your kids? Or creating art based on famous artists? Learn how engineer turned crafter, Maggy Woodley started a successful blog, Red Ted Art, which 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.
Do 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, Patty walks 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.
Have 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 being an entrepreneur
Why it’s important to let your business develop organically
How with being an entrepreneur, all the freedom/responsibility is on you
What qualities are key for being an entrepreneur
How to solve problems and conflicts without getting personal
How to grow your business by systemizing
How to determine what people want then take the lesson a little bit further to give them what they need
What is the “hand maker” movement and why is it gaining popularity?
How to set up your environment and get the rules and regulations from your Chamber of Commerce
Why videos can enhance your online business and blogs and podcasts can help you excel
How to charge for your services
What is test marketing and competitive shopping
Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.
Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.
SHOW NOTES:
Art Made Easy 027: Life After Teaching – Part I
James Wedmore
Art Projects For Kids
Art Made Easy 010: Tips For Running An After-School Art Program with Kathy Barbro
WHATEVER… blog, Meg Duerksen
While She Naps, Abby Glassenberg
CraftSanity Blog and Podcast, Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood
Have you ever wondered whether you could run your own creative business? In this episode, Patty walks listeners through what it’s 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. Visit www.deepspacesparkle.com for links to the creative businesses Patty talks about and be inspired by what’s possible.
Are 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 a natural progression for me to move from teaching art to starting a blog
What the word “inspire” means to me
Why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of creating something everyday that’s just for you
How its possible (and so important) to merge your hobbies and interests with teaching and how it can benefit both you and your students in the art room
Why learning a new skill just might awaken the future entrepreneur inside of you
How lessons learned from TV shows can help you connect with your students
Why earning money from selling teaching resources can boost not only your pocketbook but your enthusiasm for the work you do
How presenting at events and teaching workshops can be exciting opportunities to grow and help you prepare for your future
Why you need to make the decisions on the curriculum (not children or parents) if you are teaching out of your home studio
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast Ap.
Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.
SHOW NOTES:
Cassie Stephens’ Blog
Creativebug
Teachers Pay Teachers
Art Made Easy 021, with Ginger Bowerman Pacer
Laura Lohmann’s Website
National Arts Education Association
Art Made Easy 002, with Heidi Easley
Art Made Easy 009, with Megan Schiller
Are you dreaming of what life will look like after you retire form 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 of Art Made Easy I’m diving down the rabbit hole of personality tests. By knowing what makes you tick , you can learn how to become a better teacher, engage in activities that bring you joy and be around people who compliment you. You may not be a fan of personality test, but trust me, knowing the reasons why you do what you do really helps with making decisions—big and small.
This episode is for anyone who is interested in being happier at work, choosing activities that energize you and learning how to manage your personal relationships.
It’s also a lot of fun figuring out who you really are!
To start off Season Two of Art Made Easy, Patty talks about guided drawings, a popular technique teachers use to teach kids how to draw. Also known as directed-line drawings, many art teachers receive conflicting messages about the value of guided drawings. Are they beneficial to kids? Do they restrict creativity? You decide as Patty discusses the pros and cons of guided drawings and what ages they work best for.
Like Art Made Easy? Listen to Season One at http://www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ and see the show notes for this episode.
In the last episode of Season One, I talk about my second favorite subject (next to art!), which is books. I share the top three books that inspire me and my hope is they will do the same for you.
Visit www.DeepSpaceSparkle.com for full show notes for this episode and see you September 1st for a brand new season of Art Made Easy!
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 content.
Today’s episode walks you through my Year End Review Workbook. Download your free copy at www.deepspacesparkle.com/ame023
Art teacher and anointed Pinterest Art Queen, Donna Staten, shares how she grew her Pinterest following to over 100K followers. She outlines 10 of her best practices for growing your own following and ways that Pinterest can be used in the art room. Donna is on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Teacher Advisory Council and speaks at Art Ed Conferences throughout the country.
Art 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.
Ready to order your first shipment of art supplies and don’t know what to order? Want to know why some art supplies are better than others? Today’s episode of Art Made Easy helps identify why some paints, paper and brushes deserve a place on your art supply shelf. Download an art supply ordering checklist and buying guide to help you get started on creating the best art projects.
Do you hit google search button whenever you need to introduce an artist before an art lesson? I know I’ve filled the white board with a few boring facts a few times. What if I told you you didn’t have to research a thing about a famous artist? Today’s guest, Cindy Ingram from The Art Curator for Kids website, shares her philosophy of how she talks to kids about art and ways that you can too. And you don’t have to know a thing about art!
Make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com to download Cindy’s free handout to use in your classroom.
Have you ever gone to an art workshop or conference and thoughtthat you could do better? Don't be stuck ever again in a windowlessroom listening to a presenter talk about something you aren'tinterested in and instead host your own workshop.
Learn my tips for hosting a sold-out workshop. I'll share how Iwent from thinking it was a bad idea to organizing, creating andexecuting a workshop that netted a 5 figure income.
You can do the same. Listen to the show then download the formsI used to promote the event and checklists that helped me stay ontrack.
Do 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 form 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 blogs at Tales from the Traveling Art Teacher and 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.
Head over to www.deepspacesparkle.com/art-made-easy-podcasts/ to download a free Art from a Cart PDF: tools, tricks and lesson ideas to help teach from a cart.
Why 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 but there are some age-old philosophies that make it possible. This episode is a bit of a stretch for me because I don't often talk about how I feel about ego and intuition and living a life with intention. But I'm going there. I give you 5 of my top life philosophies that I know, if applied, will help you tap into what you truly want.
Drawing 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.
Jeanette Nyberg, a professional artist in Chicago, traded in her paintbrush 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.
Creating a portrait in elementary school is a natural part of any art curriculum. I have developed key learning objectives for each grade level, detail what art supplies I love best plus how to select just the right portrait project that engages students at every grade.
I speak with Michael Linsin, author of the book, Classroom Management for Art, Music and PE teachers. He also writes a weekly post on classroom management strategies for teachers and is basically, in my mind, the guru of management. Here’s the thing: Part of being an effective art teacher is having a good classroom management plan. And whatever form that plan takes for you, it’s the key to allowing children to create in a peaceful and creative state and it allows you to teach from a place of calm.
Michael and I talk about the common management struggles of art teachers and he offers great advice so that you can teach from a place of clam and offer your students a space to thrive.
If 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.
Kathy Barbro teaches art full-time, is the founder of the popular art blog, Art Project for Kids and runs a thriving after-school art program in Southern California. Kathy shares her story of how her after-school program works, how she manages her time and how the financial benefit of the after-school program has changed her life.
This episode is for anyone wishing to learn more about the logistics of operating an after-school art program as well as teaching tips from one of the best art teachers around.
Make sure to download Kathy's free After-School Art Program How-to Guide. She shares exactly how she runs the program and shares what her flyers look so that you may be inspired to do the same.
Megan 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 who are looking to set up creative play spaces in their homes or schools. She has expanded into the online world by launching a series of DIY guides that are available through her site.
Megan talks about her evolution from a pre-school art teacher to offering art classes in her home to a designer of creative spaces. This show is for anyone who wants to learn how to set-up creative spaces for children and learn the pros and cons of a creative blogging career.
Jennifer White shares how she went from working as a teacher during the day and cashier at night to making $14K in her first THREE months of selling her craft projects on Teachers Pay Teachers. I know I sound like an informercial, but I guarantee you that Jennifer is humble yet strategic about her success.
In this episode, Jennifer will walk you through her product creation process, how to make your products better and tips on building a fan base.
This episode is for anyone who is thinking of selling digital products on Teachers Pay Teachers or wishes to make a bigger impact with small easy tweaks to existing products.
Jennifer is the author of the blog, First Grade Blue Skies.
Have 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 early research stages to implementation in the art room.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
-
How Laura sets up her art room for multi-class mural making
-
How many students Laura teaches and what her schedule looks like
-
Laura secret to high engagement in the art room
- The brand of paint Laura swears by
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How to make painting work in your classroom and the secret that will make the process effortless
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How Laura structures her art class
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How Laura plans her curriculum and when she starts (this might surprise you!)
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Tips for teaching art from a cart
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Tying in the elements of art and state standards
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Literacy connections
-
Clean-up strategies
SHOW NOTES
Alisa Burke
Kezz Brett
Texture Tools from Lakeshore
Blick premium Tempera Paint
Crayola Premium Paint
How to Create a Mural
A few Mexican Inspired Projects
A few Art Projects inspired by India
If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave a rating or review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself. Thank you so much!
You can find Laura through Instagram @paintedpaperintheartroom, through her blog Painted Paper and her amazing store on Teachers pay Teacher
How 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 growth. And that's what this episode is about. How to determine whether or not your class will be up to the challenge of a particular art project.
This episode is perfect for everyone who wonders whether that art project you're eyeing on Pinterest will suit your class.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES
KINDER
Kandinsky Paper Cutting Lesson
Play Doh Project
Crayola Air Dry Clay
FIRST
Fancy Fish Collage Art Project
What are Liquid Watercolor Paints
Eric Carle-Inspired Butterflies
SECOND
Paper Weaving Projects
THIRD
How to Color with Markers
Tropical Fish Watercolor Art Project
FOURTH
Castle Art Projects
FIFTH
Clipper Ship Projects
Perspective Lesson
SIXTH
Ceramic Tile Murals
Sketchbook Projects
Faber-Castell Watercolor Pencils
DOWNLOAD MY CHECKLIST OF GRADE LEVEL ART EXPECTATIONS
If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave an honest review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself.
Have 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!
How do you know if an art project is too easy or complicated for an age group? That's the question I'm answering in today's episode of Art Made Easy.
I'll take you through my checklist of art techniques, art topics and projects that I have found to work best with my art students from kinder to sixth grade.
Head over to www.deepspacesparkle.com to download a free checklist to help you determine if an art project is right for your group.
Today 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 Rachelle Doorley of the blog Tinkerlab and the author of the book, Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide For Little Inventors. Rachelle is a former costume designer turned art educator turned blogger and author. She shares a vast amount of information about creating art with younger children in both her blog, book and now this show.
This episode is perfect for anyone who is creating art in a home environment especially with preschool children and for those who are interested in how to cultivate creative growth.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN
-How Rachelle's childhood influenced her career path
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How to develop and honor a child's creative development
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Questions to ask before the start of an art activity or play experiment
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How to set up a self-serve art & activity station
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Basic art supplies for little makers
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Ten Tinkerlab Habits of Mind (you can download the PDF below)
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How technology plays with creativity
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How to embrace mess and workarounds
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The concept of failing forward
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What Art Education means to Rachelle
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Reggio Approach to student learning
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES
Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors
The Creative Table
The Best Playdough Recipe
DSS Play Doh Color wheel
How to make Goop (Oobleck)
Stop Motion Animation
Beautiful Oops!
Mouse Paint
Howard Gardner
Keri Smith Wreck This Journal
The 5-Minute Journal
Don't Move the Muffin Tins: A Hands-Off Guide to Art for the Young Child
DOWNLOAD TINKERLAB'S TEN HABITS OF MIND
If this show inspired you, please subscribe to Art Made Easy in iTunes and leave an honest review. This helps the podcast get recognized by more creative people like yourself.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
Learn how author and blogger Rachelle Doorley encourages young children to become independent, creative artists. Rachelle shares her thoughts on how to create art in a home environment and offers tips for dealing with the mess and setting up a self-serve art-making station. This conversation offers alternative ways to think about creating art with your little makers.
Thank 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 murals and thematic units.
If you are action oriented, grab a notepad and pencil because this show is going to offer amazing tips. But for me, hearing how Cassie transformed herself from an overworked, stressed out art teacher (hard to believe, right?) to her carefree, colorful persona is not only remarkable but inspiring.
SUBSCRIBING...
To listen on your iPhone, download the free PODCAST AP, then subscribe to the show in iTunes. Your app will update automatically when new shows are published.
If you have an android phone, you can subscribe to Stitcher Radio and download their free app.
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
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How Cassie Got her start as an art teacher
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How fashion created engagement with her students
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The story behind Cassie's Andy Warhol inspired Campbell Soup dress
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The benefits of keeping a positive attitude in the art room
- The steps to make collaborative projects work for all grade levels
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How long it takes Cassie to make and hang a mural
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How Cassie teaches painted paper techniques
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How collaborative projects benefits her art program
- Cassie's strategy for implementing rules and procedures
- Call and response strategy
- Directed drawing tips
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Why mini-white boards are a teacher's best friend
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How Cassie deals with frustrated artists
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One paper policy
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The big question Cassie asks herself before teaching a lesson
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How Cassie plans a thematic art curriculum
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Cassie's advice to a new art teacher (what she says here is GOLDEN!)
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Photo courtesy of Cassie Stephens
SHOW NOTES
Cassie's famous Campbell Soup Dress
Henri Rousseau Tiger in a Tropical Storm Surprised! Painting via Wikiart
1st grader Jungle Mural and Collaborative Projects
Roy G Biv Video
Book Recommendation for New Teachers:
Drawing With Children by Mona Brookes
Children And Painting by Cathy Topal
Professor Pin Cushion's Website
You can connect Cassie through Instagram at cassie_stephenz and on Facebook
Cassie Stephens takes you inside her colorful 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 murals and thematic units.
If you are action oriented, grab a notepad and pencil because this show is going to offer amazing tips. But for me, hearing how Cassie transformed herself from an overworked, stressed out art teacher (hard to believe, right?) to her carefree, colorful persona is not only remarkable but inspiring.
Today 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 creating and living the life she has always dreamed about.
Her story is so inspiring.
This episode is for anyone who would like to learn more about hosting painting parties, how to start a business with zero budget and for anyone feeling like they are at a dead end. Let Heidi inspire you!
IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN:
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How to bounce back from bankruptcy
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The value of family support to foster new business ideas
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The importance of patience and never giving up
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Being open about considering new opportunities
- The healing power of art and the real value of painting parties
- How Heidi provides art assessment for her students
- Heidi's advice on how to start your own Paint Party Business
- The best place to buy easels, acrylics and brushes
- How Heidi handles the variety of painting personalities she encounters
- How Heidi stays positive and maintains a fresh mindset
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES
Texas Art & Soul
Heidi's Artist Series The Accidental Artist
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
Jerry's Artarama
Blick Acrylic Paints
Cassie Stephens (Art Teacher from Tennessee)
Sign up for Heidi's newsletter and download the free How to Paint Your Pet Project
PS – Please leave a review on iTunes!
Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! You can connect with Heidi on Instagram and through Facebook
Yes, the day has come!
After a long time deciding if, I finally said when.
Thank you SO much for your encouragement, show suggestions and help getting Art Made Easy off the ground.
Many of you were so pumped about this show but confessed that you had no idea what a podcast was. I love you guys for your unbridled enthusiasm.
Here's a quick definition of a podcast & what to expect from Art Made Easy:
A podcast is a free radio show. The host (me!) interviews guests or talks about a favorite subject. You get to listen through your computer, laptop or smart phone. I like to listen to my favorite podcasts in my car during long travel days or on my walks via set of ear buds and my iPhone.
You can subscribe to the show via iTunes and Stitcher radio. The benefit is that your free podcast ap on your iPhone will automatically be updated with all the podcast episodes from any show you subscribe to.
Go ahead and give it a try!
To listen on your laptop or computer, just click the play button in the colored box below.
To listen via iTunes, click on the "play in iTunes" banner and click subscribe.
And now onto the show...
For my first show, I wanted to tell you my story of how I became an art teacher. We all have different paths and this one is mine. I'll share advice to those who are just starting out as an art teacher and some of my best tips for teaching art to kids.
This episode is for anyone who thinks they may not have the qualifications to be an art teacher. Teaching art to kids doesn't have to happen inside a classroom. You can teach art at home, at a summer camp and even as a volunteer (like I did).
If you are an art teacher just beginning your journey, I'm sharing my best advice to get you through that tough first year. Download my free handout and keep it in your teacher planner and refer to it when you have a tough day.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES:
Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too
Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series)
National Art Convention
CreativeLive- free online classes
Art Teachers Facebook Group
Website: Painted Paper in the Art Room (Laura Lohmann)
Website: Art of Education
Book: Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers
PS – Please leave a review on iTunes!
Art Made Easy is now live on iTunes! Subscribing to the show and leaving an honest review really helps the show gain visibility and allows me to tailor the show to your needs.
In this episode I'm excited to talk to Jessica Balsley about student assessment in the art room. She gives great advice and actionable steps for teachers on how to create fair assessment in the art room. She also reveals her secret tips on ways to cultivate a happy art career. Jessica Balsley is the founder of The Art of Education, an online resource for Art Educators
Want to know how to earn money on the side by hosting your own painting parties? Heidi Easley, art teacher and owner of Texas Art & Soul tells you how.
For my first show, I'm sharing my story of how I became an art teacher and my best advice for teaching art to kids. In this episode you'll discover the benefits of volunteering and learn my favorite resources for new art teachers.