We’re thrilled to officially launch of The Art of Ed Community!

The Art of Ed Community is a dedicated professional online space where you can come together with other art teachers to discuss relevant topics, give and receive support, ask and answer questions, and share best practices. You’ll find engaging discussions, exclusive events, and a whole lot of fun. We’ve been working on this new offering for over a year and are so excited to share it with the world!

How do I join?

Joining the community is easy and free. Just click this link, “Request to Join,” and sign up for your account.

As soon as we approve your request, you can jump into conversations with thousands of other art teachers from across the world. Check out this video by AOEU’s Online Community Manager, Jen Leban, to learn more!

Here are five reasons we’d love for you to join us!

1. Engage in a trusted, moderated space with people who truly get you.

The Art of Ed Community is the perfect place to ask questions and receive support from others in the same situation. Created specifically for art teachers by art teachers, this community is fun and welcoming, with a set of comprehensive community guidelines to ensure conversations are positive and constructive.

The Art of Ed Community is moderated by AOEU’s Online Community Manager, AOEU’s Director of Community Engagement, and other AOEU team members, so you know you’re in great hands. Come hang out with us—it’s going to be so much fun!

Jessica Stuver, one of the art teachers in our pilot group, echoed these thoughts saying, “I’m not a huge fan of traditional social media. The fact that participants are verified and are who they say they are is a huge sense of comfort to me.”

Click here to join!

2. Gain access to exclusive conversations, ideas, and events.

The Art of Ed Community has discussions and content you can’t find anywhere else. Community conversations are not available anywhere outside of our community. Furthermore, as a community member, you can access our exclusive free monthly events! We’ll spend time chatting with experts and friends of the community, making art, and lifting each other up.

Each time you visit, you’re sure to find innovative ideas and strategies to add to your art teacher toolbox.

3. Connect with teachers across the globe.

The Art of Ed Community makes connecting easy! You can quickly identify which teachers are in which conversation spaces and see members who are geographically close to you. Not sure what to say? The Art of Ed Community will generate conversation starters based on shared interests. You also have the option to direct message other users or start a group chat.

Connecting with others is even more fun at our monthly events. We hope to see you there!

Finally, the mobile app makes it easy to access The Art of Ed Community anywhere, anytime. Download it now to keep your favorite group of people right in your apron pocket!

Download for iOS!

Download for Android

Lisa Rigsby, a pilot team member, shared how the community helped her feel connected again. “When I taught in high school, I had a group of other art teachers to connect with, but now that I have moved to a school as the single teacher, I don’t have that. It’s nice to have a community again!”

4. Rekindle your joy for teaching.

The education landscape is constantly changing and change can be hard. Hanging out with like-minded individuals and supporting one another is a surefire way to bring joy back to your teaching practice. Mitigate burnout with fun and engaging events, prizes, daily polls, discussion topics, and more. It’s like having access to the most fun art teacher hangout every day of the year.

5. Push the field of art education forward.

The Art of Education Community is the perfect place to learn from one another. Share your most innovative ideas. Ask thought-provoking questions. Challenge yourself to try something new with the support of others. In addition, members of The Art of Ed Community have the ability to contribute to content produced by AOEU, including our PRO and FLEX offerings. Share your thoughts about upcoming content, features, and what you’d like to see next!

The wait is over!

As an art teacher, it can be hard to find your people, but now, it doesn’t have to be. We’re so excited for you to join us! Simply click below to register for an account.

Click here to join!

We recommend using a personal email address so you can maintain community access if you switch schools. Once you’re in, you’ll see an additional verification email come through. Becoming verified allows us to build trust in the community and earns you a fun badge and the ability to be eligible for community prizes and giveaways!

Take it from pilot team member Francisco Matas who told us, “My favorite part of this community is the fact that I can interact with other teachers in a safe and friendly environment where I can be myself. I’m not bogged down by the typical social media distractions. There are opportunities to ‘meet’ people (virtually) I interact with and establish a network. I feel less alone because of this.”

We’ll see you over in the community!

The post 5 Reasons Why the Art of Ed Community is Your New Favorite Way to Connect Online appeared first on The Art of Education University.

The NOW Conference takes place online over three days. On Day 1, attendees come together for the Conference Kickoff, which includes games, prizes, and live artmaking sessions. Day 2 is the Main Event, where attendees can listen to presentations from inspiring art educators and our keynote speaker. On Day 3 and beyond, attendees can access the After Pass to revisit any sessions from Day 2 and dive into hours of additional asynchronous learning.

Art teachers are busy, so we’ve developed multiple ways to consume NOW content. If you can’t make the Conference Kickoff or Main Event—don’t worry! You can sign up and watch asynchronously on your own time for an entire year after the conference date. Watch on your own during lunch or prep, or get together with a group of colleagues and utilize NOW during scheduled PD time!

However, we highly recommend attending live, even for a bit if you’re available. There are so many benefits to being present during the event.

Here are the top five reasons to attend the NOW Conference live.

1. Interact directly with expert presenters.

Have you ever wanted to ask a well-known artist, author, or educator a question? You’ll have the chance to at the NOW Conference! All presenters, including our renowned featured presenters, are available in the live chat on the day of the conference. Ask our featured presenters about their work, processes, sources of inspiration, and more. Ask our expert educators about their management tips, instructional strategies, and teaching techniques. Or simply use the conference as an opportunity to thank our presenters for sharing their expertise.

2. Experience the energy of the art teacher community.

Do you know how when you get together with a group of art teachers, you instantly feel like friends? It feels like you could talk for hours about anything and everything art ed. With over a thousand art teachers just like you gathered together, the chat during the main event is on fire. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and get support from people who are going through exactly what you are! Use the chat to share stories, seek and give support, and enjoy professional development that’s finally just for art teachers. The ideas, camaraderie, and community generated by the chat will help give you the energy to reset, refresh, and tackle whatever the school year brings.

To learn more about the NOW Conference, including how to register for the next event, click here. 

3. Explore new resources in real time.

While the chat is a wonderful place to network and get to know other art teachers, it also contains a treasure trove of resources. AOEU team members post relevant articles, podcasts, links, and downloads during each presentation. All attendees get access to a copy of the chat in the After Pass. However, attending live allows you to explore all the extras in context with the presentations and ongoing conversations.

4. Spend time with people who truly understand.

Once again, the NOW Conference is created exclusively for art teachers by art teachers! Enjoy art teacher humor, interesting commentary, and insider information with hosts Tim Bogatz and Amanda Heyn and the entire art teacher community. You can follow along in the chat and on social media with the hashtag #nowconference. You’ll find even more conversations, fun photos of everyone’s conference setup, and a community of people sharing ideas and artwork.

5. Set aside dedicated time to make art.

The Conference Kickoff and Main Event are full of opportunities to flex your creative muscles. Grab your favorite sketchbook and art materials and join in the fun! Follow along with presenters while you learn new techniques, explore exciting processes, and feed your artistic soul.

Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing!

Even if you can’t attend all day, jump in when you can! Maybe you can only participate in the morning or afternoon. Perhaps you can only squeeze in the featured presenter. Maybe in this season of life, all you can do is check the #nowconference hashtag on social to catch snippets of what’s going on. That’s okay! Come and be a part of the community for however long you can. Remember, you can catch up afterward for an entire year with the After Pass.

The NOW Conference is one of the best places to spend time with your art teacher community. We’re so happy we can provide the After Pass for those who can’t join us live. It’s a wonderful way to move through conference content at your own pace in a way that best fits your schedule. However, if you can join us live for the Conference Kickoff or Main Event, even for a bit, we’d love to have you! We can’t wait to see you!

Learn more about NOW and how to sign up for the next event right here!

What is your favorite part of the NOW Conference?

The post The Top 5 Reasons to Attend the NOW Conference Live appeared first on The Art of Education University.

But what if you need to earn professional development hours this summer? Or what if you love to learn but don’t know where to start? What could you possibly muster up the energy for?

Introducing the PRO Summer Playlists

PRO Learning is AOEU’s on-demand professional development solution. It’s like Netflix for art teachers! When we plan content for PRO, we focus on what art teachers need most.

After thinking about what kind of PD teachers need after this school year, we considered the very real burnout many teachers are facing. This led us to put together a resource that highlights artmaking and creativity. What better way to rejuvenate after a challenging year than with the healing power of art?

Even better, with these playlists, you can gain new ideas, techniques, and processes to infuse into your class next school year and earn PD hours all at the same time! We recently surveyed active PRO users. 97% of teachers who use PRO said these playlists increased their confidence in the classroom. It also helped 95% of teachers be more engaged in their teaching.

In these 3 playlists, you’ll find a total of 28 PRO Packs focusing on three main themes.

1. Reconnect with Your Inner Artist

The first playlist centers on the importance of making art. So many things fell by the wayside this past school year as teachers barely kept themselves afloat. For many, this meant forgoing their artmaking practice. Let this playlist ease you back into creating! Follow along with the facilitators on camera as you learn about digital drawing, collage, sculpture, and more.

Each Pack contains tips and tricks for processes, techniques, and teaching strategies. You will walk away from each Pack feeling more confident with the medium and how to teach it to your students. It’s a win-win.

2. Explore New Mediums

If you need more of a jolt to return to your artmaking practice, the second playlist is for you. Here we have curated 10 of our most exciting media-based Packs for you to explore. Have you ever thought about trying encaustics? How about making art that glows? Maybe you want to get into tie-dye this summer. Wherever your media interests lie, we have a Pack to take your skills to the next level! Plus, your students will be so excited when you share some of these new mediums next school year.

3. Boost Your Creativity

Were you someone who leaned into your creativity this past year or someone who felt lost when it came to creating? Maybe you experienced both. If you feel like you could use some creative energy, the third playlist is for you.

In this playlist, you will find Packs that speak to creativity on a variety of levels. For example, perhaps you’re looking to become more creative with materials. If so, the Creating With Unexpected Materials Pack would be a great place to start. Or, maybe, your lessons are feeling stale. The Bringing New Life to Old Lessons Pack will have you thinking about your teaching practice in a whole new light. Finally, if you feel like you just can’t get your ideas flowing, Helping Students Plan Artwork and Generating Ideas for Art will have ideas for students you can also use yourself!

Make a Plan to Make Art

Wherever your interests lie, we have new learning for you. Be sure to download a copy of the playlists, so your inspiration continues all summer long. It only takes a moment to get started. Glance over the Packs and identify one to start with today. The PDF is hyperlinked, so all you have to do is click on the Pack you would like to explore.

Not finding what you’re looking for? Be sure to check out our other set of playlists on the PRO Implementation tab. Or, view all available PRO Packs here. There are over 170 to choose from!

And remember, many school districts invest in PRO for their art teachers.

If you would like to explore getting PRO in your school, fill out the contact form here, and one of our team members will be in touch.

We wish you the very best summer of your teaching career. Be sure to take some time to step away from your classroom, put your feet up, and do something you enjoy!

What are your PD plans for this summer? 

Which Packs look most interesting to you?

The post How to Make Art, Earn PD Hours, and Have Fun at the Same Time appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Let’s take a look at how far the Magazine has come, including 10 articles from our archives that have stood the test of time.

Before we get to our top ten list, it’s important to understand where the Magazine came from. When founder Jessica Balsley set out to earn a master’s degree, her focus was on content-specific professional development. As you may have guessed, ten years ago, there was almost no content-specific PD for art teachers! 

Luckily at AOEU, we have so many ways to find relevant PD made for art teachers by art teachers. Be sure to check out PRO Learning, where you can earn PD hours as you dive into specific areas of art education. Or, check out our NOW Conference for an inspiring day of PD!

So, Jessica set out to create her own, and the blog was born. After a few years, the writing team grew, and readership skyrocketed. We knew that what we were creating went far beyond the blogosphere. We officially transitioned from blog to magazine and never looked back. Over the last ten years, the AOEU Magazine has continued to be a source of ideas and inspiration for art teachers everywhere.

Check out these amazing stats!

• Over the last 10 years, 30 different writers have contributed to the magazine.
  75% of writers go on to teach courses or do other projects with AOEU, and 30% of writers join AOEU’s part-time or full-time staff!
• Over the last 10 years, more than 2700 articles have been published. 
  That’s a whole lot of great ideas about art education!
• Over the last 10 years, readership has grown steadily, and articles are read hundreds of thousands of times each month.
  We love that once art teachers find us, they keep coming back!

The last ten years have been truly incredible, and we can’t wait to see what the next ten bring.

One of the coolest things about the magazine is that the foundation from the very first blog post still rings true in everything AOEU does today.

In Jessica’s first post, she wrote, “I want to make things happen and inspire others to reach their fullest potential.” She also said, “I hope to not only motivate my own students to explore their world through art but help motivate other educators to continually advance the field of art education.” The magazine has been a steady voice in art education since the very beginning. Let’s take a look at ten articles from the archives that have stood the test of time.

10 AOEU Articles That Have Stood the Test of Time

Below you’ll find a list of ten articles from the AOEU archives that still ring true today. Click the title to read in full.

20 Characteristics All Great Art Teachers Share

Are you in need of a pick-me-up? If so, check out this 2018 article, 20 Characteristics All Great Art Teachers Share, by Debi West. You’ll be reminded of the important role you play in countless students’ lives.

15 Memes Only Art Teachers Will Understand

If you need a laugh, be sure to check out this list of hilarious memes just for art teachers. This was a hit when Melissa Purtee put it together in 2017 and is just as funny today.

100 Sketchbook Prompts Your Students Will Love

There’s a reason this is one of our most popular articles ever. With 100 fresh sketchbook ideas, it’s something teachers keep coming back to over and over. A huge thank you to Tim Bogatz, who put this gem together in 2015!

15 Things Nobody Tells You About Being an Art Teacher

Teacher training only takes you so far. That’s why it’s so important to have mentors in the field. When Alicia Kaczmarek put this article together in 2014, it resonated heavily with our readers. It’s definitely worth another look!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Standing Up for Yourself at Work This Fall

It’s no secret that we can feel left out or outright disrespected at work. In this article from 2017, Lindsey Moss gives you practical ways to stick up for yourself when things get tough. She offers concrete ways to advocate for yourself so you can have the best school year possible!

100 Silly Drawing Prompts

Here’s another favorite list! In 2017, Abby Schukei put together this amazing list of silly drawing prompts. These would be perfect for bellringer work, free drawing time, or whenever you need a quick activity! Best of all, they’re great for students K-12.

The Art Teacher’s Ultimate Guide to Getting Hired

With so few art teaching positions available, it can be hard to get your foot in the door. This guide, created in 2017, contains everything you need to know to give yourself the best possible shot. Peruse interview questions, portfolio strategies, wardrobe advice, and more.

144 Artists to Pique Your Student’s Interest

Here’s another favorite list! In 2015, Tim Bogatz put together this comprehensive list of artists you should consider bringing into your classroom. With a healthy mix of historical and contemporary artists, there are so many ideas to explore.

How to Conduct an Exhilarating Underwater Photoshoot

Have you ever heard of an underwater photoshoot? If you were a reader back in 2015, you might remember this idea from Tim Bogatz! This article marked a turning point where the magazine really began to dive into truly innovative ideas from a wide variety of writers. This article is definitely worth a re-read!

My Mission of Teaching

Want to see where it all started? Be sure to read the very first post ever published at AOEU! This single post got the ball rolling for what would become a magazine, podcasts, a global conference, on-demand PD, a flexible curriculum, graduate courses, and a master’s degree. What an incredible ride!

We’d love to know; what is your favorite article from the AOEU archives?

How has reading the magazine over the years shaped your classroom practice?

The post 10 AOEU Articles that Have Stood the Test of Time appeared first on The Art of Education University.

The 10 Best Videos from Our AOEU Archives

The Perfect One-Day Lesson

Need a quick lesson that will mesmerize your students? Look no further than oil pastel tie-dye. Watch this quick video to learn the technique to engage students no matter their age!

A Winning Lesson for the First Day of Kindergarten Art

This is our most-watched video on YouTube! Jessica takes you through a lesson that’s perfect for getting a sense of your youngest students’ basic skills.

A Simpler Way to Create a Drawing Grid

Do you recoil at the thought of having to teach the grid method one more time? Do you feel like crying when you think about teaching your students how to use a ruler? Check out this video for a quick and easy alternative!

Teach Your Students to Paint with Fire

Painting with fire? Isn’t that dangerous? Well, yes, but it’s also very cool. If you’re looking for a non-traditional technique to add to your classroom, give painting with fire a try. As always consult, your administrator before trying something like this in the classroom!

How to Deal with Poorly Made Bongs

In what is surely our funniest video ever made, Tim Bogatz shows you exactly what to do when students make unwise choices in the ceramics studio.

A Surprising Solution for a Smoother Cleanup

Do you struggle with having students use your garbage can like a basketball hoop? What if the solution to solving the problem was embracing the game? Check out Abby’s genius solution in this video.

How to Spruce Up Your Room With This Secret Trick

The art room you’re given isn’t always your dream scenario. If you’ve been gifted with less-than-ideal surroundings, try the trick in this video to spruce them up!

How to Do Paper Mache with Kindergarten

Paper mache is one of those mediums that art teachers love or hate. Furthermore, almost no one tries to tackle it with a group of five-year-olds. Well, that’s about to change. Watch this video to see how paper mache with young students is possible!

3 Essential Tools for Adaptive Art

Creating tools for your adaptive art students is easier than you think. Watch this video for some simple ideas to create tools to make art more accessible for all students in your classroom.

Make Quick Clay Slabs Using Only Your Hands

A slab roller is an expensive piece of equipment to acquire for your art room. Luckily, with the technique in this video, you won’t need one! Take a peek to find out how to make a slab using just your hands.

There you have it! Our 10 best videos from the AOEU archives! Once again, you can find all of the videos we have right here.

Which AOEU video is your favorite?

Which technique have you found most helpful for your teaching practice?

The post The 10 Best Videos from Our AOEU Archives appeared first on The Art of Education University.

One of our favorite ways to share positivity with our readers and followers is through Instagram Live. Each week on Monday afternoons, Sarah Krajewski chats with the best and brightest voices in the arts. She’s talked with artists, entrepreneurs, and, of course, art educators! Sarah told me, “No matter who our guest is, we always tie the discussion back to art education and give you tips on how to use the information with your students.”

If you haven’t tuned in yet, here are 5 past chats you don’t want to miss.

And be sure to follow us @theartofed, so you can catch all the new chats, too!

Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Bringing People Together Through the Art of Diversity

Vanessa Brantley-Newton does it all. She’s a celebrated author and illustrator, TEDx speaker, and diversity expert. Vanessa brought such an amazing energy to the chat that she had viewers in tears. If you want to be inspired to build a community of diverse, amazing individuals, this chat is for you!

Follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessabrantleynewton.

Jason Naylor

Creatively Positive & Positively Creative

You may know Jason Naylor for his uplifting, colorful artwork, but he’s also a designer and an author. In this chat, you’ll hear all about his creative process, including how to stay creative in the midst of adversity. Walk away feeling inspired to spread positivity through artmaking.

Follow Jason on Instagram @jasonnaylor.

Aaliyah Taylor

How to Rock Your Side Hustle

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to sell your work online, check out this chat with jewelry designer Aaliyah Taylor! Aaliyah uses Perler Beads to create her jewelry and gives some fun tips for exploring this unique medium with students. Sarah and Aaliyah also touch on tips for managing your mental health.

Follow Aaliyah on Instagram @exaltinginbeauty.

Candido Crespo

Art Teachers are Artists

Candido Crespo is an art teacher who is passionate about finding time to make art. As a dad, he knows time is limited! Join Sarah and Candido for a chat about how to keep the creative pursuit alive even when you’re busy and overwhelmed. Art teachers are artists, too!

Follow Candido on Instagram at @mrccrespo.

Jonathan Juravich

Encouraging Empathy

Jonathan Juravich is a talented art educator with a passion for teaching kids about empathy. He was Ohio’s 2018 Art Teacher of the Year and is a Ted-Ed speaker. He also writes for the AOEU Magazine. In this conversation, Sarah and Jonathan talk about bringing the idea of empathy into the classroom. Walk away with some insightful tips about this topic and so much more.

Follow Jonathan at @jjuravich.

While amazing, these five chats only touch the tip of the iceberg. There are so many inspiring conversations to dive into over on Instagram! You can find all of them right here.

Plus, don’t forget to tune in every Monday afternoon for even more amazing conversations. Viewers who attend live have a chance to win one of these amazing holographic palette stickers. You can’t get these anywhere else!

I asked Sarah if they had any magical powers. While she could neither confirm or deny, she did have this to say, “The sticker has a multitude of superpowers including pride in your listening skills, a deeper connection to the world of art education, and of course, increased cool factor!”

Have you tuned in to IG Live yet? What was your favorite chat? 

What guests would you like to see on Instagram?

The post 5 Inspiring Discussions You Don’t Want to Miss appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Teaching from home long-term is no picnic. You don’t have access to your classroom, supplies, and most importantly, your students! With the advances in technology, solving these problems is doable. You can set up Google Classroom, meet with students via Zoom, and get creative with your supplies.

However, there’s one thing about working from home that technology can’t easily solve. How do you teach from home while also caring for your family?

Sure, you can put on an educational show once in a while. But when everyone is home for an extended period of time, you need solutions that last. Although they’re not always the most fun thing to talk about, the logistics of your situation can make or break your time at home.

Let’s look at 5 ways to manage teaching from home when you have a family.

1. Maintain your regular routines.

Getting up early, exercising, and getting dressed may seem like the last things you want to do right now. However, research shows keeping regular routines can be beneficial for your mental health. Routines let everyone know what to expect and can maintain a sense of normalcy.

Let’s say you usually get up at 6 am, take a shower, and have coffee, before heading to school. Try and continue this routine even though you don’t have to rush out the door. Or, maybe, your kids are used to eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner at certain times. Staying on track with mealtime can help their bodies as they adjust to a new school schedule.

The same goes for the end of the day. Keeping bedtime routines consistent will help everyone feel well-rested and ready to tackle what the days ahead bring.

2. Carve out workspaces for all of your family members.

Finding space for everyone to work during extended closures is kind of like creating a seating chart for your classroom. What does everyone need to work on? Do they need special accommodations? How easily do they get distracted, and what can you do about it? How are you going to handle the noise?

If you have school-age kids, this is a perfect topic for a family meeting. Involving your kids in solving the problem will help them feel a sense of ownership. They may even choose to decorate their designated workspaces in personal ways.

Let’s say you have two parents working from home along with a school-age child and a preschool-age child. How can you meet everyone’s needs? Maybe you designate a quiet space for the parents to share. If you’re teaching from home and hosting video meetings, make sure you choose a space with a neutral background.

Older children may be able to handle working in their bedrooms. Or, you may decide it’s best for them to be in a communal area so you can keep an eye on them. Young children will need a spot to play safely within sight as well. Depending on the age of the child, you might consider getting creative with baby gates or play yards to create a designated space they can safely explore.

Finally, think about noise. If you live in a smaller home or apartment, it may be worth investing in earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

3. Create and stick to a schedule.

Perhaps the most important thing you can do while everyone is home is to create a schedule. This goes back to the idea of routines being comforting in times of uncertainty.

Here are 3 main reasons for creating a family schedule. 

1. It keeps everyone on the same page. 
Just like in a classroom setting, when expectations are clear at home, things run more smoothly. It allows everyone to see what the day will look like at a glance as well as their specific responsibilities.

2. It breaks up the day.
When working from home for an extended time, days can start to feel long. With a schedule, there are clear, defined sections of the day. This delineation helps the day go more quickly.

3. It keeps everyone on track. 
Having a schedule allows you to have focused times to work. This is important because staying on task when you aren’t in your normal work environment can be tricky. By nature, this also means the schedule includes designated time to relax and recharge. Building in time to rest is essential for making it through an extended work-from-home situation.

Now that we know why having a schedule is important, let’s look at how to create one.

In order to create a schedule, you need to carve out some time to think through things. If you need help finding the motivation to do this activity, think of it like prep time. You can absolutely go into a classroom, wing it, and be OK. But when you have a solid plan, the lesson goes so much more smoothly. This situation is no different.

Download this handy guide and read the steps below.

Download Now!

Step 1: Determine your overall structure.

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out which method will work best for your family. Do people work best with a checklist to complete by the end of the day? Or, do they work better when they have a specific set of tasks to complete at specific times? Once you’ve figured this out, you can move on to step two.

Step 2: Nail down each family member’s weekly responsibilities. 

Next, it’s time to figure out what each family member has to do each week.

To do this, answer the questions below for yourself and your partner.

• Are there specific times you need to be online? Or, can your schedule be more flexible?
• How many hours do you need to work each week?

Then, answer the following questions for your children.

• How much distance learning work will they have each week? How does this translate into time spent daily?
• Are there specific times they need to be online each week?

Step 3: Create your schedule. 

Once you’ve answered the questions in steps one and two, you’re ready to draft your schedule. First, block off all of the non-negotiable times. These would include times you have to be teaching, times your partner has to be working, and times your children have to be online.

From there, you’ll need to get creative. If one parent has a more flexible schedule, they may need to work early mornings, nights, or weekends. To help offset this after-hours work, the other partner may take on more childcare responsibilities during those times.

For kids, consider keeping their school schedule the same. For example, if they normally have math Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and music on Tuesdays, attend to those subjects on those same days.

Make sure to build in some time for relaxation and fun, too!

You can see a sample schedule below. This outlines what a day might look like for two working parents, a school-age child, and a preschool-age child.

Download Now!

4. Keep the lines of communication open.

As you might be able to gather, getting a system in place is no easy task. This is why communication is key.

Here are 3 ways to keep the lines of communication open during this time. 

1. Post your schedule. 
Once you’ve created your schedule, make sure you post it so that everyone can read it. If you have younger children at home, you may want to include visual cues as well. Remember, your schedule may have to change from day-to-day. Make sure to keep an updated copy on-hand. Consider creating your schedule each day on an erasable surface like a chalkboard, whiteboard, or even a sliding glass door!

2. Start every day with a morning meeting.
Morning meetings are often used in preschool and elementary classrooms as a way to set the tone for the day. While you don’t need to talk about what the weather will be like, setting five minutes aside to go over the daily schedule is a great idea!

Things to hit in a morning meeting include:

• Date/day of the week
• Important upcoming schoolwork deadlines
• Daily schedule, including schoolwork times and rest times
• Special activities
• Which parent is working at which time

3. Frequently check in with each other.
Extended school closings can be hard on everyone. Frequently check in with your partner to make sure you’re on the same page about work schedules, childcare, and household responsibilities. In the same way, check in with your kids. How are they holding up? What’s worrying them? Is there anything that would make their time at home easier? Having these honest conversations will help keep frustrations from building up.

Learn more here!

5. Build-in time for fun and relaxation.

Make sure you build in time to have fun and relax. Because time can be so precious in a situation like this, it’s important to write everything down. Otherwise, you may fill free pockets of time with more work or household responsibilities.

With children, you also may want to have some fun, novel activities you can pull out when you need a moment of peace and quiet. Have them go through your old rock collection, call a grandparent, or do a special project.

One specific idea is to create a “Mystery Box” with daily prompts. You can pull these prompts out at a moment’s notice when you need some peace or something to fill the time. You can find a download with ten ideas to get you started below.

Download Now!

Working from home is no easy task. You shouldn’t expect to figure everything out right away. Be sure to give yourself some grace and time as you work through your new realities with your family. Developing a schedule early on can help set the tone. But, don’t feel like you have to do everything all at once! As time goes by, you’ll naturally fall into a routine that works for you.

What’s been the most difficult thing about a long school closure for you? 

Do you have any other tips and tricks to share?

The post 5 Ways to Manage Teaching From Home With a Family appeared first on The Art of Education University.

In today’s climate, school closures are becoming a common occurrence. Whether it’s because of weather, illness, or plain old scheduled breaks, having a plan is essential. No matter how much you plan, however, things can get tricky, fast.

One of the biggest obstacles to overcome may be what to do with your own kids while you work from home. Another might be how to keep your students engaged with the material you’re presenting.

When you’re stuck at home and at your wit’s end, there’s one place you may want to turn: your television.

Although not all students will have access to all platforms, some carefully curated screen time may be just the ticket to keep your own kiddos quiet and keep your students engaged. We’ve rounded up our favorite educational and art-related picks for each age level. Whether you need your three-year-old to stay occupied while you respond to student questions or need a hook for your high schoolers, we’ve got you covered.

Want on-demand content just for art teachers? Check out PRO Learning

Logistics

Of course, this type of media is just one option at your disposal. It should be a supplemental resource to the other types of activities you’re providing.

How to Teach Art When No One Can Go to School

In addition, some of the platforms mentioned here are available only with a paid subscription. If you’d like, you can often sign up for a free trial that you can cancel later. Or, you may want to stick solely with the free options.

Finally, always make sure to preview something before suggesting students watch. You want to make sure it’s a good fit for your student and school communities.

10 Shows to Keep Kids Engaged During School Closures

Elementary

Picks in this category are great for younger kiddos, ages three to ten. Shows are organized from those that appeal to the youngest kids to those that appeal to the oldest. Read the description of each below to find out where you can watch.

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Best For: Pre-K
Watch On: PBS Kids (free)

Based on Mister Rodgers’ Neighborhood, this show is perfect for helping young kids work through big emotions. When the schedule is disrupted, this can be a great show to help kids talk about their feelings. Check out this resource from PBS Kids about staying healthy.

Tumble Leaf

Best For Pre-K – 1st
Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

Tumble Leaf is a beautiful stop-animation show available on Amazon. It follows main characters, Fig and Maple, as they try and solve problems with creative solutions. Many times, their first attempts don’t work, showing kids the power of problem-solving and perseverance. If you’re interested, there’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the animation process here.

Find the first episode and other clips for free on YouTube.

Creative Galaxy

Best For: Pre-K – 2nd
Watch On: Amazon Prime Video

Creative Galaxy follows main character, Arty, and his sidekick, Epiphany, as they travel the galaxy to solve problems using art. In general, each episode is made up of two short stories plus a live-action segment of real kids doing real art projects. It’s a great choice to keep kids engaged and make them inspired to create.

Find the first episode and other clips for free on YouTube.

The Magic School Bus

Best For: 1st – 5th
Watch On: Netflix

Netflix currently has both the original version as well as the updated The Magic School Bus Rides Again. Students can learn about a whole host of topics as they follow the magical Ms. Frizzle and her students on their adventures! Specific arts-related episodes in the original series include “The Magic School Bus Makes a Rainbow” and “The Magic School Bus In The Haunted House,” which deals with the science of sound. In the newer version, check out the episode, “Ready, Set, Fail!” which teaches kids making mistakes is OK.

Need more information? Learn more here!

Secondary

Suggestions in this category are best for secondary students. Depending on the maturity of your kids, however, this could include students as young as 4th grade. Once again, shows are organized from those that appeal to the youngest kids to those that appeal to the oldest.

Brainchild

Best For: 5th – 8th
Watch On: Netflix

Brainchild is a science-themed show that’s perfect for tweens. It explores the science behind engaging topics like social media, dreams, and emotions. Be sure to check out the “Creativity” episode for a direct connection to art.

Design Squad Global

Best For: 5th – 10th
Watch On: PBS Kids (free)

This show focuses on creative thinking, problem-solving, and STEAM principles. Groups of students are tasked with real-world problems to solve. Students can watch the design process from start to finish, including how the kids on the show overcome obstacles. Make sure to check out the Teachers’ Guide as well.

Making It

Best For: 5th – 12th
Watch On: Hulu, NBC

Hosts Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman lead contestants through a series of design and craft challenges. Kids will love the creative and varied ways contestants respond to a variety of prompts.

Blown Away

Best For: 8th – 12th
Watch On: Netflix

Blown Away is a reality show about the world of blown glass. In each episode, contestants must respond to a new themed challenge. Your kids will be enthralled with the behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create a glass masterpiece.

Art 21

Best For: 9th – 12th
Watch On: art21.org (free)

According to the website, “Art21 is a celebrated global leader in presenting thought-provoking and sophisticated content about contemporary art, and the go-to place to learn first-hand from the artists of our time.” Find a treasure trove of content about working artists that your kids are sure to love. Don’t forget to preview the content first, as some contemporary artists deal with decidedly adult themes.

Abstract: The Art of Design

Best For: 9th – 12th
Watch On: Netflix

Abstract: The Art of Design profiles a set of contemporary designers from across different disciplines. Viewers get an inside look at their work and their processes. Be sure to check out the episode on Olafur Eliasson!

No matter how you choose to address school closures, well-curated tv content may help ease the burden. Although it’s not the only option we would want to provide to our kids or students, it definitely has its place. Check out some of the content and see how it might inspire at-home activities!

How do you handle school closures?

Do you have any ideas to add to the list?

The post 10 Shows to Keep Kids Engaged During School Closures appeared first on The Art of Education University.

That’s why I’m so excited about my role as Director of K-12 Professional Development at The Art of Education University. With our twice-yearly online conferences and PRO Learning platform, art teachers no longer have to be stuck in PD that doesn’t apply to them. Coming from my days in the classroom, it feels incredibly satisfying to be able to help art teachers everywhere get the professional development they deserve. Furthermore, research shows having access to content-specific PD is important for teachers and students.

What is the impact of content-specific professional development on teachers?

According to the 2019 State of Art Education Survey, only twenty-six percent of teachers found their district’s professional development opportunities relevant and engaging. That means a whole lot of art teachers aren’t getting the professional development they need in order to make a difference in their teaching practice!

The article, Teaching Teachers: PD To Improve Student Achievement by Learning for Justice, gives insight as to why. It says, “To be effective, professional development must provide teachers with a way to directly apply what they learn to their teaching. Research shows that professional development leads to better instruction and improved student learning when it connects to the curriculum materials that teachers use.” Taking this information into account, it’s no wonder art teachers feel underwhelmed by their districts’ offerings. School or district-led professional development is rarely geared toward art teachers and what they do in the classroom.

This disconnect can lead to lasting consequences. Effects of professional development on the quality of teaching: Results from a randomized controlled trial of Quality Teaching Rounds, published in the November 2017 issue of Teaching and Teacher Education dig into this issue. The paper outlines a study that looked at the connection between participating in targeted professional development and the quality of teaching. Those teachers who participated in professional development improved their quality of teaching significantly. Furthermore, teachers continued to have improved teaching quality a year after the study took place.

Teacher morale can also be affected by having access to quality PD. The same study showed teachers who participated in regular professional development had notably higher morale than teachers who did not in areas like enthusiasm for work, energy, and more. Again, these were lasting effects that played out long after the study was over.

What is the impact of content-specific professional development on students?

It seems obvious that high-quality, content-specific professional development would positively impact teachers. What is less easy to prove is how this same professional development can make a difference for students. Researchers have had some trouble in setting up effective studies.

Luckily, the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) published a comprehensive report on the connections between professional development and student achievement. The authors combed through over 1,000 studies to find the nine that met IES’s rigorous standards. Out of an average of 49 hours from the nine studies, teachers who get substantial PD can boost their students’ achievement by about 21 percentile points.

Teachers receiving content-specific professional development have an even better chance of seeing gains in their students. To understand why we can turn to two studies featured in the Teaching Teachers: PD To Improve Student Achievement article.

One study by David Cohen and Heather Hill, authors of Learning Policy: When State Education Reform Works, found “…teachers whose learning focused directly on the curriculum they would be teaching were the ones who adopted the practices taught in their professional development.” In addition, the article cites a study by Michel Garet et al. published in the American Educational Research Journal which found “…teachers were more likely to change their instructional practices and gain greater subject knowledge and improved teaching skills when their professional development linked directly to their daily experiences and aligned with standards and assessments.”

How does PRO Learning support teachers and students?

We know from the research that teachers who have access to a significant amount of content-specific professional development are more likely to bring their new knowledge into their classrooms and positively impact student outcomes. The good news is that PRO Learning makes doing so incredibly easy.

PRO Learning is an on-demand professional learning platform designed for art teachers, by art teachers! With PRO Learning, art teachers have access to thousands of videos and downloadable resources created just for them. The PRO Library has hundreds of Packs that cover an extensive list of topics in the field of art education. And what’s more, we add new content to the platform each and every month. Art teachers can access hundreds of professional learning hours at the touch of a button about high-interest topics that will directly impact their teaching practice and their students.

Here are three real-world ways art teachers can use PRO Learning.

Because the PRO Library is so extensive, teachers can customize their professional learning experience to meet their unique needs. Let’s look at three ways a teacher may choose to utilize PRO Learning to improve their teaching practice.

1. Address growth areas.

According to the 2019 State of Art Education Survey, teachers’ biggest classroom struggles included behavior management, a lack of respect for the art program as a whole, and grading and assessing their students. There are so many Packs teachers can use to help solve these common issues.

For example, let’s say a teacher is dealing with some challenging behavior problems. They may choose to dive into the Behavior Management at the Elementary Level and Social-Emotional Learning Packs to find specific strategies and resources to implement and use in their classroom. Or, perhaps a teacher is struggling with how to assess their students in a meaningful way. They would likely be thrilled with the videos and resources in the Standards-Based Grading, Formative Assessment Strategies, and Critiques at Every Level Packs.

2. Gain new content knowledge.

While it would be wonderful if teacher education programs covered the entire field of art education, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, teachers walk away from their college experience with gaps in their knowledge. Plus, like any field, art education is always changing and evolving. PRO is the perfect way for teachers to hone in on new media, techniques, and teaching ideas that interest them.

Perhaps a teacher is wanting to learn about incorporating more student choice in their classroom. Transitioning from Traditional to Choice Curriculum and Organizing for Choice would be a perfect place to start. Or maybe, a teacher is thinking along the lines of the 2019 State of Art Education survey participants and lists Growth Mindset, STEAM, and Social-Emotional Learning as areas of interest. We have PRO Packs for all three!

Whatever a teacher needs to make them more effective in the classroom with their students, we have it!

3. Connect with colleagues.

One more way art teachers can use PRO Learning is to connect with colleagues. Although PRO is web-based, teachers can meet up in person and watch together! In fact, we have a sample agenda in our Growth Mindset Learning Pack. Art teachers can create a professional development day around a single Pack, a common theme, or multiple themes. See this helpful download to create your own personalized PD day.

Download Now!

For instance, a group of teachers may decide to get together and watch the Growth Mindset Pack. They can all learn and talk about how they can foster a growth mindset in themselves and their students to take their teaching practice and student knowledge to the next level. Or, a group of teachers can get together and divide and conquer. Each can watch a PRO Pack that pertains to an area of classroom management in which they want to grow. At the end of the session, they can come back together and share with the larger group.

How do I get PRO Learning in my school?

We looked at the evidence—relevant teacher professional development positively affects student achievement. This unfolds in the following three steps. “First, professional development enhances teacher knowledge and skills. Second, better knowledge and skills improve classroom teaching. Third, improved teaching raises student achievement. If one link is weak or missing, better student learning cannot be expected.”

With PRO Learning, art teachers no longer have to search for professional development that’s relevant to them. They can better their knowledge and skills, improve their teaching, and raise student achievement in their art room. Furthermore, they can do this all from the comfort of their own classroom or even their own couch! With access to unlimited on-demand learning, anything is possible!

To learn more about getting PRO Learning in your school, check out PRO for Schools or connect with our sales team!

The post Why Professional Development Really Matters appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Surprisingly, one thing it’s never too early to introduce is drawing from life.

Although many students won’t (and shouldn’t be expected to) draw from life realistically until they’re approaching middle school, the act of practicing is beneficial.

This is because drawing from life isn’t really about drawing, but about looking. While having young students draw from life may or may not improve their drawing skills, it definitely improves their seeing skills. And, we know how important it is for artists to be able to observe!

If you’re wanting to try observational drawing with your young students, here are 3 keys for success.

1. Choose an Engaging Subject Matter

It’s no surprise that young students aren’t going to be into the traditional still-life objects. No skulls, vases, or old telephones, please!

Instead, you might want to consider some of these options.

• Sports Equipment
  Ask your Phy Ed teacher to borrow things that are simple shapes like orange cones, playground balls, and baseball bats.
• A Classroom Pet
  Bringing a live animal into the art room is sure to get your students talking. If you have a school-approved pet in the building, it’s a perfect place to start. Be sure to check your school rules and your students’ allergies before bringing in an outsider.
• The Great Outdoors
  If it’s warm outside, head to the playground to draw from life. The kids will enjoy looking at something they know so well in a new way.
• The Kids Themselves!
  There’s no better time to start practicing self-portraits. Handing out mirrors for the first time is a special experience.

2. Simplify Your Set Up and Demo

Because you want the focus to be on looking, it’s essential to keep things simple.

Set Up
To set up your still-lifes, I suggest using just 3-5 objects to start with. If you have table groups, make an arrangement for each one so they can really see things up close. You can keep these on trays to easily store them from class to class.

Demo
When demonstrating, it’s important not to get too deep. Focus on shapes and contour lines. Depending on the age range, you may also want to talk about how to make an object look like it is behind another object by just drawing part of it.

3. Keep it Brief

I recommend spending just one 30-60 minute class period on observational drawing. At this age, it’s an exercise, not a path to a finished product. Although some of your students may come up with fairly representational pieces, that’s not the point. The point is that students are developing their observational skills, and having fun in the process!

Although it may seem daunting to introduce young students to observational drawing, it doesn’t have to be. Choose an engaging subject matter, simplify your presentation, and keep the exercise to one class period. Sprinkling in a few observational projects throughout the year will really help your students learn to see like artists.

When do you introduce observational drawing to your students?

Do you have any other tips to share?

The post Teach Your Youngest Students to Draw From Life appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Starting with the Basics

According to Andrea Slusarski, facilitator of the Watercolor Painting Basics PRO Learning Pack, the key is building a solid foundation. When Andrea teaches watercolor, she starts by demonstrating basic brushstrokes and techniques.

Andrea says that starting with the basics is important, because each brush and technique serves a different purpose. Once students understand the basics, they are better able to choose brushes and techniques to give them a specific desired result. You can see the brushes and techniques she introduces to her students outlined below.

Interested in seeing Andrea demonstrate these brushes and techniques on camera? Be sure to check out the Basic Techniques video in the Watercolor Painting Basics PRO Learning Pack.

Brush Types

Flat

A flat brush has squared-off edges and creates crisp strokes. Flat brushes are best for creating washes and filling in large spaces like backgrounds.

Round

A round brush has a tapered end that comes to a point. It can create a thick or thin line depending on how much pressure the artist applies. Round brushes are best for filling in small areas and adding details.

Filbert

A filbert brush is similar to a flat brush, but has a slightly tapered edge. Filberts are versatile as they can cover a lot of space yet easily follow a curved shape.

Mop

A mop brush is a soft brush that can hold a lot of water and pigment. This type of brush is also good for large areas and backgrounds.

Techniques

In addition to teaching her students about basic brushes, it’s also a good idea to show your students some foundational techniques. Once again, it’s important to tell students what each technique can be used for so they can make informed decisions while painting. Here is what Andrea recommends.

Wash

A wash is when you lay down an even layer of pigment over a large area. A wash is the perfect technique for covering a large area, like a sky or background, fairly quickly.

Graded Wash

A graded wash is a wash that has a gradation of color, fading in saturation from one area to another. Like a regular wash, this gradient version can be used for skies, seas, or other backgrounds.

Glaze

To create a glaze, first create a wash. Once the first layer is dry, add another wash on top. Letting the first layer dry prevents the colors from mixing together.

Glazes work well when you want to build up layers in a painting with more control.

Wet-on-Wet

When an artist works “wet-on-wet” it means they are adding wet paint to a wet piece of paper. When the wet paint hits the wet paper, it creates unpredictable results. This technique is perfect for things like clouds.

Salt

Adding salt to a wet area of a painting can produce an interesting textured effect. As the are dries, the salt will absorb some of the paint leaving certain areas lighter than others. This would be a good technique to try if you’re trying to capture a rough texture or paint something like sand or pebbles.

Resist

There are a variety of ways to create an area of resist in a painting, from a simple wax crayon to special masking materials. Whatever you choose, laying down a resist will prevent paint from covering a specific area. This technique is sometimes used for tiny details or to create interesting, layered effects.

Dry Brush

Dry brushing describes when an artist uses a dry brush with very little pigment on it to create textured brush strokes. The dry brush technique works well for adding details to areas like grass or hair. Dry brushing should happen at the end of your painting. Otherwise, additional water may activate the pigment, distorting your work.

Allowing Time for Practice

While it’s important to demonstrate techniques for your students, don’t forget to allow them time to practice and experiment. Remember, different elements in a painting are going to require different techniques. The more comfortable students get with the basics, the better they will understand how and when to use them.

As students begin to experiment and practice, Andrea suggests that teachers walk around the room to formatively assess student skills. It’s important to catch mistakes early so that students can proceed with confidence. The biggest thing to watch for is that students are getting the ratio of pigment to water correct. Too much pigment can be opaque and sticky while too little pigment leaves a student with a watery paper and not much in the way of artwork.

To Learn More

These basics are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what you need to know to help your students become competent watercolorists. If you’re interested in learning more, a simple Internet search can turn up tons of options.

Here are three resources we recommend.

Watercolor Painting Basics PRO Learning Pack
This PRO Learning Pack takes you through everything you need to know to get your students started with watercolor. Andrea covers everything from the basic techniques seen in this article to materials, organization, and beginning projects.

Color Theory through Watercolor PRO Learning Pack
This PRO Learning Pack builds on the basics pack and takes you deeper into watercolor by looking at it through a lens of color theory. You’ll learn how watercolor’s unique qualities lend themselves specifically to color theory and how to apply these strategies and techniques for any age level.

Studio: Painting – Watercolor Course
If you’re looking for an even deeper dive into watercolor, be sure to check out AOEU’s Studio:Painting – Watercolor course. This course addresses all the questions you might have about watercolor, while letting you explore your own studio practice! As the course description states, “Topics will include brush selection, material management, color theory, visual journaling with watercolor, as well as basic and advanced techniques for the art room.  Even better, you will have dedicated time to explore the medium of watercolor and advance your own practice as an artist and as a teacher.”

It’s easy to leave things we feel wary about out of our art curriculums, but doing so is a disservice to our students. Whether you’re a watercolor novice or expert, you’re sure to find something new in the resources above to bring into your classroom! Starting with the basics and building from there will have your students creating beautiful work in no time!

Do you teach watercolor in your classroom? What techniques do you start with?

What are the best tips you have to share?

The post The Best Way to Introduce Watercolors to Your Students appeared first on The Art of Education University.

In other words, if a student believes they can improve, they will.

Clearly, the effects of developing a growth mindset can be staggering.

Download our free Growth Mindset Agenda here to help you organize PD relevant to your art room.

But how, exactly, do you foster a growth mindset for your students?

Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

Before we dive in, let’s revisit exactly what a growth mindset is. The term, growth mindset, was coined by Carol Dweck Ph.D., a Professor of Psychology at Stanford. In her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Dweck summarizes her research on motivation.

Dweck found that people generally fall into one of two camps. In one group are people who believe talent is innate, and effort has no effect on the outcome. Dweck identified these individuals as having a fixed mindset. You might hear a person with a fixed mindset say something like, “Oh, I can’t even draw a stick figure!”

In the other group were people Dweck identified as having a growth mindset. People in this group believe with enough work and effort; they can improve their abilities. One phrase you might hear from a person with a growth mindset is, “I’m not able to do that yet, but I’m working on it!”

The Power of Language in Developing Growth Mindset

There are many things you can do to foster a growth mindset in your students. One of the most powerful is to shift your language.

Language permeates everything we do in the classroom from giving directions to demonstrating techniques to critiquing student work. Learning how to change your language to help students develop a growth mindset can be a game changer.

Here are 5 Ideas to Try

1. Use the power of “yet.”

One simple switch to make is to add the word “yet” to the end of a phrase. So, when a student says, “I can’t draw a person!” you can gently coach them to say, “I can’t draw a person, yet,” instead.

The addition of “yet” is powerful for students because it implies that they are not finished learning and eventually will reach their goal.

2. Switch to process praise instead of product praise.

You may think praising students is an effective form of feedback, but if you truly want to foster a growth mindset in your students, you have to be careful. Praising a student’s intelligence or talent can backfire.

Instead of saying, “Wow. Your colored pencil skills are incredible,” consider saying, “Wow. You have been working so diligently on your colored pencil skills.” This subtle shift helps the student see that their colored pencil skills are incredible because they have been working so hard. This helps students see that being good at art is not an innate talent, but something that is developed through hard work and dedicated practice.

If you’re interested in bringing this kind of language into your classroom, you can find a list of 20 examples of process praise in the Growth Mindset PRO Learning Pack. In addition, there’s an entire section related specifically to giving students effective feedback!

3. Create sentence stems.

Although these language shifts are subtle, it can take a while to break old habits. One tip is to create some sentence stems for yourself to use when talking with students. Write down phrases like the ones below and clip them to your seating charts, grade book, or anything else you routinely have out in your classroom as students are working.

• I noticed how…
• Have you considered…
• I admire how…
• Look how much progress you’ve made…

When you feel the urge to say, “That looks beautiful!” reach for your sentence stems instead.

4. Make growth mindset signage for your classroom.

In the same way you might use sentence stems, consider making signage for your classroom that reminds students to use growth mindset-centered language. You might create a poster that says “Remember the Power of YET,” or create an anchor chart with sentence stems for students to use. If you’re a PRO member, you can find ideas for what those might look like for students on the 17 Fundamental Phrases to Inspire a Growth Mindset download in the Growth Mindset Learning Pack.

5. Don’t forget about your own growth mindset.

As important as it is for you to use growth mindset language with students, it’s also important for you to use it with yourself! The next time you start thinking, “This student will never listen!” you might change that to, “Hm. I wonder what I can try with this student tomorrow.” Developing a growth mindset can empower you to be the best teacher you can be.

To Learn More

While incredibly important, changing your language only scratches the surface of what you can do in the classroom to help your students develop a growth mindset. If you’re interested in learning more, there are many great resources out there.

Here are three resources we recommend.

Growth Mindset PRO Learning Pack
If you’re looking for information about growth mindset directly related to your work in the art room, this is the place to start. This pack takes Dweck’s findings and breaks them down for K-12 art teachers. You’ll learn how to shift your teaching practice and art room setting to help your students develop a growth mindset. Topics include how to set up your classroom space to develop a growth mindset, the importance of giving students appropriately challenging work, and more.

Mindset: The New Psychology of Success 
In this book, Carol Dweck summarizes her work. The book is far from dry and includes lots of anecdotes to help the reader understand the material. It’s a classic for a reason!

The Growth Mindset Playbook: A Teacher’s Guide to Promoting Student Success
This book, by Annie Brock and Heather Hundley, takes Dweck’s work and puts it in context in a general ed setting. Although this is not written specifically for art teachers, it does have great information that art teachers can apply.

Providing your students the opportunity to develop a growth mindset in your classroom is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. And what better place to do it than the art room? Remember to start slow and be gentle with yourself as you shift your language. Small tweaks can make a huge impact!

How do you foster a growth mindset among your students?

What are some examples of process praise you use with your students?

The post The Enormous Effect Language Has on Growth Mindset appeared first on The Art of Education University.