Take part in the costume fun this year to ignite your creativity and enter to win a sweet prize! 

Incorporating fashion into art lessons adds a whole new level of excitement and engagement. It’s a unique way to teach art concepts and make lessons more memorable. When teachers express themselves through their clothing and accessories, they can visually represent art concepts and artists.

Not only can your artsy attire hook your students but it can also qualify you to enter the AOEU Costume Contest by November 1, 2024. The AOEU Community Team will select our top favorites and then we’ll bring it to YOU—the AOEU art teacher community—to vote for two winners! We will announce the winners on November 8. The best costume and a raffle winner will earn bragging rights and a pass to the Winter NOW Conference. Plus, we’ll send a gift card to your favorite coffee spot because it’s that time of year when you need an extra boost of caffeine and warmth.

Keep reading to see fantastic costumes from years past to inspire you! Then, gain practical classroom applications to bring fashion fun to your students.

Art Concepts

Dressing up as an art concept or style isn’t just for fun, it’s also super practical. Take a look at the seven examples below to discover how you can be a walking lesson exemplar. Get creative, think outside of the box, and let unique costume ideas bring art terms to life!

1. Color Wheel Wonder

Wear a multicolored outfit to represent the colors of the color wheel, like Kelly Dudek and her rainbow-inspired number. Bring in the team and get your colleagues to be different colors of your favorite supply like Erin Comer.

2. Texture Explorers

Incorporate different textures into your attire, such as a fuzzy sweater or a smooth satin top. To make a lasting impression, go over the top with a blow-up balloon costume like Amber Akes did!

3. Symmetry Superstars

Create a mirrored outfit or wear symmetrical patterns on both sides.

4. Shape Shapeshifters

Dress up as a specific geometric shape or with an outfit theme based on a geometric shape.

5. Line Lovers

Wear striped or checkered patterns or draw temporary lines on your face or limbs. Become your very own stick figure like Molly Fairbanks!

6. Perspective Pros

Experiment with clothing to create a sense of depth and perspective.

7. Value Vanguards

Dress in grayscale or black-and-white to show varying shades and tones.

Different Artists

Dressing up as different artists is not only fun but also a great way to learn more about them. Select your favorite artist or one featured in your next unit and become Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, or Vincent van Gogh for a day.

1. Signature Style

Emulate the iconic look of the artist by dressing in their preferred style of clothing. For example, wear a funky hat and suit and draw a mustache to channel the spirit of Salvador Dalí.

2. Artist’s Palette

Create a costume inspired by an artist’s color scheme. Dress in clothing to resemble the hues and tones commonly used in their artwork. For instance, dress in bright, bold colors with black accents to represent the vibrant, abstract style of Wassily Kandinsky.

3. Artistic Accessories

Incorporate accessories to symbolize the artist’s work or personal life. For instance, wear flowers in your hair and find a stuffed monkey to depict Frida Kahlo, like Duangchai Swani and Dayna Ensminger.

4. Painted Masterpiece

Transform yourself into a living artwork by recreating a famous painting on your clothing or creating a wearable canvas. Paint your face to resemble a work of art like Andrea Lauren did to look like Roy Lichtenstein’s work.

5. Signature Props

Use specific props associated with the artist to represent their artwork. For example, carry a sunflower bouquet to reference Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflower series like these three teachers did.

How can you bring these fashionable ideas to your classroom and curriculum? 

You can bring the fashion fun to your own classroom as well! Students design costumes inspired by their favorite art style, movement, or medium. Students explain their costume designs and present their creations to the class. Check out this short video to see what this could look like in your classroom or as an added component to your art show. An exhibit like this fosters enthusiasm for learning, encourages self-expression, and celebrates the diverse world of art. It’s a fun way for students to explore their artistic preferences and showcase their creativity!

The AOEU Costume Contest is an amazing way to blend art and fashion with fun and learning! When students dress up, they bring art concepts and famous artists to life which enhances their learning experience. Costumes help them understand and remember art concepts more easily and they feel a stronger connection to what they’re learning. As teachers, let’s embrace the power of costumes and use the AOEU Costume Contest as a fun teaching tool to get students excited and involved. We can’t wait to see all of the creative and imaginative entries in this year’s contest. Let’s celebrate hands-on, immersive learning, self-expression, and the awesome mix of art and fashion!

What are some ideas you have for this year’s costume contest?

How do you encourage your students to dress for success in the art room?

The post Join Us for AOEU’s Costume Contest to Spark Creativity and Joy appeared first on The Art of Education University.

We’ll uncover what observational drawing is and how to get students to slow down, examine, and then draw with confidence. Plus, we’ll consider some controversial questions along the way!

What is observational drawing?

Simply put, observational drawing is drawing what you see. David Davies, a high school art teacher in Connecticut, expands on this definition. He adds that observational drawing is 50% of what you know and 50% of what you see. This is because what you see is filtered through what you know. 

While observational drawing can be photorealistic, it doesn’t have to be. The invention of the camera removed the need for exact likenesses. However, learning to closely capture what you see before you “break the rules” and find your own artistic style instills many benefits. There is also power in learning to draw from real life. When you develop skill and experience, you can make what you imagine in your brain a reality and visually communicate your intent.

Here are some benefits of observational drawing:

• Builds hand-eye coordination.
• Strengthens fine motor skills.
• Reinforces math concepts like proportion, geometric planes, and perspective.
• Fosters science connections such as anatomy. 
• Instills patience and discipline.
• Teaches the importance of seeing details.
  

For more benefits of observational drawing and ways to bring this process to students of all ages, check out the Drawing Living Forms graduate course. This course aims to refine your observational skills, understanding of anatomical structures, and drawing techniques across a spectrum of life. You’ll learn foundational skills in human anatomy and figure drawing, animal forms, and botanical drawing, and then break it down into best practices for your students. 

Reach out to an admissions counselor today!

Is grid drawing considered observational drawing? 

Grid drawing is a great method to get students to draw realistically with roots that go back as early as ancient Egypt. It helps students break down more complex images into basic elements and more manageable sections. Plus, it teaches and reinforces ruler skills!

To start a grid drawing, draw or overlay a grid on a two-dimensional reference image. The reference image can be a two-dimensional artwork such as a painting or photograph or it can be a three-dimensional artwork of a sculpture or vessel. Draw a grid with the same measurements or the same proportions on a piece of drawing paper. Focusing on one square of the grid at a time, replicate the shapes and lines in the corresponding square on the drawing paper. 

When grid drawings work from a two-dimensional reference image instead of three-dimensional life, are they considered observational drawings? David says, yes! Grid drawing is still drawing what you see. Just be sure to use original images or use others’ images responsibly and with permission.

Can observational drawing be a sketch?

We often use the terms sketch and drawing interchangeably, however, David encourages us to be more intentional with these terms. A sketch is a drawing that is still in the stages of “figuring itself out.” It’s a process-driven piece and may look unfinished. This is why we call “thumbnail sketches” sketches and why a “sketchbook” is a collection of practice sketches. A drawing is the culmination of the sketching process and is the final form and idea. Observational drawing is a method of drawing. You can create both sketches and drawings with this process!

Should I ban mechanical pencils from observational drawing?

Mechanical pencils are the worst! Maybe not, but regular, old-fashioned pencils can teach more nuanced skills. With regular pencils, students can learn how to control the pressure to create different values and textures. Plus, students can learn how to manipulate the pencil by changing grip and position to create different marks. 

David recommends buying 2H, 2B, and ebony pencils in bulk for the classroom. Purchasing full graphite pencil drawing sets often leads to waste and can be more expensive. When it comes to blending tools, once again, regular pencils reign supreme as the best tool with controlled pressure. It’s good to still introduce students to all of the options; however, blending stumps or tortillons is not essential to make a strong drawing.

All of that being said, a pencil is a pencil. If all your student has is a mechanical pencil, it’s certainly better than nothing! 

Is tracing considered observational drawing?

Tracing in the art room can be another controversial topic! Many art teachers think tracing is cheating because students aren’t drawing solely on their own. Whether you are for or against tracing, we can all agree that we want students to learn to draw. 

David says there is power in tracing… occasionally, as well as merit in tracing. If you walk into any tattoo parlor, any established tattoo artist merges multiple reference images together and replicates them using tracing. As mentioned above, be sure to use original images or use others’ images responsibly and with permission.

Tracing also counts as observational drawing because it fits the definition of drawing what you see. Let’s say you and your students are all tracing the same image. Even though you have the same reference image, each of your tracings will look very different. Each person brings their own knowledge, experience, and expertise to their tracing, resulting in varying levels of detail and line quality. Tracing the same image multiple times through multiple ways builds muscle memory and prompts students to gather more details each round.

Why do student-athletes make strong observational drawers? 

Student-athletes possess many traits that make them great at observational drawing. Sports requires students to be disciplined, hardworking, and dedicated. They know it takes a lot of training and practice to win! They are more likely to persevere through frustrations and hurdles. Student-athletes also understand the importance of teamwork. They can be more open to collaboration during critiques and other feedback activities. 

One way to connect with students and appeal to those who are nervous about observational drawing is to compare it to a sport, like basketball. Some people are innately gifted, like Michael Jordan or LeBron James—but they still need to train to stay at the top of their game. However, the majority of players spend hours learning the ins and outs of the game and training to become good. The same is true for learning how to draw! If you put the time and effort into practicing and refining your skills, you will learn how to draw.

How do I get my students to slow down and really draw what they see? 

We live in a fast-paced world of instant gratification, where you can do almost anything with the click of a button. Many of our students rush through their work and claim they’re “done” in a matter of minutes. Observational drawing involves patience. The artist must slow down to study the details and then figure out how to render them. How do we get students to understand, appreciate, and enjoy observational drawing? 

Elementary Artists

Observational drawing can be a very relaxing process with strong scaffolding and a safe, encouraging environment! It’s crucial to get elementary students to learn to see from as early an age as possible. Engage your classes with activities that teach students to be detail-oriented and expose them to a variety of art. 

Incorporate these ideas into your curriculum to prompt a focus on details:

• Play Art Detectives where students study and look for clues in artwork.
• Start with abstract and non-objective artwork to focus on the Elements and Principles.
• Ask students repeatedly, “What do you see? How do you know?”
• Begin with reference photos versus real-life subject matter.
• Facilitate a lot of gallery walks where students identify and justify what is successful and what needs improvement based on predetermined prompts.
• Break the subject matter down into simple geometric shapes and discuss the selection of each shape.

Secondary Artists

Middle school students are ready to explore what observational drawing looks like at the high school level without the pressure of being proficient. Expose your pre-teens to a range of artwork, genres, styles, and artists. For high school students, start with short skill-building exercises to build confidence and a foundation of knowledge. Then, students can apply what they know to what they see.

Try these tips to cultivate a knowledge base and hone observational drawing skills:

• Practice drawing the same form in different mediums with different techniques.
• Use anatomically correct names for body parts when drawing portraits or doing figure drawings. 
• Make isometric drawings to connect math and engineering with perspective drawing.
• Build muscle memory with a game of “observational drawing telephone” where students create a graphite transfer, grid drawing, and drawing from the same reference image. 
• Start with two-dimensional reference images and scaffold up to capturing three-dimensional objects and people.
• Introduce figure drawing, using classmates as models.
• Layer multiple sketches to show several styles and techniques of the same subject matter, much like showing your work in math. 
• Draw holding the pencil at the eraser to add a loose line quality.
• Slow down by using permanent ink to create more thoughtful, intentional lines and compositions. 
• Facilitate a lot of gallery walks where students identify and justify what is successful and what needs improvement based on a rubric and lesson outcomes.
• Show students how to sight with a pencil or ruler to gauge distance and proportion. 
• Post correct and incorrect drawing examples and have students identify the incorrect components and explain why they are wrong.

It’s time to bring observational drawing to your students in a way they will enjoy long after they leave your art room. Instill valuable life skills along the way, like the ability to be detail-oriented and disciplined. Whatever side you’re on regarding topics like tracing and mechanical pencils, there are many ways to scaffold observational drawing for both elementary and secondary art students. Grab some still life objects or reference photos, play some lo-fi beats, and sit down and draw alongside your students. Use observational drawing to provide a relaxing and safe outlet for your students to cultivate artistic confidence this year.

How do you approach observational drawing with your students? 

What is your favorite tip or hack to teach observational drawing?

The post Back to Basics: Spilling the Tea on How to Teach Observational Drawing with Confidence appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Art teachers are often asked how they are incorporating reading and writing to support core content areas and boost test scores. But have you considered how the inverse is also true? Words and images are both forms of communication that are highly intertwined. Connecting literature and art can enrich the visual art experience and enhance communication skills. Integrate reading and writing to create a synergy that your students will end up appreciating and enjoying for years to come!

Encourage reading and writing in the art room with the 12 ideas below.

1. Curate a classroom library.

Set up a bookshelf in a visible and accessible space in your room. If you don’t have space, stack some books on top of a cabinet or countertop. Try to build a library that includes a variety of texts such as artist books, picture books, and poetry books. Incorporate student suggestions for types of books to include. Once you gather a large collection, rotate the books to keep things fresh.

Here are some books to add to your library:

• 6 Picture Books to Prompt an Awareness of Self and Others
• 100 Children’s Books About Diversity and Inclusion
• 70 Children’s Books About Famous Artists
• 27 Incredible Books for the High School Art Room

2. Title student artwork every time!

It’s so easy to complete an art project and move on to the next one. Before you do, take a few minutes for students to generate a title for each artwork. The first time you do this, discuss the importance of titling your artwork. This practice connects meaningful text with imagery and provides guidance on how to interpret or “read” the artwork. Along these lines, require students to sign their name on each completed piece too!

3. Write warm-ups.

Establish a routine where students start each class with a short writing activity. Writing sets the tone for the entire class period and prompts students to communicate their thoughts via words in addition to the drawing, painting, or sculpting they will do for the bulk of the period. This can be a very quick yet powerful activity that only takes a few minutes.

Here are some warm-up ideas to kickstart your students’ creative brains:

• Participate in a TAG Critique on an in-progress artwork.
• Practice calligraphy and handwriting drills.
• Respond to a prompt like, “What if…” or “Once upon a time…“
• Identify an element of art from an artwork on the board.

4. Expand on learning with haiku poetry.

Put a spin on your exit tickets by requiring students to write in haikus. Use simple prompts such as, “Share one thing you learned today” or “What is one thing you still have questions about?” This challenges students to think a little more critically and creatively about their answers. Plus, students have a surprising amount of fun reading their responses!

5. Create vocabulary posters.

Vocabulary posters are an excellent beginning-of-the-year project or a chill way to end a unit. Individually or in small groups, choose an Element or Principle to create a poster on and display it in the classroom for the year. This is a great way to introduce or review concepts and decorate your walls while you’re at it! During the year, recap learning with vocabulary posters from the latest lesson or unit. Add a hilarious twist by requiring students to use hip words such as mid, cringe, or drip.

6. Compose artist statements.

Accompany every artwork with a corresponding artist statement. This practice helps students articulate their creative processes and intentions, enhancing communication skills. No matter what writing level your students are at, there are prompts and strategies to get your students to express themselves through text. Customize artist statement activities based on specific skills or concepts you want students to focus on or how much time you can allot in a period.

7. Expose articles on up-and-coming artists and current events.

Regularly share articles on contemporary and emerging artists with your students. Spark conversations about current trends and techniques in the art world to make the subject matter more relevant and exciting. Follow the Smithsonian’s Smart News Arts & Culture or other digital art newsletters for the latest happenings!

8. Reference key texts with each project.

When introducing a new project, artwork, or artist, include any relevant texts. For instance, if students are examining Vincent van Gogh’s work, read excerpts of his letters so they can immerse themselves in his world. If students are learning about Corita Kent’s typography in Yellow Submarine, pull some news articles about the Vietnam War to provide students with cultural context. Also, share Kent’s “rules” so students can understand her creative process. Including a short artist quote can help immensely with exposure and interest!

9. Bring pamphlets from art museums into your classroom.

There are tons of virtual museums and digital museum activities but there is something special about tangible, tactile resources. The next time you visit an art museum, grab a bunch of complimentary pamphlets to bring back to your classroom. Use them to learn about artists, art movements, or museum collections. Stop by the front desk and ask for educational resources. Many museums have an education department or classroom and many free student activities, posters, and worksheets!

10. Dedicate a spot on the board to share what you are currently reading.

Dedicate a section of your classroom board to share what you’re reading. This simple act models a love for reading and can spark curiosity and conversation with your students about literature. This can also help create connections through shared interests.

11. Share books that are works of art.

Books don’t just have to be about art—they can be the art! Some books are beautifully designed or illustrated. Discuss the role of graphic designers, illustrators, and comic artists to show the intersection of visual art and storytelling. Introduce artists’ books and altered books and how they challenge the notion of what a traditional book is. For more resources on how to do this, watch the Sequential Book Arts Pack in PRO Learning. Then, take students on an in-school field trip to the library where they search for books they believe are works of art.

12. Invite the English teacher to collaborate.

Collaborate with the English or Language Arts teacher to create interdisciplinary projects that blend literature and art. There are so many historical movements and genres that merge these two disciplines. For high schoolers reading The Great Gatsby, show the Art Deco movement to help students visualize the time period they are reading about. Reinforce storytelling and narrative concepts by creating illustrations for poems or short stories covered in English class. Collaboration is a way to lighten your workload, create valuable connections with other colleagues, and showcase how everything in our world is interconnected.

Reading and writing aren’t just for core classes! Bringing text into the art curriculum will enhance the visual art experience and create deeper meaning. Students will begin to see reading and writing as essential tools in their creative toolkit to help them better communicate and comprehend ideas, stories, and messages. Plus, you have a huge opportunity to inspire a lifelong love of literature and art in your students. Implement the strategies above to bridge the gap between words and images in simple, meaningful, and fun ways this year!

How have you seen literature benefit your student artists?

What books inspire your artwork?

Where in your daily teaching practice do you incorporate reading and writing?

The post Encourage Students to Read, Write, Create: How to Bring Literature Into the Art Classroom appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Save the prompt list below to empower your students with Mini Masterpieces this school year! 

Take the guesswork out of creating new prompts for the start of the year and download our list of Mini Masterpieces daily prompts! This resource has open-ended prompts appropriate for all ages designed to ignite your student artists’ imagination. Use a prompt daily or weekly to guide the exploration of various techniques, art materials, and personal voice. 

Download Now!

1. Learn new techniques with open-ended prompts.

Mini Masterpieces are a perfect way for students to explore new techniques without the pressure of working large. Use sticky notes or cut scrap paper to a similar size. The small size encourages students to focus on practicing specific skills like hatching or collage without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Experiment using different art mediums with low risk and high reward.

A low-stakes environment allows for exploration and discovery. Use this project to test new or unfamiliar materials such as mixed media and embroidery. See if your students are interested in a new art form before investing in a large quantity of supplies. Plus, there is less waste when working small!

3. Alter prompts for cross-curricular collaboration.

Harness the Mini Masterpiece prompt list to meet the needs of your students and curriculum. For instance, prompts related to other subjects can offer an opportunity for cross-collaboration. For the prompt, Pollinator, you can connect with the biology teacher to create deeper connections. 

4. Utilize leftover and scrap resources to promote innovation.

Mini Masterpieces are perfect for using up leftover and scrap materials. Encourage students to repurpose old magazines, fabric swatches, discarded student work, used packaging, or leftover paint. This promotes sustainability and sparks innovation as students find new ways to incorporate these materials into their mini-artworks. It teaches them the value of resourcefulness and how to make art without the need for fancy supplies. 

5. Explore process and synthesis of materials using simple themes. 

This project can potentially evolve into a pathway for students to explore process and synthesis in their work—a valuable skill needed for AP Art portfolios! For instance, Chris Hodge used the prompt Bloom to create a mixed-media sun print using watercolor. The sun-printed physical flowers synthesize the idea of flowers blooming.

6. Support differentiation and a diverse range of student needs. 

The project’s small size and flexible nature accommodate various skill levels and artistic preferences. Within each prompt, there are lots of avenues students can explore too! For the Fashion prompt, intro students can draw a t-shirt design while advanced students can include some figure drawing. They can also draw a treasured article of clothing or use their favorite colors to allow for personalized expression. This flexibility ensures that every student can participate meaningfully, regardless of their artistic background or ability. 

7. Promote reflection in the artistic process. 

After completing each piece, students can analyze what worked well, reflect on their challenges, and discover how they may improve in future works. This reflection fosters critical thinking and helps them understand their creative development over time. Use visual journals or artist statements to record reflections and document evidence of progress and process. 

8. Cultivate a growth mindset by fostering resilience, endurance, and discovery.

The daily practice of creating mini-sized artworks helps students build resilience and endurance in their creative practices. The small scale encourages risk-taking and learning from mistakes, ultimately promoting a growth mindset. By frequently creating on a small scale, students develop a routine that reinforces their skills and fosters continual improvement. 

9. Encourage literacy through storytelling. 

Each mini masterpiece can be a storytelling tool, allowing students to visually convey narratives, emotions, and ideas. For instance, encourage students to add backgrounds or environments to their pieces to add context clues for the viewer. To add a literary element, have students create poems or short stories from their finished masterpieces. 

10. Create a portfolio of artworks for assessment.

By consistently working on prompts each day, students have the opportunity to create a diverse portfolio that showcases a variety of skills and ideas. The body of work also serves as a comprehensive view of their progress which is ideal for reflection and assessment. Collect student work in a mini sketchbook or portfolio to keep track of big growth!

If you missed Mini Masterpieces over the summer, it’s never too late to join in the fun! Use it as a tool to engage in your own creative practice to keep your artistic skills and mindset sharp. Bring it into the classroom for your students to introduce new techniques and inspire creativity. Highlight completed mini masterpieces to prompt reflection and generate fresh ideas. Better yet, create a tiny art gallery to show off student work in your school or end-of-year art show. Don’t forget to share new mini masterpieces on Instagram using the hashtag #aoeuminis and tag @theartofed, Chris Hodge, and Nylah Khan.  We’re so excited to see what you and your students make to kick off the new school year!

What’s one innovative way you want to incorporate Mini Masterpieces in your art room this year?

What prompt did you have the most fun creating?

The post 10 Ways to Empower Your Students in Big Ways with Mini Masterpieces appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Get your students to redefine art on day one through a powerful discussion with the activity and prompts below.

Come with an open mind.

Art is a universal language with many mediums from painting to sculpture to so much more. But what medium goes too far and is outside of the bounds of art? For example, if a mechanic is an artist, is the car their artwork? One of the beautiful things about art is that it’s very subjective. Keep an open mind so your students’ minds stay open, too! Showing you’re excited to hear their ideas and thoughts will encourage them to take more risks and feel safe contributing. Plus, you never know—you may discover something you’ve never thought of yourself!

Compile a variety of artists and artworks.

Gather a large variety of images to challenge students’ notions and the societal norm of “what art is.” Include famous artworks they probably have seen in pop culture or other classes like Vincent van Gogh or Edvard Munch, more post-modern and contemporary pieces like Marina Abramović, architectural marvels, a breadth of media, and more. If you’re feeling brave, you can even include a photo of something you’ve made so that students can get to know you! Be mindful of students’ prior knowledge and backgrounds and strive to include images that will resonate with as many students as possible.

Here are some images to include to prompt deeper discussion:

• New shoe designs
• Fashion trends
• Performance art
• Cars
• Props from popular shows
• Graphic design
• Household items
• Books
• Interior design
• Movie stills
• Engineering and architecture
• Comics
• Trash

Set up the discussion as a game.

A powerful discussion about what art is is probably more enticing to us than to students. Make the experience fun and game-like by playing for a prize, playing in teams, or having a neat buzzer they can push when they have an answer to contribute. Making it a game can relieve any pressure and allow students to team build. You can even ask them if this game is art because you created it and they are interacting with it!

Establish guidelines.

Begin by acknowledging each student’s diverse perspectives in the classroom. Highlight that every opinion matters and follow through by affirming contributions during the activity to establish a foundation of trust and openness. There is no right or wrong answer! Write this note on the whiteboard as a friendly reminder for all.

As the discussion progresses, encourage students to let their curiosity guide them. If a particular piece of art or topic interests the students, take time to talk about it more deeply or research it together as a class. This flexibility intellectually stimulates the debate and helps build a strong class culture early in the semester.

Provide a foundational definition of art.

Start by sharing Webster’s definition of art which states, “Art is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.” This is a pretty lengthy definition, so it can be helpful to break it down into more manageable words or phrases.

Foster deeper thinking by expanding on student responses.

The first days of school can be daunting and trying to get students to talk in front of their peers can be even more so! It can help to have questions on hand to get thoughts flowing and prompt conversation.

Use the following questions to help students elaborate:

• What do you feel when you look at this piece?
• What story is this telling?
• How was this created?
• Did someone make this, find this, or design this?
• Can everyday objects be art? Why or why not?
• Do you think this is beautiful? How?
• Does this provoke thought? What does it make you wonder?
• Is this useful?
• How does this piece compare to something you consider art?
• If you don’t think this is art, what would you add or change to make it art?
• How does this challenge your view of what art can be?

As you facilitate this activity, there are many ways to keep the dialogue going beyond the first day!

Here are our essential tips for a successful open-ended discussion:

• Remember that you matter.
  When you are passionate and knowledgeable about the artists and artworks you discuss, your excitement will become contagious. Choose artists that resonate with you so your interest will be genuine and students can learn a little bit about you.
• Map meaning.
  As the discussion progresses, take notes on the board. This visual mapping helps solidify the concepts discussed and shows that you value all contributions. For example, if a student says a sneaker is art because of its color, write “color” on the board.
• Take notes on a seating chart.
  As students talk, jot down notes about each student’s interests so you can remember and get to know them!
• Include silent students.
  Many students may not feel comfortable participating verbally. This doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care or don’t have opinions. Allow students to write or type their opinions for you to read aloud. Provide color-coded cards or signs for students to hold to signify their answers. For example, green cards can represent they believe the image is art and red cards can represent that it’s not art.
• Wrap up strong.
  End by reinforcing that art has no right or wrong answers. Emphasize that the Elements of Art are like the ingredients that go into cooking a dish. There are guidelines, called the Principles of Design, that are like the instructions in a recipe. However, true chefs eventually move from following a recipe to making their own culinary creations! This openness and flexibility are what make art diverse and fascinating.
• Do exit tickets.
  Provide a few minutes for students to reflect on the conversations and activity. Students will write their definition art. These are fun to keep and compare with their future end-of-year definitions!

As art educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to open our students’ minds to the boundless possibilities of creativity. Engaging in discussions about what constitutes art can help students appreciate art and artmaking for years to come. It also encourages students to think critically, express themselves, ask questions, and feel valued. This activity will help build strong connections, cultivate a vibrant classroom climate, and celebrate creativity in all its forms! Embrace this opportunity on day one to redefine art with students and inspire them to see the world through a bigger lens.

What is your definition of art?

Share how you get students excited about art on the first day!

The post How to Engage Students on Day One by Redefining Art appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Try these 11 fun and educational games to keep your students engaged up to the final bell of the year.

Games provide closure to a unit or year without the challenge of rushing to finish projects on the way out of the door. The games below will keep students focused and enthusiastic while reviewing information in a fun way. Plus, they can be customized for any grade level or course!

1. Where’s Whaledo?

Narwhals are the unicorns of the sea and there is nothing better than bringing magic to a careful examination of artworks. Use our bespectacled narwhal friend, Whaledo, in the perfect hidden picture art room game. Use your favorite image editing software to drop Whaledo into famous artwork. Print the images and laminate them for students to circle Whaledo with dry-erase markers or simply project the images on the board. After students find Whaledo, ask them what other interesting details they discovered. Download Whaledo and the corresponding instructional guide today!

Download Now!

2. Trivia Challenge

There is a reason games like Jeopardy and Around the World are still popular decades later. Everyone loves the opportunity to show what they know. All you need is a slide deck with questions from your curriculum. Additionally, try the Art Trivia Take-Away Lesson and Game Guide in FLEX Curriculum for an activity where students reflect on art concepts and art history.

Here are three tips to keep your students on their A-game:

1. Allow students to work in teams to keep it low-pressure.
2. Include bonus questions of silly personal trivia to make it more fun!
3. Add in challenges to get students moving. For example, Race to assemble a color wheel from found objects in the classroom!

3. Picture Puzzle

Puzzles are a relaxing way to review prior learning. Print pictures of the artworks your students learned about this year. Cut them into pieces considering appropriate sizes and shapes for your students’ levels. Make it a race to not only assemble the picture puzzle but also identify the artist, artwork title, and big ideas students recall from the lesson.

4. Mystery Drawing

Students are often mentally exhausted when they complete testing, portfolio submissions, and final exams. Many students will find comfort in directed drawings or other guided practice activities. Keep things simple but introduce a little bit of intrigue!

Here are three ways to keep students guessing the entire time:

1. Guide students through an activity step-by-step without telling them what the end result will be.
2. Facilitate a drawing upside-down and don’t tell students to flip their papers right-side up until the end.
3. Try an exquisite corpse drawing and watch the delight when students unfold their papers.

5. Art Room Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is fun at any age. To make a scavenger hunt more educational, give students clues that pose a problem and challenge them to find the correct tool. For example, instead of telling students to find a brayer, a clue might read, “I want to make a print. I have a printing plate, a piece of paper, a tube of ink, and an ink plate. What else do I need?” This approach requires students to think through the process. You can also challenge your students to find examples of artworks that show a particular mood or have a specific subject matter, or search their portfolio for a project that demonstrates a certain technique.

6. Quick Draw

Use individual dry-erase boards, take turns in front of the class at the main board, or use scrap paper. Give students a drawing prompt with a list of criteria and watch them race to sketch it all. Ensure students demonstrate craftsmanship by including Elements and Principles as criteria. For example, a prompt could be, “Draw a person using geometric shapes and hatched lines.“

This can be a quick five-minute game or you can extend it by adding multiple rounds. Additionally, turn it into a tournament or a team relay to keep the fun going. Another alternative is to put drawing prompts at different stations around the room to get students moving.

7. Virtual Escape Room

Identify key concepts by looking at objectives, assessments, and vocabulary lists from the year. Use this information to generate questions you want students to answer. Add the questions to a Google Form and use the response validation tool to let students advance only once they’ve completed a question or task correctly. Include riddles and hidden codes to keep students on their toes!

8. Custom Board Games

Let your students take the lead by designing their own board games, either in pairs or small groups. Creating a game requires students to ideate, problem-solve, draw, sculpt, write, and present ideas. Depending on your schedule and requirements, creating a game can take students anywhere from a week to a month. As a culminating activity, host a Game Day and allow students to play one another’s games to give constructive feedback. Hopefully, they’ll remember their favorite art teacher when their games become a hit outside of the classroom!

9. Art on Trial

This game will motivate your students to examine and think critically about art. It will push students to get beyond the default responses like, “It looks cool” or “I like the colors.” Put a famous work of art up on the board and announce the work stands accused of being awful. Divide the class into three groups. One group will serve as the prosecution. One group will be the defense team, and the third group has jury duty. Allow a period of discovery for the prosecution and defense teams to discuss the evidence for their sides. Then, allow each side to present their case and give one minute for a closing statement. Finally, the jury will deliberate. Each juror will share the point they found most persuasive as they vote for either the prosecution or the defense.

10. Art Heist Challenge

You may recall hearing about this game on Art Ed Radio. The premise of the game is simple: Your nemesis, Dr. Meaniebadguy, stole some of the greatest artworks from museums around the world! Students must figure out which works he stole and recover them. Print pictures of a variety of artworks along with clues describing the pieces. Set up an obstacle course between the students and the artworks and hide the clues along the way. For instance, you can use yarn to make a maze of “lasers.” Students must avoid touching the “lasers” to prevent the alarm system from sounding. Try neon yarn and black lights to create a special effect! Students love this game which engages them both mentally and physically.

11. Fact or Fake

Share odd and interesting bits of trivia about an artist or artwork. In teams, challenge students to spot which is fact and which is fake. Once the team decides, they write fact or fake on a dry-erase board and hold it up. Provide points to the teams who write the correct response and keep score.

Transform the end of the school year from a time of restlessness and boredom to joyful artistic engagement. Turn looking at and reviewing art into a magical experience by searching for Whaledo. Bring in trivia to challenge your students through collaboration and friendly competition. Incorporate the element of mystery with an escape room, quick draw activity, or art heist challenge. All of these games are great ways to keep students invested in your class, reviewing content from the year, and making art right up until the last bell.

For more art room games, check out the following:

• 6 Games Perfect for the Art Room
• Games in the Art Room Pack in PRO Learning
• Ideas for Art Room Games (Ep. 331)
• 3 Super Fun Art History Games

How do you make time for joy and fun in your art room?

Share your student-favorite art games!

The post Level Up the Fun! 11 Awesome Art Games to End the Year appeared first on The Art of Education University.

With standardized and portfolio testing over, the countdown to the end of the year has begun! We all know that this last stretch of the school year can be a challenge to keep students engaged, especially in specialized courses like photography. We’ve come to your rescue with plenty of one-day activities perfect for this time of year and your budding photographers. Better yet, these photography lessons require little prep and minimal supplies. Even if you don’t have a set of cameras in your classroom, these activities are still achievable using cell phones or tablets. 

Keep reading for one-day photography activities to get your students to stay focused until the end of the year!

1. 36 Exposures

Recommended for: High School 

Combine the limitations of 35mm film photography with the convenience of digital photography. The 36 Exposures activity involves not looking at the images until students capture all 36. This exercise mimics shooting a roll of film by waiting to see the results until the end. This practice encourages students to frame their compositions with more intention and thought. If you have access to DSLR cameras, the activity challenges students to use aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to shoot correct exposures. Direct students to take all 36 exposures in one location or within a specific duration. The best part is seeing how many successful images students shoot from the session!

2. Abstract Forms

Recommended for: Middle and High School 

Note: Be sure to review all resources and preview all artists before determining if they are appropriate to share with your students.

Focus on the Elements and Principles and get students to creatively look at everyday objects with this activity. Encourage students to play with found objects and lighting. If you have macro lens clips for cell phones, this will prompt students to more closely consider each object’s texture. The work of Liz Deschenes is a beautiful example of abstract forms in photography.

3. Abstract Paper Challenge

Recommended for: Middle and High School 

Dive into the world of abstract art even further using only paper. The challenge is to make paper not look like paper. This unique activity encourages innovation and experimentation with limited materials such as paper, tape, light, and a camera. Students have the most success when they manipulate the paper’s surface by folding, crumpling, or taping the paper. Use side lighting to enhance textures and add dramatic effect. These tips create visually interesting surfaces and compositions! For additional ways to manipulate paper, check out the 5 Cut Paper Collage Techniques resource in FLEX Curriculum.

4. One Lens

Recommended for: Elementary, Middle, and High School 

Challenge students to explore photography with a minimalist approach using only a single lens or focal length. By focusing solely on composition and framing, this activity pushes students to get active and walk closer or farther away to zoom in and out of their compositions. Using one lens also prompts students to see the world through a specific viewpoint.

5. From Where I Stand

Recommended for: Elementary, Middle, and High School 

Explore perspective and composition in photography with this idea. Students will photograph a series of pictures from only one spot. They can turn around and shoot at various angles but not leave their place. This forces students to get creative with unique vantage points as they lean, crouch, and bend. Add a surprise factor by telling the students where they will stand. 

6. Story Roulette

Recommended for: High School

Incorporate writing into your photography lessons with Story Roulette. Have students write one-sentence stories or six-word memoirs. Use these as student-generated final photography prompts that emphasize visual storytelling. Students can create one photograph that captures the essence of their story or shoot a series of photos in a narrative form. To add the element of chance to the activity, students can pick their prompt from a hat. 

7. Famous Artwork Recreation

Recommended for: Middle and High School 

Who better to find inspiration than the masters? Recreating famous artworks and photographs is a perfect way for students to study fine details such as composition, lighting, and style. Provide students with a collection of famous artworks to choose from. This also challenges students to learn about outfits and objects from certain time periods and cultures and find similar ones to include in their final piece. 

8. One Object Challenge

Recommended for: Elementary, Middle, and High School 

Find beauty in the mundane with the One Object Challenge. Many of us don’t have the luxury of expensive props or beautiful scenery within the confines of the art room. This activity requires students to find exciting ways to photograph something they see every day. It also helps students understand how photographers can make objects look more interesting than they appear.

9. What’s In My Bag

Recommended for: Middle and High School 

Use flat-lay photography to create non-traditional self-portraits using items from student’s bags. This activity works well for students who want to explore identity without using their faces. The contents of their bags represent a symbolic view of their personalities and interests. The completed flat-lay photographs become a visual narrative of who the students are. A fun extension is for students to guess whose portrait belongs to whom within the classroom. 

10. ROYGBIV Series

Recommended for: Elementary, Middle, and High School 

Explore color and composition by creating photographs inspired by the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. Students can find those specific colors to photograph or use color symbolically to convey stories and emotions. For instance, a student can photograph red rose petals or an angry portrait using red lighting for the color red. To extend this lesson, create a color wheel using the final images!

From exploring abstract forms, compositions of the masters, or faceless self-portraits, these activities will energize your students to create art! Having a handful of one-day photography lessons at your fingertips is perfect for your end-of-the-year arsenal. These quick and enjoyable activities keep students excited to create, all while requiring minimal preparation and supplies. Plus, these activities reinforce knowledge and skills with minimal pressure. Capture the freedom and creativity the last few weeks of school will bring! 

Check out the resources below for more ways to incorporate photography into your art room:

• Strategies for Teaching Photography (Ep. 231) 
• Ask the Experts, Episode One: Photography
• 3 Refreshing Ways to Bring Photography Into Any Art Class
• Studio: Photography

What’s your favorite way to bring photography to your students?

How do you keep photography students engaged at the end of the year? 

The post 10 One-Day Photography Activities to Keep Students “Focused” Until the End of the Year appeared first on The Art of Education University.

As the school year winds down, keeping students engaged can be a challenge. The natural instinct is to keep things simple with one-day “make and take” projects for those shorter attention spans. However, consider going the other way! A collaborative, large-scale paper mache project could be the perfect way to close out your year. Keep reading to see how you can clean out your closet, use up leftover art supplies, and create a school community installation that will last for years to come!

Take on a big project to make your job easier.

It may seem counterintuitive, but one big project can be easier than several smaller projects. Plus, working collaboratively helps everyone achieve something great with less work and more fun.

Let’s look at the benefits of doing a large, collaborative project at the end of the school year:

• Strengthens your community of artists.
• Demonstrates to administrators and students that you remain engaged.
• Uses up scrap cardboard and miscellaneous materials.
• Gets students excited to come to art class and see the latest developments in the project.
• Saves time on prep and planning so you can tackle grading, generate next year’s supply order, and catch your breath!
• Sets you up for success in the fall with classroom or school decor made and ready to hang.

Break down a big project into small, manageable pieces.

At first, building a giant sculpture or collection of sculptures can feel overwhelming. As with all projects, the first step of choosing what to make can often be the hardest. Consider making a representation of your school’s mascot or pull subjects from major units throughout the year to activate prior learning. If you need more grand ideas to inspire your students and proactively decorate your room for the fall, construct giant art supplies and introduce Andy Warhol or Claes Oldenburg.

Regardless of the subject, follow these steps for success with your paper mache project:

1. Brainstorm as a class to determine your subject matter.
2. Gather materials such as scraps of cardboard, paper, newspaper, tape, and glue. Your students may surprise you with what they decide to upcycle!
3. Sketch the final sculpture so everyone can work toward the same goal.
4. Build an armature out of cardboard, wire, or thin scrap wood.
5. Cover the form in paper mache.
6. Paint and/or glue found objects, fabric, and collage materials to add more details.
7. Display the finished work for students to enjoy now and see when they come back in the fall!

Try these tips to get maximum results with minimal work.

One way to streamline the process is to have all of your classes work on the same project. Every class can simply build off the work of the class before them—like an art relay. This will speed up production and save you the hassle of clean-up and storage between classes. If one gigantic project seems unwieldy, try making a Pop Art collection. Show students works by Andy Warhol or Claes Oldenburg for inspiration and make one sculpture per table. Save yourself time and prep work by using the Exploring Pop Art Collection in FLEX Curriculum. It has lesson plans and student-friendly artist bios, videos, and assessments ready to go.

Try these tips to smooth out the paper mache process:

• Dump the glue from old clogged and nearly empty glue bottles into a bucket and then add water for a 50/50 mix.
• Crumple and twist your school’s butcher/bulletin board paper as an alternative to cardboard for an armature.
• Use different colors for each layer of paper mache so you can easily see what areas still need covering.
• Rip smaller pieces to wrap curvy, organic forms.
• Dip, then wipe using the classic “scissor fingers” technique (below) to remove excess glue.
• Allow students to choose tasks according to their preferences, if possible. For instance, some students love the sensory experience of glue-covered hands.
• Place paper as a drop cloth to protect the table or floor from inevitable glue drips.
• Recycle paper drop cloths at the end of the day as more paper mache paper!
• Consider opportunities for students to have meaningful input. For example, each student can decorate a scale on a large dragon or design a custom brick for a huge castle.

A collaborative paper mache sculpture is a rewarding way to use up leftover materials, strengthen student bonds, and create a lasting installation to promote school spirit. Transform your classroom into a fun collaborative art studio and end the year on a high note. Just because a project is large-scale, does not mean it needs to be cumbersome to manage. Break the project down into smaller steps and use the pro tips above to streamline the process. Your next massive paper mache installation will provide you and your artists with smooth sailing to summer break!

What huge paper mache installation would transform your space?

How do you keep your students inspired during the final weeks of school?

The post Go Big Before Going Home: Finish the Year with a Collaborative Paper Mache Sculpture appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Check out the five art activities below to unwind after the stress of testing and portfolio submissions!

1. Collaborative Contour Line Portraits on Butcher Paper

Contour line partner drawings are a fun opportunity for your students to loosen up with markmaking. This provides a change of pace in drawing compared to their intricate, time-consuming portfolio pieces. Harness the relationships and community students built in your art room by challenging them to unwind, work together, and incorporate movement. 

Students will have so much fun drawing their peers in a low-pressure environment with contour lines using these steps:

1. Lay a long piece of butcher paper down.
2. Pair students so they are sitting across from each other with the butcher paper in between them.
3. Draw the student across from them for 1-2 minutes.
4. Rotate students.
5. Repeat until contour portraits fill the butcher paper; encourage overlapping!
6. Cut up the butcher paper into smaller sections for each student to work back into. 

The cut sections of contour drawings are ideal for students to add their creative spin with color or additional details. Prompt students to use varied contour lines like blind, modified, and continuous contour to review and reinforce their markmaking knowledge.

2. Paint Your Classmate

Take a fun spin from the popular social media trend where couples paint their spouses. While this option is more challenging than contour drawings, encourage students to not take this activity too seriously. Remind them often to have fun and enjoy the process! Paint Your Classmate offers potentially burned-out students space to create art purely for fun. Use table easels or prop canvases against a stack of books so partners can’t see the completed piece until the end. There are many ways to pair students like student choice, prior skills and knowledge, skill level, or at random! 

3. Artist Accordion Books

Accordion fold books are one of the easiest to make. They can consist of one long single sheet of paper or smaller sheets combined in a zigzag pattern. Making artist books at the end of the year is an excellent opportunity for students to develop a series of mini-artworks with art mediums they love. A collection of paper scraps is perfect for accordion books! Not only are artist books fun for students to create, but they are also great as summative assessments at the end of the year. 

In addition, accordion books work well to review color theory or the Elements and Principles, illustrate narratives, or create collaborative drawings. For instance, students can do a round-robin exchange of drawings on each page. Connect today to discover How to Create An Accordion Fold Book and Accordion Haiku Books in FLEX Curriculum.

4. Appropriation Art Collage

Use pictures from magazines, newspapers, or printed stock images to create appropriation art collages. This activity requires students to think critically about transforming and reimagining existing images. Students must decipher the original meaning and context, decide what their new concept will be, and then implement design choices to communicate their message. Collaging allows students to experiment with composition, texture, and color—no drawing skills required. Found imagery also can provide immediate gratification. Take the collages to the next level and incorporate mixed media such as gel pens and acrylic paint markers to draw or add accents. 

5. Photocopy Flyer Collages

Inspired by the 1970s and 80s scene of vintage posters and flyers, this activity combines graphic design, appropriation, and collage to create punk-inspired imagery. Students use existing images but combine them with typography and lettering to communicate a message. For punk flyer examples, check out this vast collection for ideas. Provide students with themes or prompts to generate ideas for their flyers. Create flyers for past events, future events, or even invented ones! Don’t forget to remind students to leave a small border around the edge of their paper. When photocopying the finished collages, the copy machine won’t print to the edge of a sheet of paper. 

The end of the school year is an ideal time to engage in enjoyable, low-pressure art activities such as creating artist books, collaborative partner drawings, and mixed media collages. It’s the perfect chance to use up leftover materials and observe the skills your students acquired throughout the year. Join your students in artmaking because you deserve unwinding too. Try an activity above for a fun way to relax, make art without pressure, and remind everyone why they love art! 

What’s your favorite post-testing art activity? 

How do you celebrate submitted portfolios with your students?

The post 5 Art Activities to Unwind After Testing and Portfolio Submissions  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

There’s nothing like a perfect pairing to enhance any dish or dining experience. Certain combinations of cheese and jam will bring out incredible and unexpected flavors. Plus, you can’t go wrong with classic pairings like mozzarella, basil, and tomato in a caprese salad. You can do the same in your curriculum! Serve up the perfect art and poem pairings to not only make connecting with and responding to art palatable to your students, but also curate an enriching interdisciplinary learning experience. 

Discover how integrating poetry alongside visual art empowers students to express themselves creatively and construct a deeper understanding of both art forms.

Like visual art, poetry is a form of communication that conveys emotions, ideas, and experiences through language and imagery. Studying poetry enhances students’ ability to express themselves creatively and thoughtfully through visual art, writing, or discussions. Poetry also provides a rich source of inspiration for artistic exploration. It can spark students’ imaginations and encourage them to experiment with new techniques and mediums. 

When you incorporate poetry, it:

• Enhances critical thinking skills when students analyze and compare visual and literary elements.
• Fosters creativity by inspiring students to form their own interpretations of shared themes and experiences.
• Cultivates empathy and emotional intelligence through diverse perspectives, experiences, and cultural contexts.
• Stimulates meaningful discussion with symbolism, metaphor, and narrative in art and language.
• Deepens understanding and appreciation of art and poetry as interconnected forms of creative expression.

Infuse poetry into your curriculum to bring connecting with and responding to art to a new level! Choose one of the art and poem pairings below to explore with your students.

Access an artist bio for any artist on the list below in FLEX Curriculum. Each artist bio is at an eighth-grade reading level and includes a brief history, a list of notable artworks and achievements, famous quotes, and more. For information on how to get these artist bios for your classroom, fill out this short contact form.

1. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí & Remember by Joy Harjo

Salvador Dalí’s painting, The Persistence of Memory, prompts reflection on the elasticity of time and the mutable nature of reality. The image of melting clocks invites viewers to ponder the transience of moments. In Joy Harjo’s poignant poem, Remember, the opening line “Remember the sky that you were born under” echoes the same theme of memory and the passage of time. Like Dalí’s imagery, Harjo’s verse encourages thoughtful reflection about the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of cherishing each minute.

2. Bottle Cap Snake by Felipe Archuleta & Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog by Judith Viorst

Felipe Archuleta’s whimsical sculpture, Bottle Cap Snake, captivates with its playful and imaginative use of found materials. Crafted from discarded bottle caps and salvaged objects, the artwork exudes a sense of resourcefulness and creativity. Judith Viorst’s humorous poem, Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog, reflects a similar lighthearted tone with a surprise ending where the author reveals why “she’s making a mistake.” Archuleta’s sculpture embodies Viorst’s subject matter and invites the audience to embrace the joy found in unconventional approaches.

To explore this pairing with your students, make art with recycled, repurposed, and found materials. The Creating with Unexpected Materials Pack in PRO Learning gives you all of the ideas you’ll need to start your upcycled art projects.

3. Path in the Wheat Fields by Claude Monet & The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost

Claude Monet’s masterpiece, Path in the Wheat Fields at Pourville, is the essence of serenity and contemplation. It depicts a winding path through golden wheat fields. The path imagery in Monet’s painting echoes the theme of choices and journeys found in Robert Frost’s iconic poem, The Road Not Taken. The painting and the poem evoke the idea of choosing one’s path in life, whether through a literal landscape or the symbolic journey of decision-making, on a well-worn path or “the one less traveled by.”

To explore this pairing with your students, brush up on specific media, techniques, and vocabulary in PRO Learning’s Impressionism at the Elementary Level Pack. Create impressionistic paintings to engage your students with art history and pick a project from FLEX Curriculum’s Impressionism Techniques Collection. 

4. Believing in Kings by Delita Martin & The Bronze Legacy by Effie Lee Newsome

Delita Martin’s powerful artwork, Believing in Kings, has themes of heritage, identity, and resilience, evident in the intricate layers of mixed media and the figure’s striking presence. The imagery in Martin’s work brings to mind the cultural pride and strength found in Effie Lee Newsome’s poem, The Bronze Legacy. Like Martin, Newsome’s bold declaration, “’tis a noble gift to be brown,” celebrates the richness of African American heritage and the importance of taking pride in the past while embracing the future.

5. Queen by Audrey Flack & From Blossoms by Li-Young Lee

In Audrey Flack’s painting, Queen, symbols like a pocket watch to represent the march of time and a flower with fading beauty comment on the inevitability of change and death. Li-Young Lee’s poem, From Blossoms, employs ripe peaches as a parallel metaphor for the beauty in simple joys and the importance of seizing moments of vitality and gratitude. Both works contemplate life’s impermanence and the necessity of cherishing fleeting moments of loveliness and connection “from joy to joy to joy, from wing to wing, from blossom to blossom.”

To explore this pairing with your students, dive deep into symbolism and vanitas-inspired still lifes. Learn how to set students up for success in the Introduction to Still Life and Advanced Approaches to Still Life Packs in PRO Learning.

6. Guardians of the Void by John Behnke & The Land of Nod by Robert Louis Stevenson

John Behnke’s, Guardians of the Void, depicts ethereal figures floating amidst swirling colors and shapes and evokes otherworldly exploration. Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem, The Land of Nod, transports readers to a place with fantastical creatures and surreal landscapes. Both works explore the realm of dreams and the mysteries of the mind where “the strangest things are there for me.” Together, they invite viewers and readers to journey into the depths of the unconscious, where reality blends with fantasy and imagination knows no bounds.

To explore this pairing with your students, experiment with various fantastical themes and learn about the influence of Surrealism in art with the Introduction to Surrealism Collection in FLEX Curriculum. 

7. Suspended Time by Myrna Baez & The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry

In Myrna Baez’s Suspended Time, there is a moody yet serene landscape where stillness hangs in the air and a lonely figure drinks in the serenity of the night. Wendell Berry’s poem, The Peace of Wild Things, transports readers to a place of solace amidst the wild elements of nature. Just like the figure in Baez’s scene, the speaker finds respite from the worries and anxieties of the human world. These works invite everyone to embrace the restorative power of nature’s beauty and “come into the peace of wild things.”

To explore this pairing with your students, incorporate nature into your artmaking. The projects in FLEX Curriculum’s Nature with Mixed Media and Creating with Nature Collections foster the same oneness with nature depicted in these two works.

8. Eye Love by Corita Kent & Citizenship by Javier Zamora

Representing the letter E in Corita Kent’s Circus Alphabet series, the artwork, Eye Love, reflects her desire to reconcile love for her country with a commitment to justice. Javier Zamora dives into a similar sentiment in his poem, Citizenship. He ponders the immigrants and homeless at the Mexican border. Both the artwork and the poem challenge viewers and readers to contemplate the true meaning of patriotism and citizenship and urge them to confront societal injustices.

To explore this pairing with your students, hone in on historical and contemporary issues of freedom and social change. Discover projects in FLEX Curriculum’s Freedom and Social Change and Stories from Latino Artists Collections. 

9. Pansies in Washington by Alma Thomas & Color by Christina Rossetti

Pansies in Washington by Alma Thomas and Christina Rossetti’s poem, Color, both celebrate the vibrancy and beauty of color. Thomas’s artwork distills pansies into an abundance of color. Rosetti attributes the color red to the image of “a poppy’s red in its barley bed,” highlighting how color correlates to sensory experiences. Together, the artwork and the poem evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation for the kaleidoscope of colors surrounding us. 

To explore this pairing with your students, focus on transforming color into words, experiences, and images. Use the resources in the Transformation and Color Collection in FLEX Curriculum to guide you. Additionally, piggyback off these works for a fresh way to teach the color wheel.

10. Winter Woman by Jason Garcia & How to Triumph Like a Girl by Ada Limón

Jason Garcia’s Winter Woman portrays a female warrior adorned with winter symbols. It touches on women’s resilience to endure harsh conditions. Ada Limón’s poem, How to Triumph Like a Girl, also celebrates the power of women by likening them to horses, “as if this big dangerous animal is also a part of me.” Both pieces offer a powerful tribute to women’s strength and emphasize admiration for the enduring female spirit. It prompts viewers and readers to embrace their inner power and triumph in adversity.

11. Puffy Takes a Bad Turn by Chris Theiss & Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Chris Theiss’ adorable ceramic sculpture, Puffy Takes a Bad Turn, is reminiscent of children’s books where inanimate objects come to life. Shel Silverstein’s poem, Where the Sidewalk Ends, memorializes a realm beyond the sidewalk’s end where such imaginative possibilities live. Both works celebrate the whimsical world of childhood where “the grass grows soft and white” and “the sun burns crimson bright.” They capture the boundless creativity and curiosity of youth and evoke a sense of wonder and possibility.

To explore this pairing with your students, experiment with unique ceramic techniques like Theiss’ sgraffito method. The Innovative Ceramic Methods Pack in PRO Learning offers everything you need to know about this technique and others.

12. Landscape with a Stone Bridge by Rembrandt van Rijn & Wild Geese by Mary Oliver

Rembrandt van Rijn’s painting, Landscape with a Stone Bridge, and Mary Oliver’s poem, Wild Geese, conjure themes of loneliness, belonging, and existence. Rembrandt’s tranquil landscape visually represents accepting vulnerabilities and finding solace in the simple beauty of existing. Oliver’s poem aligns and pleads, “Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.” “Meanwhile, the world goes on,” just as the water in Rembrandt’s river continues to flow. Both works encourage viewers and readers to release their worries. It reminds them they are part of something vast and meaningful.

To explore this pairing with your students, dive into all things landscape and emphasize themes of place and belonging. FLEX Curriculum’s Exploring My Community and Artistic Practices Intermediate Collections offer students opportunities to make meaningful connections to the people and places around them. 

Incorporating art and poem pairings into your art curriculum enhances critical thinking, fosters creativity, and cultivates empathy. Contemplate the importance of recollection with The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí and Remember by Joy Harjo. Venture into the depths of the unconscious with John Benke’s Guardians of the Void and Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Land of Nod. Art and poem pairings provide a rich exploration of themes and experiences. It creates deep connections between two content areas through meaningful discussion. It also spurs the imagination and artmaking with boundless avenues to communicate images and ideas. Expand your students’ artistic horizons and serve these perfect pairings in your art room. Bon Appétit!

What art and poem pairing will you use to inspire your next lesson?

How do you make connecting with and responding to art engaging and immersive? 

The post 12 Art and Poem Pairings to Inspire Creative Expression in Your Art Room  appeared first on The Art of Education University.

What is Dada?

Dada is an artistic and literary movement formed in response to World War I from 1916 to the mid-1920s. This war brought new weapons, communication, and transportation technology. In a world increasingly focused on machines and logical systems, Dada aimed to break the rules with chance, spontaneity, the unconventional, and the absurd.

In art, Dadaists explored new ways to use, transform, and combine traditional mediums, artforms, and experiences. Collage, photomontage, performance art, and found objects (such as Marcel Duchamp’s “readymades”) exploded! Artistic intent and voice were more important than aesthetics. In literature, Dadaists broke free from the rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Why should I care about this obscure art movement?

Aside from Dada being a very influential art movement that precedented Surrealism and Pop Art (to name a few), Dada is a student favorite. If you have students who aren’t “interested” in art or aren’t comfortable with their art skills, they are bound to be future Dadaists! Because Dada is highly based on chance and spontaneity, it decreases the “scary” or “serious” factor of drawing in front of others and adds a huge element of surprise and fun. For your perfectionists, Dada will encourage them to “let go” and enjoy the process. This movement will also resonate with your secondary students who are in the developmental brain stage of testing authority. The ideas below will provide safe outlets for your students to express themselves while still learning about art, literature, and history! 

Embrace the “nonsense” with the three activities below that merge art and poetry.

1. Cut-Up

There are many variations on how to do this but essentially, students cut words or phrases from a piece of text and piece them back together randomly. Do a similar process to create a “chance collage” like Jean Arp. Introduce Jean Arp with the artist bio from FLEX Curriculum. Students take scraps of paper and drop them onto a base paper. Then, they glue the paper exactly where it lands. 

2. Automatic Writing

Many of us (including our students!) love to doodle. Like neurographic drawing, it helps maintain focus during staff meetings or classes and engages the creative side of our brains. If you apply the same mindless process to writing, you’ll get Automatic Writing. Set the scene for students to relax: dim the lights and play soft sounds or music. Students write whatever words come into their train of thought. Feel free to ease into this activity with a simple prompt. Use this as a warm-up to support your classroom management and a calm start to class.

3. Chance 

Grab some dice and get rolling! Each number can refer to a specific word in a word bank. Alternatively, take an existing poem and turn it into a new, shortened poem. Each roll will determine the next word. For example, if you roll a three for your first roll, your first word will be the third word. Then, let’s say you roll a six for your second roll. Your second word will be six words from that. Repeat until you have a revised masterpiece!

Likewise, apply the dice roll to drawing to create fun illustrations and stimulate creative thinking. Create your own paper cubes to make custom drawing prompts like elementary art teacher, Candido Crespo.

Encourage your students to navigate artmaking with more risk, chance, and opportunity! Try the Transformation: Risk & Chance Collection in FLEX Curriculum. It includes six lesson plans for all age levels that also integrate color theory and contemporary art. 

Switch things up in your art room and incorporate Dada poetry for a breath of fresh air from traditional methods and artforms. This new means of expression will spur your students to let go, trust the process, and focus on concepts over aesthetics. Plus, the connections will enrich students’ understanding of art, literature, and history during this era. Try the cut-up method or roll the dice to compose a new poem and collage, or introduce automatic writing to de-stress. Celebrate the unconventional with one of the three activities above to foster boundless possibilities!

Do your students love or hate Dada art?

How do you encourage students to let go in the art room?

The post 3 Ridiculous and Spontaneous Ways to Bring Poetry Into the Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.

Harvard Project Zero states the eight studio habits of mind are as follows: 

1. Develop Craft
2. Engage & Persist
3. Envision
4. Express
5. Observe
6. Reflect
7. Stretch & Explore
8. Understand Art Worlds

Establishing these habits develops a classroom culture that values the artistic process. Moreover, students can continue to shape their art process even after completing their artwork. For more about the SHoM with practical application and resources, check out the Studio Habits of Mind in the Elementary Art Room Pack in PRO Learning. Although designed for elementary, it provides helpful overviews of each habit and several activities that will transfer well to high school.

Keep reading to discover 12 activities designed for high school early finishers. These activities will keep students engaged in continuous learning!

1. Construct a sticky note wall of Mini Masterpieces.

Display students’ creativity in a public space on a wall of Mini Masterpieces. Mini Masterpieces are sticky note drawings based on prompts. The smaller size is less daunting for students to draw on. Use provided prompts or adapt them to connect with what students are currently learning in your classroom. In addition, simple drawing prompts can help stimulate art creation and overcome the tendency to overthink. These finished masterpieces may even spark new inspiration for larger projects!

2. Supply students with coloring pages and Finish the Picture worksheets.

Contrary to popular belief, high schoolers love to color! As mentioned above, students often get into the habit of overthinking and then they get stuck. Academic course loads can be overwhelming for secondary students so activities that encourage a flow state are a welcome change of pace. Try coloring pages and Finish the Picture worksheets to spark new inspiration. Connect these activities to your curriculum by requiring specific shading techniques or color schemes. 

3. Recycle scrap paper and old artwork with a bookmark station.

Repurpose old artworks and scrap paper into bookmarks to reduce waste and allow students to create functional art! This activity encourages environmental consciousness and an opportunity to design. Bookmarks also make perfect gifts or inventory for an art club fundraiser. Cultivate positive community connections and donate them to the local library or retirement center.

4. Create a fidget corner or mindful area.

At the elementary level, these areas serve as great calm-down spaces. The good news is that high schoolers enjoy them too! Use a fidget corner as a calm space to work on puzzles or a speed cube, or build with plastic building bricks. Like the coloring page idea above, this area offers students a much-needed mindful moment in their busy academic day.

5. Delegate students to help around the classroom.

Delegate tasks to maintain the studio space and teach students responsibility and teamwork. Many middle school and high school students love to help sort paper, hang artwork, or wash paintbrushes. These tasks promote ownership in the classroom and help complete your to-do list.

6. Select a list of photo prompts.

Use photo prompts as an early finisher activity for mess-free mobile art creation. Just like the Mini Masterpieces drawing prompts above, you can use a pre-made list or adjust it to incorporate the current seasons or holidays. In addition, photo challenges are a fun way to get students’ creativity flowing. Watch the video below for a way to implement and collect photos for a digital scavenger hunt.

7. Collect old magazines for a collage corner.

Dedicate a corner or space to collage creation with piles of old magazines and newspapers. Students can use these materials in their sketchbooks, visual journals, or new artworks. Secondary students love making collages and creating unique juxtapositions with images. For ways to spice up your students’ collage practice, watch The Basics of Collage Pack in PRO Learning. 

8. Add an origami station. 

Magazine paper also makes a great alternative to origami paper because it’s colorful and thin. Students who love to build and work with their hands often love this paper-folding process. Origami not only allows for hands-on exploration but also teaches patience and craftsmanship. Host an ongoing challenge to see who can compose the smallest and largest origami creations!

9. Establish habits of visual journaling.

Visual journaling is a great tool to foster critical thinking skills like analysis, examination, evaluation, and reflection. They are a way to document the art process for secondary-level students’ portfolios. If you teach advanced courses such as AP or IB art, students are most likely required to work on and submit some form of a process portfolio or sketchbook. After an artwork is complete, the remaining class time is a prime opportunity to wrap up incomplete journal pages, add a few more to synthesize learning, and brainstorm fresh ideas for the next artwork!

10. Assemble an inspiration corner.

Put together an inspirational corner of art books, FLEX Curriculum artist bios, and social media trends in the art world. Break the monotony of screens and go old school with a library of physical resources students can flip through and explore. Invite students to contribute to this space to foster a sense of community. When students don’t know where to start on a project, you can also send them to this corner to jumpstart the ideation process.

11. Design a school community grid. 

Use the grid drawing process to create a large-scale community artwork. This approach can be a fun way to include the school community by making portraits of teachers or students of the month. Stylize the portrait to break it down into simple shapes and values that will be straightforward for students to replicate on their own. Break up the portrait into a grid and blow up each individual square before printing. Label the squares and provide corresponding blank squares of paper. Once all of the squares are complete, display the mural for the school community to see! 

12. Encourage collaboration with an interactive community artwork.

Why stop at your school community? Keep the fun going with your local community! Create a large-scale community artwork using white butcher paper. Ask local businesses or organizations if your students can create a custom banner for an upcoming event. Then, draw a large-scale black-and-white line drawing for your students to color. Depending on the event, you can swap this process—your students can create the line drawing design for the community to color in! 

Early finisher activities are a great way for students to embrace the SHoM from the start to finish of class. The activity options provided above can all align with specific learning objectives if needed. Your secondary students may surprise you with their willingness to put down their devices and dive into these activities! However, if you are looking for a small boost of motivation, you can assess the activities with participation, self-assessment rubrics, or extra credit. Make every minute of class count in your art room with plastic building bricks, recycled artwork, pads of sticky notes, AOEU’s complimentary downloads, and more. Once you establish the SHoM in your classroom, your students won’t want to leave!

What are your favorite early finisher activities for the secondary art room?

How do you encourage a learning-centered environment and culture in your classroom? 

The post Unplug with 12 Innovative Early Finisher Activities for the Secondary Art Room appeared first on The Art of Education University.