Why it is so Cool to teach Art to Kids?
Teaching art to kids can be a great profession for several reasons:
Positive impact on children's development: Art education can have a positive impact on children's social, emotional, and cognitive development. As an art teacher, you have the opportunity to help children develop their creativity, self-expression, and problem-solving skills.
Fulfilling and rewarding: Helping children explore their creativity and express themselves through art can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. You can witness their growth and progress, and see the impact you have on their lives.
Variety and flexibility: Teaching art allows for a lot of variety and flexibility in your work. You can teach a variety of art forms and techniques, and create your own lesson plans and activities. This can keep your work interesting and engaging.
Creativity and self-expression: As an art teacher, you have the opportunity to be creative and express yourself through your teaching. You can create a positive learning environment that encourages experimentation, creativity, and self-expression.
Lifelong impact: Art education can have a lifelong impact on children, as it helps develop skills that can be applied in many areas of life. As an art teacher, you have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on your students' lives.
Overall, teaching art to kids can be a fulfilling and rewarding profession that allows you to positively impact children's lives and help them develop important skills.
Why is it so important for kids to have art?
There are several important reasons why kids should have art in school:
1. Promotes creativity and self-expression: Art education provides kids with the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves in a way that is not always possible in other subjects. It can help foster a sense of individuality and self-expression.
2. Develops critical thinking skills: Art education can help kids develop critical thinking skills by encouraging them to analyze, interpret, and make decisions about their artwork. This can help them develop problem-solving skills that can be applied in many areas of life.
3. Boosts academic performance: Research has shown that participation in arts education can improve academic performance, including in areas such as math and reading. Art education can also help improve attendance and engagement in school.
4. Enhances cultural understanding: Art education can expose kids to different cultures and perspectives, helping to promote understanding and empathy.
5. Improves fine motor skills: Art education often involves working with various materials and tools, which can help kids develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Overall, art education is an important component of a well-rounded education for children. It provides them with the opportunity to develop important skills and express themselves creatively, while also potentially improving their academic performance and promoting understanding of different cultures and perspectives.
When I decided to write the Montessori curriculum to help teachers get rid of the overwhelm in the classroom, I made sure to add more art and music than you will find in traditional Montessori classrooms. I wanted to make sure that we not only focus on math and reading skills, but create an avenue for students to express themselves.
Here are 5 more traits of a great art teacher:
Good communicator: An art teacher must be able to effectively communicate with their students, explaining techniques, giving feedback, and providing guidance.
Adaptable: A great art teacher is adaptable and flexible, able to adjust their teaching to meet the needs and abilities of each individual student.
Organized: Teaching art involves managing a lot of materials and supplies. A great art teacher must be organized and able to keep track of materials and resources.
Collaborative: A great art teacher is able to collaborate with other teachers and community members to bring new opportunities and resources into the classroom.
Lifelong learner: A great art teacher is a lifelong learner, continuously seeking out new techniques, mediums, and approaches to teaching art. They are open to new ideas and approaches and are always looking for ways to improve their teaching practice.
5 Traits of an Amazing Art Teacher
I have been passionate about making sure that children have access to creativity in the classroom since 2005. I noticed with my oldest kid that the only way to get art classes was to pay for them privately once you reached a certain grade level. So I began teaching classes in community centers and after school classes in Arizona, Virginia and online. For those who are interested in becoming an art teacher, I put together a list of traits I notice in great art teachers.
5 traits of a great art teacher
Passionate about art: A great art teacher has a deep passion for art and a strong desire to share that passion with their students.
Creative: An art teacher must be creative in order to inspire and engage their students. They need to have the ability to think outside of the box and come up with innovative and engaging lesson plans.
Knowledgeable: An art teacher should have a strong understanding of art history, techniques, and mediums. They should be able to teach students about the elements of art and principles of design.
Encouraging: A great art teacher is encouraging and supportive of their students. They help students to build confidence in their abilities and to take risks in their art-making.
Patient: Teaching art can be a messy and unpredictable process. A great art teacher must be patient and understanding, allowing students to explore their creativity in their own way and at their own pace.
Why the Reggio Teacher is so important.
The magic behind the Reggio environment is…
The teacher. You can’t get away from this key player in the environment. The environment is enhanced or disturbed by this one entity and the way they embody the tenets of the Reggio philosophy. the more we try to run toward this elusive idea of rigor and excellence, the more teachers have to preserve these key building blocks a child’s life for play and exploration and imagination.
Looking for tips on how to choose a school for your child? Observe your teacher for these qualities:
Reflection: Reggio teachers are reflective practitioners, regularly reflecting on their teaching practice and the children's learning. They use this reflection to improve their practice and to better understand the children's needs.
A focus on relationships: Reggio teachers place a strong emphasis on building positive relationships with the children, families, and other educators. They understand that positive relationships are essential for learning and development.
A willingness to take risks: Reggio teachers are willing to take risks and try new things in their teaching practice. They understand that taking risks is essential for growth and learning.
A commitment to social justice: Reggio teachers are committed to social justice and equity. They work to create inclusive environments where all children feel valued and respected.
A lifelong learner: Reggio teachers are lifelong learners, continuously seeking out new knowledge and skills to improve their teaching practice. They understand that learning is a never-ending process and are always open to new ideas and perspectives.
Looking for a Reggio Environment for your child? Here are 5 things to look for in your Reggio Teacher
As I continue to explore the many philosophies of educating children, I find my heart continues to be intrigued by the Reggio environment. I have had the privilege of working in one for a few years and the biggest pressure a teacher has is to not be pushed by parents to have the classroom slowly morph into the ‘academic’ traditions that so many classrooms hold to. Trust and intuition are two key factors to this space that have to be in place in order for this experience to be successful.
Here are 5 keys to look for in your Reggio teacher:
A deep respect for children: A great Reggio teacher sees children as capable, curious learners who have their own ideas and thoughts to contribute.
Flexibility: Reggio teachers are flexible and responsive to the interests and needs of the children. They are able to adjust their plans and activities based on what the children are interested in and what they are learning.
Creativity: Reggio teachers are creative and able to come up with new ideas and ways of presenting information to the children. They are able to use a variety of materials and media to engage the children in learning.
Collaboration: Reggio teachers work collaboratively with the children, families, and other educators. They value the contributions of everyone involved in the learning process.
Observation: Reggio teachers are skilled observers, able to closely observe the children's play and interactions with materials. They use these observations to guide their teaching and to plan activities that build on the children's interests and needs.
What is nature Based Learning?
What is nature based learning about?
Nature-based learning is an educational approach that emphasizes learning and connecting with nature. It involves providing children with opportunities to explore, investigate, and learn from the natural world around them.
In nature-based learning, children engage in hands-on, experiential learning through activities such as observing plants and animals, exploring natural materials, and participating in outdoor adventures. They learn about science, math, language, and other subjects through direct experiences in nature.
Nature-based learning also promotes environmental stewardship by helping children develop a deep appreciation and understanding of the natural world. It encourages children to take responsibility for the environment and to become advocates for sustainability and conservation.
Nature-based learning can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, parks, nature centers, and other outdoor spaces. It is often used in early childhood education but can be adapted for learners of all ages.
Overall, nature-based learning provides children with a holistic and hands-on approach to learning that promotes physical, emotional, and intellectual growth, while also fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Is your preschooler happy at school?
This article is to remind parents to notice what is going on in your child’s classroom. It is NOT about harassing or bashing your child’s teacher! I do not think parents realize that is many instances, teachers do NOT have a choice in what is going on in the classroom. With observations and money goals putting so much pressure on teachers to somehow manage to make a decent living, the name of the game is to look at outcomes as not well being of the students in their care. Help your teacher to make the shift or move your child - you are putting the pressure in the wrong place if you are simply hate mailing your teacher.
Here’s 5 more things to look for in your child’s classroom:
1. Art and music: Preschoolers need opportunities for creative expression, such as drawing, painting, singing, and dancing, as it helps them develop their imagination and fine motor skills.
2. Positive relationships: Preschoolers thrive in environments where they feel safe and loved, and where they can form positive relationships with adults and peers.
3. Exploration of different cultures: Preschoolers need exposure to diverse cultures and experiences, as it helps them develop empathy, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them.
4. Mindfulness and relaxation: Preschoolers need opportunities to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help them regulate their emotions and reduce stress.
5. Individualized learning: Preschoolers have different learning styles and paces, so it's important to provide them with individualized learning opportunities that cater to their unique needs and interests.
5 Ways to Ensure your Preschooler is Happy at School (part 1)
As a teacher in the classroom, I sadly see the agenda of the preschool classroom changing. The desire to ‘prove’ we have a gifted child usurps the reality many of us can relate to which is: play is key is a satisfying life. So why are we slowly taking this gift from our children? Parents and teachers I submit to you what your preschoolers MUST do to expertise joy in their lives:
1. Playtime: Preschoolers need ample time for unstructured play, as it helps them develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
2. Language-rich environments: Preschoolers need to be exposed to a rich language environment, including conversations, songs, stories, and rhymes, to support their language development.
3. Hands-on learning: Preschoolers learn best through hands-on experiences, such as exploring with materials, engaging in sensory activities, and doing simple experiments.
4. Social-emotional learning: Preschoolers need opportunities to develop their social-emotional skills, such as learning how to regulate their emotions, develop empathy, and communicate effectively with others.
5. Outdoor activities: Outdoor play and exploration provide important opportunities for physical exercise, fresh air, and nature-based learning.
5 (More) Things Kindergarten Students Need More of in the classroom
There is something to be said about the simple ways children used to occupy their time. These games and the friendships that were built through the activity build social emotional intelligence in deep and meaningful ways.
Welcome to part two of 10 Things Kindergarten Students need to be able to do in the classroom (CLICK HERE for part 1):
Literature and storytelling: Reading and storytelling provide opportunities for language development, critical thinking, and imagination.
Exploration of different cultures: Kindergarten students need exposure to diverse cultures and experiences, as it helps them develop empathy, curiosity, and understanding of the world around them.
Mindfulness and relaxation: Kindergarten students need opportunities to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help them regulate their emotions and reduce stress.
Positive reinforcement: Kindergarten students thrive on positive reinforcement, so it's important to provide them with praise, encouragement, and recognition for their efforts.
Individualized learning: Kindergarten students have different learning styles and paces, so it's important to provide them with individualized learning opportunities that cater to their unique needs and interests.
By providing kindergarten students with these ten things, we can help them develop a love of learning and a solid foundation for future academic and personal success.
Parents, I implore to pay attention to what your students are actually doing in the classroom. Reading readiness and math should not tkae the place of these vital activities. They can work hand in hand.
5 Things Kindergarten Students Need More of
As a kindergarten teacher, I see first hand how so many activities that used to be a part of a normal classroom, are becoming extinct. And sadly, I do not think parents are noticing. And I do not think they really understand what the far reaching ramifications will be from these gaps in the classroom. So I thought I would put together a list of ten things that kindergarten students need more of (here are the first 5):
Playtime: Kindergarten students need ample time for unstructured play, as it helps them develop social skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
Hands-on learning: Kindergarten students learn best through hands-on experiences, such as exploring with materials, engaging in sensory activities, and doing simple experiments.
Social-emotional learning: Kindergarten students need opportunities to develop their social-emotional skills, such as learning how to regulate their emotions, develop empathy, and communicate effectively with others.
Outdoor activities: Outdoor play and exploration provide important opportunities for physical exercise, fresh air, and nature-based learning.
Art and music: Kindergarten students need opportunities for creative expression, such as drawing, painting, singing, and dancing, as it helps them develop their imagination and fine motor skills.
Stay tuned tomorrow for the next five in the list.
Looking for a Bundle of Art Lessons to Use in your Classroom?
Welcome to this fantastic bundle of art lessons that features five iconic artists: Henri Matisse, Vincent VanGogh, Ellsworth Kelly, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky. This bundle is perfect for Montessori and elementary teachers who want to introduce their students to a diverse range of artists and styles while promoting creativity and critical thinking.
Each lesson in this bundle is designed to teach students about a specific artist and their unique style of art. Here are four ways to integrate this bundle into other areas of the curriculum:
Literacy: Incorporate these lessons into your literacy curriculum. Have students read books about each artist and their work. Encourage them to write about their favorite works of art and what they appreciate about each artist's style.
Science: Use this bundle to explore the relationship between art and science. Henri Matisse's use of color and shape, Vincent VanGogh's use of light and shadow, and Ellsworth Kelly's exploration of form and space are all examples of how art can be influenced by scientific principles. Have students explore the science behind these concepts and how they are reflected in each artist's work.
Social Studies: Use this bundle to explore different cultures and historical periods. Each artist in this bundle has a unique cultural or historical background that influenced their work. For example, Wassily Kandinsky was influenced by his Russian heritage and the cultural movements of his time. Have students research each artist's cultural and historical background and how it influenced their work.
Math: Use this bundle to explore math concepts such as geometry and symmetry. Paul Klee's use of geometric shapes and patterns and Ellsworth Kelly's exploration of symmetry are great examples of how art can incorporate mathematical principles. Have students explore these concepts and create their own artwork inspired by math.
In conclusion, this bundle of art lessons featuring Henri Matisse, Vincent VanGogh, Ellsworth Kelly, Paul Klee, and Wassily Kandinsky is a great way to introduce students to a diverse range of artists and styles while promoting creativity and critical thinking. By incorporating this bundle into your curriculum, you can promote cross-curricular learning and engage your students in a fun and educational experience.