Party in the Art Room Blog

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Art That Makes You Smarter (Black History Month) : Romare Bearden
Enhancement and Integration Amanda Koonlaba Enhancement and Integration Amanda Koonlaba

Art That Makes You Smarter (Black History Month) : Romare Bearden

In this post, I'm highlighting an artist who embodies all of that. When he decided not to veer from his own vision, even though it wasn't trending or popular at the time, he totally revised the art of collage for telling the American story. Romare Bearden was one of the most significant African American artists of the 20th century.

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Spring Life Cycle Mandalas
Amanda Koonlaba Amanda Koonlaba

Spring Life Cycle Mandalas

Use spring mandalas to go beyond teaching art skills! Review math and science content with this spring life cycle mandala activity.

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4 Entertaining and Educational Games to Play in Art Class

4 Entertaining and Educational Games to Play in Art Class

Looking for fun, educational games for art class? Check out these three simple games you can put together in a few minutes.

My students know I love to have a good time in art class! But, my goodness, it can be a struggle at times. As specials teachers, students can come to us a little out of sorts and disengaged. I have found that creating games for art class is an easy way to reinforce art skills, while also getting students invested in their learning.

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Elementary Art Lesson: How to Create an Ice Cream Painting for Kids
Enhancement and Integration, Curriculum Amanda Koonlaba Enhancement and Integration, Curriculum Amanda Koonlaba

Elementary Art Lesson: How to Create an Ice Cream Painting for Kids

In this elementary art lesson, you will learn step-by-step how to create an ice cream painting using crayons and tempera cakes. This is a great activity for children of all ages and the finished product is sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, it's a great way to encourage creativity and promote fine motor skills in young learners. So, let's get started and learn how to make an ice cream painting!

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How to Use the Inside Out Strategy for Looking at Art With Kids
Enhancement and Integration, Curriculum Amanda Koonlaba Enhancement and Integration, Curriculum Amanda Koonlaba

How to Use the Inside Out Strategy for Looking at Art With Kids

Do you want to teach your elementary art students how to look at art in a more meaningful way? The Inside Out Strategy is a great tool to use with kids to help them understand and appreciate the works of art they are looking at. This strategy encourages students to look beyond what they see on the surface and to make deeper connections with the work of art. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use the Inside Out Strategy for looking at art with kids.

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3 Helpful Ways to Stop Letting the Cuteness Competition Make You Hate Teaching
pedagogy Amanda Koonlaba pedagogy Amanda Koonlaba

3 Helpful Ways to Stop Letting the Cuteness Competition Make You Hate Teaching

3 Helpful Ways to Stop Letting the Cuteness Competition Make You Hate Teaching

If you’ve been teaching for any amount of time, then chances are you may have found yourself letting the cuteness competition make you hate teaching. I know about this all too well, which is why I’d like to share a few helpful ways you can navigate this trap and truly enjoy your teaching journey.

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Art Advocacy In Your Classroom
Leadership Amanda Koonlaba Leadership Amanda Koonlaba

Art Advocacy In Your Classroom

Art advocacy does not have to always mean beating down your legislator’s door. Art advocacy can be as simple as teaching the principles and elements of art, and it is just as important. Art advocacy is something you can do right from your classroom.

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3 Ways a Hand Drawn Resource Adds Tremendous Value to Your Instruction
pedagogy Amanda Koonlaba pedagogy Amanda Koonlaba

3 Ways a Hand Drawn Resource Adds Tremendous Value to Your Instruction

Have you ever considered using hand drawn resources with your students? In most cases, teachers go for resources that have been digitally drawn and created, and rightfully so. There are many deciding factors, but if I could draw your attention (no pun intended) to using hand drawn resources, it is sure to add tremendous value to your instruction. Here’s how!

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5 Best Self-Portrait Lessons: The Ultimate Roundup for Teachers
Enhancement and Integration Amanda Koonlaba Enhancement and Integration Amanda Koonlaba

5 Best Self-Portrait Lessons: The Ultimate Roundup for Teachers

Looking for a cheerful and colorful self-portrait lesson can be stressful and overwhelming at times, especially when there seems to be a lot to choose from. No need to keep looking for a great self-portrait lesson because everything you need is right here. Below is a roundup of my best Party in the Art Room self-portrait posts.

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Let’s kickstart learning together

Motivate your staff to teach in a whole child approach.