Art Made Easy
Welcome to Art Made Easy, a weekly podcast to help you teach art to kids. I'm excited to bring you interviews with the best in the biz; inspiring art teachers, authors, creative souls and teaching experts. Join me to navigate the World of Kid's Art Through Stories, Tips and Practical How-To's!
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AME 153: Creative Thinkers
03/18/2020
AME 153: Creative Thinkers
The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It’s early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people are just plain confused. Folks deal with these types of events differently. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to stay put, not travel, hoard toilet paper and stock up on Chardonnay. So I thought it might be helpful to offer you a permission slip to slow down, calm down and take this pandemic day by day. There are so many opportunities lurking behind every bored moment, teaching challenge and frustrations. You never really know when you’ll hit your stride of capturing moments for your students and children during this disruption. This episode shares insights on how boredom is the biggest precursor to creativity. How pulling back maybe the best way to ignite children’s creativity.
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AME 152: Your Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One)
03/11/2020
AME 152: Your Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One)
Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you’re grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does. You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations. And believe me, I’ve had a few. If you struggle with any of the above then I’m happy to say that the solution easy. Today, I’m sharing how a communication plan will empower you with a clear message that will virtually eliminate any confusion with parents, teachers and your administration. "When you are confident in your approach, art philosophy, rules and procedures, you can bet others will be confident in YOU.” — Patty Palmer
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AME 151: The Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days
03/04/2020
AME 151: The Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days
As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the more classes a project requires, the more likely it is that kids will fall behind. And that means a portfolio of unfinished work. One of the most effective ways to tackle unfinished work is to schedule a make-up art day for your students. Not only are they helpful in building the confidence level of your young artists but they’ll have more finished art to choose from for your annual art show. It’s a win-win! Why you should schedule a Make-up day: 1. Students can select which projects mean the most to them 2. Students feel a sense of accomplishment 3. Portfolios reflect the full body of work the student has created 4. More projects to select from for the art Show HOW: 1. Set up your space to reflect how students will move through their projects 2. Pull out portfolios and lay on table 3. Determine the projects that have the most unfinished work 4. Set up individual tables with the supplies to work on those projects 5. Allow children to move from table to table Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the . I’d love to hear your main takeaways from this week’s podcast. LINKS & RESOURCES:
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AME 150: 5 unconventional ways to connect with your students
02/26/2020
AME 150: 5 unconventional ways to connect with your students
Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive? Don’t throw out your behavior management plan just yet. All you might need is a change in how you engage with your students. Here are my favorite — and slightly unconventional ways— to connect with your students so your art room is engaging, happy and fun.
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AME 149: How to Embrace Your Role as a Non-Credentialed Art Teacher
02/19/2020
AME 149: How to Embrace Your Role as a Non-Credentialed Art Teacher
Are you a credentialed art teacher? Or are you teaching art without an art related degree? I'm curious because this topic has been a HOT one in our Facebook groups. And truthfully, if I get any hate mail at all, it's usually because of two things: selling art lessons or saying you can teach art even if you’re not an artist. I do both because I believe in both. Especially the latter. In this episode of Art Made Easy, I talk about the friction that can happen when these two types of art educators collide. I’ll go over my strategies that can help you adjust your mindset in order to stay positive and be confident with the skills that you have. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - Helpful practices from my experience as a non-credentialed art teacher - How to overcome your feelings and change your mindset - Strategies to keep your focus on happy art and happy kids - Tips for staying motivated - How to avoid toxic thoughts LINKS & RESOURCES: Art Made Easy Aftershow Discussion: The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo: How to Lead for Female Entrepreneurs Podcast by Kris Plachy:
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AME 148: How to Prepare for Your School Art Show
02/12/2020
AME 148: How to Prepare for Your School Art Show
Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student’s year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be overwhelming. Whether you’re excited to put this together (or expected to) it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. In this episode, I’ll take you through each step to prepare yourself and what you can do make sure your art show is a success. Download my Art Show Checklist below: WHAT YOU’LL LEARN -How to select the right projects for display - Who you should contact to help coordinate your event - Why student portfolios are important - What are the most important things you’ll need to do one month, one week and a day before the show Join us in the Dazzlers Podcast Aftershow Discussion to chat more about art shows and share your best art show successes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ LINKS & RESOURCES: Sparkler Krista Hillman’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/artsatplaceracademy/ Sarah Krajewski’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/artroomglitterfairy/ Art Show Guidebook: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/shop/art-show-guidebook/ (**Sparkler Club members you have access to this in your TEACHER AIDES)
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AME 147: Nailing Your Art Demo
02/05/2020
AME 147: Nailing Your Art Demo
When you demonstrate a project your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students what they need to do to finish successfully. The question is how do you do that? In this episode, I’ll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that are useful for art demos and classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - Answers to the most common questions I get about art demos - How you can switch up your demos for different grade levels - What you can do to command their attention during a demo - How to teach a guided drawing to a class - The pros and cons of using a document camera versus demonstrating on your whiteboard and teaching around a table Join us in the Dazzlers Facebook Group Podcast Aftershow to talk more about demo tips + share pictures of your demonstration style. Looking for some extra inspiration? Check my website at: LINKS & RESOURCES:
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AME 146:The Art of Slowing Things Down
01/29/2020
AME 146:The Art of Slowing Things Down
I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t able to work on the same project for extended periods of time — even as little as 30 minutes. They get bored or anxious, so they rush through the project in a haphazard way just to get to the next activity. If this is the reality then perhaps we can reconsider how we engage with our students. To hold a child’s attention, a new strategy might be the best way to get them excited to participate in the lesson. In this episode, I’ll offer my tips and tricks to keep your class focused and teach your students how to enjoy the creative process by slowing down. Join us in the - After Show Discussion to discuss your process in the art room. What are your tips to engage early finishers? What’s the pace of your classroom? We want to hear what works for you, or maybe what areas you want to improve in. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How to keep early finishers engaged How your energy affects students (*if you get this down you’re golden) How to help kids make a connection to art using different mediums How to encourage students to be invested in the project and develop craftsmanship
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AME 145: 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth
01/22/2020
AME 145: 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth
When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience — a few sessions in my kid’s classroom crafting quilt squares, but no elaborate art projects. I felt like I was pushed into the deep end without any preparation… But what I did have was a vision for what I wanted to accomplish. I knew I had a unique opportunity to inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I wanted to make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself to making it feel special. I backed my ideas up with lessons, then plans, and finally a curriculum that I was proud of. As the years went on, I recognized that I was getting better, and I started to ask myself what’s next? I created goals and identified milestones for myself. I wanted to maintain focus and stay confident in my teaching skills, without getting stale. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the 5 Stages of Teacher Growth, and give you the tools to move you to the next stage. Listen as I share my roadmap and help you identify where you might be in your teaching career, and how to start creating your own milestones. Be sure to download a copy of my 5 Stages of Teacher Growth below. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: How I define a Stage 1 teacher, and the way that their passion for art leads them to teaching What are the goals and milestones for Stage One teachers, including art fundamentals How you develop your style and start using different media and techniques as a Stage Two teacher Why a Stage Three teacher focuses on building confidence and adopting an art philosophy What ways a Stage Four teacher shares their expertise with others How a Stage Five teacher can use his or her mastery to set and use processes LINKS & RESOURCES:
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AME 144: How to Think Your Way to a Happy Year
01/15/2020
AME 144: How to Think Your Way to a Happy Year
My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity. For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn’t always the case. We don’t have to radically reinvent ourselves in order to find happiness. To quote one of my favorite authors, “the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.”―Eckhart Tolle The most important thing that you can do for yourself, to live a happy life is to be present. Don’t worry too much on what will be in the future. Don’t dwell on what was in the past… But be happy in the now. In this episode, I’ll share my recipe for inner-peace. Part of that is finding clarity, and using that clarity to help you create a more focused and intentional lifestyle. In this podcast, I will talk to you about how I use “I CAN,” statements in my own life to help cultivate happiness and give you advice to help you align your thoughts with your goals. Join me after the podcast inside the to share your ‘word of the year’ for 2020 and let me know what kind of online course you’d be interested in.
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AME 143: What do we mean when we talk about cookie-cutter art
12/18/2019
AME 143: What do we mean when we talk about cookie-cutter art
In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase… and that’s, “cookie cutter art”. It really drives me nuts. It used to send me into a tail spin of feeling upset and discouraged about myself as an art teacher. But today I see it as such a judgement and I feel that it’s time we have a very frank conversation about what it means when you say “cookie-cutter art” and what do you really mean to say. So when did it “cookie-cutter” not allow students to become creative? This episode is for all the newly hired art teachers to the experience art specialists, who can benefit from learning all sorts of ways of teaching art, and becoming aware of the energy that we give to one another for our teaching styles. The truth is, is that there is not right or wrong was to teach this subject. Children are always changing as well as our own expectations as teachers and so we could use all the tools in our tool box we can get. So we’re going there…sharing how I think the term “cookie-cutting” should be used and the truth behind it’s connotation. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your thoughts on how we can better support each other for the upcoming new year If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
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AME 142: The 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving their Job
12/11/2019
AME 142: The 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving their Job
Welcome to the Art Made Easy Show where we talk about everything art—from techniques, project tips, management strategies but most of all what’s going on beneath the glitter and paint to reveal the true canvas of who you are as an art teacher. I’m your host, Patty Palmer, a former K-6 art teacher form Santa Barbara, CA and I help art teachers with the three magic actions of creating your dream art program: Reflect, Gather and Plan. In this episode I reveal the 3 things that hold teachers back from loving their job, and you’ll hear why it really doesn’t have to be this way!
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AME 141: The Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children
08/07/2019
AME 141: The Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children
Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage parents read to their children - and children are never to young or old! Janey shares strategies on what to read, when to read and how to manage reluctant readers. Make sure to download Janey’s Freebie on her favorite books to read before Kindergarten. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle or @darlingreaders Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
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AME 140: How to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities
07/31/2019
AME 140: How to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities
Patty chats with Gold Star Sparkler, Jennifer Ford Pace, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in her community of Henrico, Virginia. It’s a dive deep conversation on how Jennifer engages with her emotionally disabled students. If low attention spans, below grade level art skills or technology hungry kids are part of your classroom landscape, listen in to hear how Jennifers transcends these issues by creating connection. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle. Haven’t left review yet? Team Sparkle has set a goal of 500 ratings and reviews on iTunes by the end of the year. So what’s in it for you? Once we hit 500 ratings/reviews, we’ll hold a raffle for a ticket to our 2020 Online Art Workshop! Just head over to and submit your review. If you already submitted a review, don’t worry. We’ll throw ALL of our reviews and ratings into the pool. Good luck and thanks for the rating.
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AME 139: How to Grow a Customer base for your Art Studio with Meri Cherry
07/24/2019
AME 139: How to Grow a Customer base for your Art Studio with Meri Cherry
Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies on filling your classes or how to decide what art to create, she goes much, much deeper. We chat about how to know if you’re ready to expand and at the same time, how to slow down. We talk about the bigger issues of running a studio program for students: intention, environment, energy…all the good stuff! And of course, we talk about her new book, Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook. WHAT’LL YOU LEARN: • What Meri’s journey of growing and expanding has looked like • How you too can be ready for that next step • Where to begin transforming, scaling and growing • Why word of mouth advertising and the power of ‘moms’ is so important to your success • How your environment will become your third teacher LINKS & RESOURCES: Send screenshots of your rating & review on Apple Podcasts to
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AME 138: How to Approach Teaching Art with a Calm Mind
07/17/2019
AME 138: How to Approach Teaching Art with a Calm Mind
Kristin Damsetter is a full-time public school art teacher who is passionate about living a balanced and mindful life. She’s been practicing yoga, mindfulness and meditation since 2007 and teaching it since 2014. Growing up and moving around a lot in the public school system, she experienced 23 different classroom settings by the time she was 28. She noticed the tense or chaotic nature of some classrooms vs. the calming and nurturing feel of others. It wasn’t until recently at her own school, she noticed just how much support teachers needed when it comes to dealing with stress and anxiety related and how that energy transfers over to the students. She made it her new mission to help teachers reclaim the joy in their classrooms. She can help you to create calming learning environments while also reducing your stress by incorporating simple mindfulness practices into your daily routine.
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AME 137: How One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression
07/10/2019
AME 137: How One Art Teacher Copes with Anxiety & Depression
Felicia Merrick is a veteran classroom teacher of 22 years before becoming an art teacher. It’s a position she feels embodies all that she loves: creativity and children. But a series of devastating losses lead to a debilitating battle with anxiety and depression. Through daily calming practices, the right medication and a full self-help toolbox, Felicia is determined to manage anxiety. She hopes that by sharing her story, other art teachers will earn to identify the trigger points and to find the necessary help.
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AME 136: Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens
07/03/2019
AME 136: Finding Your Voice as an Art Teacher with Cassie Stephens
Cassie Stephens joins Patty for the second time on Art Made Easy. And this time we’re pulling back the colorful curtain and diving into why she wanted to write a second book, why starting a podcast feels right and why it’s important to put social media in it’s place. And just for the fun of it, a behind-the-scenes peek at what it was like to be a contestant on Nailed It.
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AME 135: Ways to Make Art a Priority in Your Family with Jean Van’t Hul
06/26/2019
AME 135: Ways to Make Art a Priority in Your Family with Jean Van’t Hul
Do you ever wonder how the art moms on social media actually get their kids to create art? The photos are beautiful, the kids are engaged and the materials beg to be used. What’s their secret sauce? Most likely, they’ve been inspired and nurtured by Jean Van’t Hul, the founder of The Artful Parent. Jean started The Artful Parent partly to chronicle and share the experiences with her children’s art group, and also as a way for her to focus more on what it means to her to be an artful parent. This episode is our conversation on what it’s been like growing the blog, writing books and engaging her passions.
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AME 134: Adopting a Growth Mindset as an Art Teacher
06/19/2019
AME 134: Adopting a Growth Mindset as an Art Teacher
Of the many daily challenges art teachers face, adopting a growth mindset may not be at the top of your list. Emily Gould, known as @sierramadres on instagram, is a K-12 art teacher who has done it all. Throughout her years teaching art, her one main focus is to never stop learning, always move forwards and do what’s best for the students. Sounds like a good plan, right? Are you ready to create your dream art curriculum this year? Be the first in line when The Sparklers Club opens by joining the waitlist at ! If you enjoy this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram Stories and tag me, @deepspacesparkle, and Emily, @sierramadres. I would also love if you subscribed to the podcast and left a review on Apple Podcasts, Looking for more art teacher resources? Download your FREE curriculum Planning Guide () and listen to more Art Made Easy podcasts.
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AME 133: How to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections
06/12/2019
AME 133: How to Engage Students with Limited English Through Community Connections
Do you have students who speak limited English? Teaching art in a community with language barriers is a ripe opportunity for engagement and connection. You might just need to approach teaching differently. Today’s guest, classroom teacher Hannah Coggins, teaches 1st and 2nd grade in Africa. She shares her strategies for engaging and slowing children down long enough to reflect on their art, so that they can truly be the best version of themselves. Do you listen to Art Made Easy on your phone? If so, grab a screenshot and share with me on Instagram. I’ll give you a shout-out and share you with the art teaching world. You can find Patty on Instagram through @deepspacesparkle.
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AME 132: Clean Up Strategies & Routines for the Art Room
04/24/2019
AME 132: Clean Up Strategies & Routines for the Art Room
It’s 5 minutes before the end of art class, the room is a mess. Some kids are finishing up their projects, others are not. The clock is ticking and you know what comes next…clean-up time. What do you do next? That depends on you…today on art made easy, I help you outline the best clean-up routine for YOU. That little phrase always puts me in panic mode. Why? Because I didn’t have a system…at least one in which I identified as sound. By the end of my class, the area by my sink I’ve always been honest about this failing of mine. I like to create not clean! This use to worry me and make me feel like a fraud..real art teachers know what to do. They have their classroom procedures under control. What I know now that I didn’t know then… But lucky for you, I have a few strategies that will help YOU identify the best clean-up routine for your art room.
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AME 131: Becoming an Art Educator After Raising a Family
04/17/2019
AME 131: Becoming an Art Educator After Raising a Family
Eva Marie Kirby from Tennessee dreamt of being an art educator since graduating college but marriage and raising a family put her dreams on hold. Fast forward twenty years, Eva Marie steps into the art room and finds herself on charge of 800 children ages 4-7. Her story is absolutely delightful and will inspire anyone who has waited before putting her career goals into action. Eva Marie is our Sparkler Spotlight of the month for April. She’s one of the first people to comment and ask questions in our private Facebook group and is always there to support others. At the end of the episode, Eva Marie asks me two questions about suitable art activities for developmentally delayed children and how to establish a clean-up routine.
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AME 130: A Deep Space Sparkle Book Pick Spring 2019: How The Enneagram Broke Me Wide Open
04/10/2019
AME 130: A Deep Space Sparkle Book Pick Spring 2019: How The Enneagram Broke Me Wide Open
I love listening to podcasts and over the past few years, mentions of the Enneagram personality test has popped up over an dover again. Last Fall, I decided to explore it further and happened upon a podcast interviewing Ian Cron. I was intrigued. The podcast shared how valuable knowing your team’s personality profile and how it can help the team as they interact with each other. Being the team enthusiast that I am, I sent all of Team Sparkle a link to take the Enneagram Test with the expectations that we would share our results at our Team Retreat. We did and it was really fun BUT…as I explored the Enneagram a bit more, through Ian Cron’s book The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery, I was felt a sense of awakening that I never experienced before. And that’s why I decided to make The Road Back to You, Deep Space Sparkle’s book pick for Spring 2019. I can’t wait for you to listen to how this book impacted how I think about myself and the work I do but also how it has helped improve how I interact with my team and my loved ones.
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AME 129: How to Rock your First Year Teaching Art
04/03/2019
AME 129: How to Rock your First Year Teaching Art
The field of art education is often overlooked as a viable career in most school counseling offices. Many college students aren’t even aware that the profession exists. Today’s guest, Kelsi Quicksall declared Communications as her major until a quiet suggestion from a loved one opened up a world of possibilities. Now into her second year teaching art, Kelsi has a passion for teaching, a love and connection to her students and a strong following on Instagram. She absolutely radiates positivity! Make sure to visit www.deepspacesparkle.com AME 130 for links to Kelsi’s favorite art teacher’s management tool.
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AME 128: How to Use Mantras to Create Connection & Consistency with Your Students
03/27/2019
AME 128: How to Use Mantras to Create Connection & Consistency with Your Students
Do you have a mantra? Something you say out loud before every class? I sort of did. My mantra of every child is somebody’s baby was something I thought about before the students poke their heads inside the art room. But it never occurred to me to pick something to say loud and proud. Enter Sarah Krajewski, AKA Art Room Glitter Fairy. She created a mantra that is spoken before every one of her art classes. Sometimes with matching actions. Sometimes silently. But always with the students. Sarah shares her heart-felt strategies for connecting with her students in a very real way. You’ll love Sarah’s honest advice, her commitment to her own artistic pursuits and how she wins her art program. Make sure to head over to www.deepsacesparkle.com to download Sarah’s Mantra poster!
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AME 127: Budget-Friendly Ways to Cover Art Tables
03/20/2019
AME 127: Budget-Friendly Ways to Cover Art Tables
One of the small details that often gets overlooked is whether or not to cover your art tables during art class. What type of placemats work best? Should the whole table should be covered in paper? Fabric? Maybe it doesn’t even matter? It took me a few years to figure out this placemat thing but when I did, it streamlined my prep and clean up substantially. Today’s episode answers a question from the . Katie asks, Does anyone have an inexpensive way to make clay mats? My budget for the year has been used up, so I’m looking for out-of-pocket affordable solutions. Any cheap and quick ideas? I totally hear you, Katie! This episode is for you an all the art teachers who are wondering: - what type of placemats work best - when to use placemats - when NOT to use placemats - best mats for clay and ceramics.
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AME 126: Four lessons I learned about classroom management from years of subbing
03/13/2019
AME 126: Four lessons I learned about classroom management from years of subbing
Are your students coming to class attentive, respectful and ready to learn? Or do you spend most of your time battling challenging students? No one wants to admit that there are days—maybe weeks—when the students wear you down so badly that you sink to a low point of frustration and behavior. I know I’ve been there. And believe me, there’s no worse feeling than knowing you let down the students and yourself. Today’s guest, Team Sparkle’s own Amy Clay shares four powerful management strategies that will help you get your class back on track. Her years of being a sub empowered her to tackle classroom management head on. She shares her passion for being an art sub and ways you can ensure that any substitute teacher who walks into your art room is welcomed and ready to create art with your students. Make sure to download the free Art Substitute PDF. It’s filled with helpful forms and worksheets that will allow you to feel confident during those unpredictable sick days. Amy Clay heads up the lesson development for Team Sparkle. She dreams, designs and creates the lessons that go into the art bundles inside our membership, The Sparklers Club.
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AME 125: What it Takes to Become Teacher of The Year
03/06/2019
AME 125: What it Takes to Become Teacher of The Year
Do you ever wonder what it takes to become teacher of the year? According to today’s guest, Barbara Hua, it wasn’t about having amazing art skills or years of experience — she had little of both. Instead it was something she didn’t realize was noticed — and her answer may surprise you. Barbara Hua, an art teacher from Conroe, Texas is a member in our Sparklers Club and is our featured Sparkler of the Month. What we love about Barbara is her fresh approach to learning, staying curious and celebrating children’s creative expression. Her road to becoming an art teacher started with a decision to to school in her forties. And she’s been paving the way ever since. To learn more about Barbara and see pictures of her student’s art, head over to
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AME 124: The Creative Habit: Learn it and use it for life by Twyla Tharp by Simon and Schuster
02/27/2019
AME 124: The Creative Habit: Learn it and use it for life by Twyla Tharp by Simon and Schuster
I’m diving deep into how to cultivate your creativity with daily practice and awareness by following the exercise in Twyla Tharp’s books The Creative Habit…our first book in the DSS book club…that’s today on Art Made Easy. This book isn’t what you think it is. It’s not a quick checklist of creative activities to do so you feel like you accomplished something. This book goes deep into the psyche of how creatives think. Not just visual artists but musicians, writers and dancers. It stabs you with truths and realizations that really make you think. So much that reading this book didn’t happen quickly. I would stop at a sentence and allow the words to sink in. It was hard to pick favorites but I managed to select my top 5 take-aways from the book. After the episode, join me over on the Deep Space Sparkle Facebook page for a discussion on what you thought of The Creative Habit.
/episode/index/show/artmadeeasy/id/8764667