Before moving into higher education, I was a K-8 art specialist. At that time it was challenging to find comprehensive arts curricula that had inexpensive materials and was feasible for a classroom setting. Many projects look great on paper, but end up being an unwelcome adventure. Eventually, I could pick and choose projects and build activities that tied in with students’ academics. There were still times when I was overconfident in a class’ readiness for something (ahem, making bubble paper with 1st graders).
Many teachers find including the arts in their curriculum daunting. They aren’t as familiar with materials and don’t consider themselves “crafty”. Sometimes schools are fortunate enough to an arts specialist, but for those who aren’t, teaching art is left to the classroom teacher.
My hope is that this site can help teachers who find themselves in this position build the confidence to go in, have some artsy crafty fun, and not break the bank while doing so.
Wishing you all the best - Ange
