Amanda Koonlaba 1/12/23 Amanda Koonlaba 1/12/23

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.

Branda Villacob 1/4/23 Branda Villacob 1/4/23

How to Incorporate Student Choice in the Classroom with Choice-Based Art Lessons

When it comes to art education, the possibilities are endless. One way to engage students and encourage critical thinking is through choice-based art lessons that provide students with an opportunity for student choice in the classroom. Choice-based art lessons allow students to make decisions about their own artwork, encouraging creative problem-solving and self-expression.

Amanda Koonlaba 12/25/22 Amanda Koonlaba 12/25/22

3 Ways to Start Class On a Positive Note

If you are looking for other ideas for how to start your class on a positive note in order to establish a safe learning environment, I’ve rounded up 3 really great ideas below.

Amanda Koonlaba 12/22/22 Amanda Koonlaba 12/22/22

Novel Ways to Increase Engagement in Art Class

As teachers, it is important to find new and innovative ways to keep students motivated and interested in the material being taught. Incorporating novelty into the classroom is one of the best student engagement strategies available.

Amanda Koonlaba 12/19/22 Amanda Koonlaba 12/19/22

How to Facebook Like What Your Students Love to Draw

You know how sometimes on social media you “like” something just to be supportive. Come on, we all do it! Well, I’ve been thinking about applying that same concept to the things my students like to draw that drive me crazy! Here's a list of things I am tired of my students drawing all the time:

Amanda Koonlaba 12/9/22 Amanda Koonlaba 12/9/22

Effectively Teaching Art to Students with Diverse and Special Needs

Amanda Koonlaba 10/31/22 Amanda Koonlaba 10/31/22

Bright and Colorful Onomatopoeias in Mixed Media

This 3-step art lesson combines language arts with art to create bright and colorful onomatopoeias in mixed media. Using mixed media is one of my favorite projects to do because your students can get really creative with their artwork. Here’s how easy it is to merge the arts with another important subject.

Amanda Koonlaba 10/25/22 Amanda Koonlaba 10/25/22

Cinderella Dramatic Colors

Amanda Koonlaba 10/18/22 Amanda Koonlaba 10/18/22

Stylized Mountains Art Project for Kids (breathtaking and fun)

Amanda Koonlaba 10/10/22 Amanda Koonlaba 10/10/22

Math Art: Fantastic Angles Art Lesson Every Kid Will Love

Amanda Koonlaba 9/29/22 Amanda Koonlaba 9/29/22

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.

Amanda Koonlaba 9/25/22 Amanda Koonlaba 9/25/22

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.

Amanda Koonlaba 9/24/22 Amanda Koonlaba 9/24/22

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!

Amanda Koonlaba 9/17/22 Amanda Koonlaba 9/17/22

How Students Can Better Understand Theme and Metaphor by Weaving for Literacy: Esperanza Rising

Amanda Koonlaba 9/6/22 Amanda Koonlaba 9/6/22

3 Ways to Use Open-Ended Art Projects to Help Students Understand Theme

Amanda Koonlaba 8/16/22 Amanda Koonlaba 8/16/22

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.