I apologize for not regularly adding to the blog lately. It’s been a bit overwhelming here and I haven’t had the motivation. With the day off today, I felt like sharing one cool new book I bought that I have been using with my little students (grades K-2). This book called Studio, A Place for Art to Start is perfect for the first weeks of school. (Affiliate link has been used at no extra cost to you.) This book shows all different types of art studios with fun and cute illustrations.
We are starting our school year fully virtually. I am posting one asynchronous (on your own) art lesson and one zoom meeting per week with the kiddos. The first week, I had a warm up art activity “Draw something fun you did this summer” and then the kids took turns sharing their drawings. I made a point to tell them they didn’t have to have gone anywhere or done anything out of the ordinary, it could just be playing video games or playing on a playground, basically anything fun that they liked to do. Giving a warm up drawing is a good way for me to be able to take attendance as well.
Then we read the book about art studios. Emily Arrow, the author, has a music video to go along with the book too. We had a little bit of time left so the kids drew a picture of an artist in an art studio.
For their asynchronous art lesson, they were assigned to watch the video and then complete the following: “What is a studio? A studio is any place where artists make art. You will set up your own home art studio. It can be as simple as a basket of art supplies and your kitchen table. (I make art a LOT at my kitchen table!). For your art homework this week, gather up the art supplies you have to use at home. Place them in a basket or arrange them on your table or desk. Take a picture of your supplies. You can be in the picture too! Then, create your first drawing using some of your supplies. Draw whatever you would like! Watch the Art Studio song. During our first Zoom meeting, we will read the new book called Studio: A Place for Art to Start.” The first lesson was just a simple gathering of supplies and a photo. This is our first time using Seesaw, so I wanted families to get used to the process of using Seesaw for assignments.
This fall I’m teaching elem art fully remote as a long term sub! I have settled into the routine and really love interacting with the kids. I’m loving your page! I wish I saw this post before our first day of school. I’ll have to figure a way to share this story with the kids – I love the Little Friends of Printmaking! I’m seeing Emily Arrow everywhere – she must have become popular since my kids were little. Thanks for sharing your advice!!