As an art teacher, one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions is being able to inspire and nurture creative students. Art teachers play a significant role in fostering their students’ talents and creativity, but the job can be overwhelming without the right art teacher resources and tools.
With so many resources available, it can be hard to determine which ones are most effective in improving student experiences and learning outcomes. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top resources every art teacher needs for their classroom, including free resources that you can access today.
What art teacher resources are used in the classroom?
Lesson Plans
One of the most crucial aspects of art instruction is developing engaging lesson plans that inspire creativity and critical thinking. For art teachers, crafting lesson plans can be time-consuming, especially when considering the different teaching methods, resources, and materials. Luckily, there are online resources such as ArtsEdge and The Art of Education that allow art teachers to access free art lesson plans designed by expert educators.
Art Supplies and Materials
Supplies and materials are the foundation of any art classroom. It’s essential that educators have access to a wide range of art supplies that enable students to experiment and express their creativity. Teachers can purchase art supplies directly from a physical or online store (like Amazon or Blick Art Materials), or can look to utilise suppliers specifically geared towards schools and educators, such as Nasco Arts & Crafts. Beyond the typical art tools like paint and brushes, teachers should consider investing in hands-on art tools like sculpting kits or ceramic sets for added student engagement.
Professional Development
For art teachers who aspire to improve their craft, it’s vital to seek out professional development opportunities. These can come in the form of attending workshops, conferences, or online courses. For instance, the Getty Museum provides free online courses on art history, visual art, and curriculum instruction. Participating in teacher associations such as the National Art Education Association is another way to connect with colleagues and gain access to conferences, magazines, and educational resources.
Art Education Websites and Blogs
In today’s digital world, there are more resources for art teachers than ever before. A simple internet search will usually provide pages upon pages of results but teachers are recommended to start with the following resources:
- The Art of Education (Formerly known as aoeteaching.com), provides inspiration, resources and advice.
- Art Teacher Blogs – Teachers may also access blogs specifically dedicated to offering tips and advice in fields such as primary or secondary education.
Digital Resources
The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for teaching art, providing access to limitless resources for the classroom. Technology tools and resources such as Peardeck, Google Arts & Culture, and Canva are great for creating immersive presentations, educational videos, and interactive quizzes centered around different art topics. Along with these resources, there are also numerous online digital art collections, archives, and exhibits for art students to explore and learn from.
What does every art teacher need in their classroom?
Storage Solutions
A well-organized art classroom is essential for teachers to operate efficiently with physical art supplies and materials. With organisers like the Studio Designs Utility Organizer and product sets like the Really Useful Box, teachers can keep track of supplies like paper, paint, and brushes, and store them neatly.
Accessible Classroom Technology
Technology in classrooms is now more prominent than ever, making it necessary for teachers to keep up with the trends. Investing in a projector or screen (a basic whiteboard or even a big wall) and a computer or tablet will enable teachers to display visuals for easier instruction and student engagement in the classrooms.
Engaging Classroom Spaces
Creative environments are important for cultivating creativity amongst students. Art teachers should strive to make their classrooms visually inspiring and comfortable for students. A fun and colorful classroom space can motivate students to learn, while artworks on display can provide inspiration for developing young artists.
Classroom Community
A sense of community is significant in any classroom, but it can be especially critical in an art classroom as students are often in a more open-ended and less defined structure. Establishing a “classroom community” can be the basis of further student engagement and more collaborative learning in the art classroom. Teachers should create space for students to share their ideas and provide constructive feedback to their peers by nurturing a community-focused environment.
Where can you find free art teacher resources?
Teachers can find a treasure trove of free resources online if they know exactly where to look. Art teachers can join social media groups centered around art instruction and download free printables of graphic organizers and classroom posters. There are also dedicated websites such as Cassie Stephens that provide free resources such as worksheets, lesson plans, and videos.
Another website that provides a comprehensive list of free art resources is Artsonia. This site allows educators to browse and download free lesson plans, directions for art projects, and helpful visuals for classroom instruction.
Wrapping up
With this comprehensive guide on art teacher resources, you’re sure to have a great start in the world of art instruction. The resources mentioned in this article will enable you to develop engaging lesson plans, establish a sense of community in your classroom, and improve student experiences. Every art classroom is unique, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the resources that work best for you and your students!