Articles
Catch up on your reading. Enjoy our library of online articles about a variety of topics.
Teaching with Themes
When you teach with themes, something subtle but important happens. Students stop asking, “Is this good?” and start asking, “Does this say what I want it to say?” If you’re looking for a way to bring more connection, depth, and flexibility into your teaching, explore how a theme-based approach can help.
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What's the Big Idea?
Big Ideas are big, umbrella concepts that invite students to think about what it means to be human, to live in a community, and to understand the world around them. You might call them themes, key ideas, or even essential questions—but the goal is the same.
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Teaching with Inquiry
Inquiry might be a short discussion before students begin working or holding back context just long enough for students to form their own ideas first. Want more curiosity and conversation in your art room? Learn about using inquiry to maximize student engagement and success.
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Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated Instruction is not individualized instruction but rather providing varied ways for students to find success in learning. To differentiate instruction is to recognize variations in students’ backgrounds and respond accordingly.
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Preparing Students for a STEAM Powered Workplace
An article to support the importance of art education and how it helps students prepare for their future careers. Through arts education, students learn collaboration, creativity, and communication—all valuable skills that will help them adapt and innovate throughout their careers.
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The Open Art Room: Learning Targets
In this article from Davis Publications author Ian Sands (The Open Art Room, Making Artists), students choose their own individual materials and project focus for the teacher to track via Learning Targets.
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Eleven Ways to Nurture Young Artists
Nurturing your child’s art requires attentive patience. Any of the tips on this list will get you and your child off to a good start.
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Best Practices for Teaching Remotely
Tips and inspirations for teaching art remotely from expert educators.
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Funding the Visual Arts
Answers to frequently asked questions and a breakdown of funding types.
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Teaching Students to Embrace the “F” Word
Growth happens by learning from our mistakes. We can help students embrace the “F” word (fail) and grow by allowing them to try without penalty, and giving them permission to go back and re-evaluate their art after critique.
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