The SPARKLE Method for Lesson Development–Art Made Easy 032 - a podcast by Patty Palmer: Art Teacher and expert in teaching art to kids.

Developing art lessons can be overwhelming to create with a busy schedule. Sure you can use the same art lessons every year but every now and again, you’ll want (or be required) to create lessons for a very specific topic or subject.

Over the years, I created a criteria for assessing whether or not a lesson will work in my art program. I call it my SPARKLE method for lesson development. These 7 key steps will help you create art projects that are unique to you, your art program and that your students will love.IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:

Why it’s important to flex your creative muscles and see what you can create on your ownHow I get ideas for my new projects, both around the house and while travelling


Why illustrations have to be understandable for children in order to convert successfully into an art lessonWhat to do if you have a set curriculum to follow


The secret to know if a project will work for studentsWhy you don’t need to apologize for your weaknesses - play up your strengths!


How it’s important to try out a new lesson yourself before introducing it to your classWhy if you’re introducing an art concept in a school environment, there has to be a reason for it


How telling a story or interesting fact about an artist will engage children and make the lesson memorableWhen you’re doing research you can use sensory details to explain or elaborate on an artist’s technique


How YouTube videos can easily be used to teach kids about artists that you’re not overly familiar withWhen designing a lesson around a master, make sure the person has a broad appeal for the age group you’re teaching to


How using lingo, or vocabulary, in your art room is a great way to make sure your lesson planning is on trackThe mindset shift I had to make when it came to using 3-D forms






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SHOW NOTES:Eric Carle

Lois EhlertOld Bear&Leaf Collage Lesson (inspired by Kevin Henke)

EtsyKarla Gerard

Mizzlee_Art (Instagram)“A Rock Is Lively” by Dianna Hutts Aston

Art Made Easy’s Free Art Supply Checkist (downloadable pdf)Romero Britto Facebook Page

Maud LewisArt with Mati&Dad YouTube channel

Getting to Know Videos on YouTube Fred Babb

Keith HaringNellie Shepherd

Further episodes of Art Made Easy

Further podcasts by Patty Palmer: Art Teacher and expert in teaching art to kids.

Website of Patty Palmer: Art Teacher and expert in teaching art to kids.