The Canvas of Creativity: A Day in the Life of an Art Teacher

As the sun rises and the world begins to stir, a unique kind of magic unfolds in classrooms across the globe – the magic of education. And as an art teacher, every day is an adventure, a journey into the boundless realms of creativity and imagination. Take a glimpse into the colorful world of this art teacher's daily life.

Morning Moments:

My day starts with a quiet moment of reflection, sipping a cup of coffee while envisioning the day ahead. Once I get to school, so long as I get there a little early, lesson plans are reviewed, materials are organized, and I prep my Bellwork Presentation that I display on my Newline Board all day long. 1st through 5th period are all on the same curriculum, so they all use the same Bellwork. I change to my Advanced Art Bellwork for 7th period. Advanced Art class is the best way to end a day.

Class Begins:

I hope for my students that stepping into the art room feels like crossing the threshold into a sanctuary of self-expression. The reality is, that feeling only naturally applies to some. For others, I have to earn their trust and show them the art room is safe for them before they feel the same. One of the hardest lessons I had to learn about teaching art was that not all students like art class. I entered art education with the assumption that the motivation to create would come naturally from within every student. Who doesn't like to draw and color? The truth is that by the time students enter Junior High, their perspective on art has been influenced. Not everyone's experience in art class is a positive one. Not everyone gets encouraged to express their own style. So I try to meet each student where they are at. Greeting each student at the door and focusing on building positive relationships has been the best way to start class for me. This means I have to be okay with those few students who don't always respond back. But that's okay, I win them over eventually :) Each class starts will a short bellwork activity to focus them while I take attendance, and to warm them up to be creative.

Unleashing Creativity:

After I take attendance and address all the questions and needs my student have at the beginning of class. With every lesson I teach, I aim for the "I do, we do, you do" process. I also try to give my students as much choice as possible in what they create. Rarely will we do something where everyone's artwork looks the same. If a student has an idea for how to take the project in a new direction, I try to accomodate that idea. There have been so many students who were dreading a 2D drawing project, who switched over to almost obsession with their project when I allowed them to make it 3D. For example, when learning about prehistoric cave art I gave students the option of creating a diorama of a cave with cave art on the walls or creating a drawing/painting of a cave with cave art. Some preferred the 2D options and others absolutely thrived while building their miniature 3D scenes. In both options, students could demonstrate their knowledge of cave art styles by recreating that art in their own cave.

Celebrating Success:

As the day draws to a close and the final brushstrokes are applied, there is a sense of accomplishment in the air. Even if that accomplishment is just getting the work done. Especially if that accomplishment is creating something they are proud of. I usually have them hang their artwork in the hallway immediately after they finish. This way other students and teachers get to admire their unique creativity, and the feeling of pride multiplies.

Closing Thoughts:

Being an art teacher is more than just a job – it's a labor of love dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering the next generation, whether they choose to be artists or not. Each day brings new adventures, new challenges, and new opportunities. As the sun sets on another day in my art room, I am grateful for the privilege of guiding young minds on their creative journey – a journey that knows no bounds and holds endless possibilities.

Join me next time as we continue to explore the colorful world of art education. Until then, keep creating, and never stop exploring the canvas of creativity that lies within each of us.

If you are looking for Art Classroom resources, visit my TPT store! There I have lessons and resources that I have used in my classroom with great success! Tattooed Sister Classroom Art and Design