Hi there!
Ever thought about setting up an art table in you classroom? But not knowing where to start or how to stock and manage an art center?
And then wonder - isn't that just for art teachers?
The short answer is NO.
We can no longer omit art explorations stations from our classrooms and ignore the value that they bring to your students.
For starters, independent explorations at an art table can make a powerful contribution to our students' mental health. Free expression (using art materials at an art center) is really good for overall health and well-being. Giving young children a creative outlet can help relieve stress and work through the things happening in their lives. Making art can help children deal with a wide range of issues and psychological stress, like anxiety.
In addition, creating at an art table helps students develop a number of important learning skills. By encouraging artistic expression, you can help facilitate sustained focus and engagement. Testing out ideas, problem solving through multiple iterations, making modifications and persevering through challenges are just a few skills that students develop at the art table in your classroom.
And finally, don't forget that art is also beneficial for both fine and gross motor improvements. With the need to use your grip and pinching actions, cutting with scissors, applying a range of pressures as needed and working with greater accuracy all contribute to building those motor skills.
But don’t just take my word for it. View further information on this topic from researchers at Michigan State University HERE
Convinced that setting up an art table immediately, will have a tremendously positive impact for your students?
So where to start? Don't worry - I have your covered!
I have written a series of 4 Art Table guides so far, for a range of art media, that you can use to set up an art making station in your classroom. New sets are added regularly. They are fantastic for low stakes explorations and can be used to:
- Build independent prior knowledge before starting a whole class project.
- Guide new learning for students who have not experienced the medium before
- Consolidate knowledge for students who have used the medium in the past.
So which one are you going to set up first, before your next whole class guided art project?
Collage … Papier Mâché … Clay … Wax Resist?
And if you have a specific medium that you require a resource for, please drop a note below in the comments. I will be glad to make it for you and I know it will benefit other teachers too :)
These art station guides each cover a specific art medium and include square shaped slides for:
- The guide cover
- What is (medium)
- Famous (medium) artists
- Materials
- Making a (medium) artwork
- Can you make a (medium) project instruction card
- (medium) clean-up
- Teacher Information x2
- Teacher instructions
- Blanks slides for you to add your own instructions x2
And a bonus slide with links to recommended, whole class, art projects for (medium).
You can either print out the pages and slip into a clear file for students to refer to, or print 2/pg, laminate, punch and slip onto a jump ring.
I wish you all the best with setting up these great experiences for your students too! If you like the sound of all 4 sets so far (and why wouldn't you - they are all great), take advantage of purchasing the bundle and save $$$.
Because I too am a full time teacher, just like you, with years of experience and current Visual Art Specialist responsibilities. In other words, I do this everyday - just like you.
You can contact me through my store Q & A or email me through my website if you are looking for anything specific.
That way I can get in touch to better support you. info@help-me-learn.com
I would love to have you join me and experience my resources first hand because my hope is that you will happily become an advocate for this product lines.
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