MEXICAN ART UNIT: SOMBRERO & PONCHO My third grade classes are a creative and energetic bunch. They have a hard time sitting still. Instead of trying to reign them in,... Learn More

I received a question today that might be relevant to many of you… Dear Patty, First, thank you so much for your inspirational blog. I have a love and passion for... Learn More

Laura at Painted Paper is my go-to source for inspiration. No one can teach color theory like she can! So when I saw her Picasso-Inspired Hearts, I knew I had... Learn More

I began a unit on Mexico this week, celebrating the vibrancy of the Mexican Culture. For first grade, we made ponchos, a variation of a Painted Paper project that created... Learn More

Things had been going so well. Half the year over, successful lessons, sunny days and then…boom! Fifth grade clay day. Sound the drums! Fifth grade is a big grade level.... Learn More

I received this question via email today and thought my answer, plus any comments from readers, might help Megan out. Here is her question: Hi Patty, First I want to... Learn More

  Last summer, I purchased the book Ship-Shapes by Stella Blackstone and illustrated by Siobhan Bell. The  fabric art provided just the inspiration I needed for a shape-based lesson for... Learn More

Regular black markers morph into beautiful watercolors with the help of a bit of water and a few techniques. An elephant is a perfect subject in which to experiment with... Learn More

I think the process of creating this rainforest batik art is quite magical but unfortunately it has a low success rate. By that I mean, students are usually frustrated or... Learn More