In today’s episode, I answer a question from Ashley, a member of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability?
This is such a great question. I’ve been a volunteer in my children’s classes and had the opportunity to work with some of the best parents in the world. And let me just say, there’s a learning curve to both sides. In this episode I help you clarify the message and task list you send to your volunteers and help parents maximize their time spent as a volunteer.
If you are an art teacher, this is what you’ll learn:
- How taking a few minutes to write down what you need help with can save time for both you and the parent
- Why you need to communicate clearly and professionally what needs to be done (just because they are volunteers doesn’t mean their time is unlimited)!
- How delegating the right task to the right volunteer will result in a more efficient classroom
- How having a parent with photography skills can benefit you
- How any negativity and distractions can disrupt the learning experience
- Why it’s important to accept the outcome and realize that the job might not be done to the same level that you could do it
If you are a volunteer, this is what you’ll learn:
- Why it’s helpful to tell the teacher your parameters beforehand
- How listening to the teacher’s demonstration and being prepared to help will make you a more effective volunteer
- Why you need to help every child in the classroom, and not just your own
- When volunteering, why hiring a babysitter is a good plan
- How being a worker and finishing the task at hand will allow you to be of the most benefit to the class
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
In today’s episode, I answer a question from Ashley, a member of Deep Space Sparkle’s Members’ Club. Ashley asks, How do you train volunteers so they become an art room asset instead of a liability?
This is such a great question. I’ve been a volunteer in my children’s classes and had the opportunity to work with some of the best parents in the world. And let me just say, there’s a learning curve to both sides. In this episode I help you clarify the message and task list you send to your volunteers and help parents maximize their time spent as a volunteer.
If you are an art teacher, this is what you’ll learn:
How taking a few minutes to write down what you need help with can save time for both you and the parent
Why you need to communicate clearly and professionally what needs to be done (just because they are volunteers doesn’t mean their time is unlimited)!
How delegating the right task to the right volunteer will result in a more efficient classroom
How having a parent with photography skills can benefit you
How any negativity and distractions can disrupt the learning experience
Why it’s important to accept the outcome and realize that the job might not be done to the same level that you could do it
If you are a volunteer, this is what you’ll learn:
Why it’s helpful to tell the teacher your parameters beforehand
How listening to the teacher’s demonstration and being prepared to help will make you a more effective volunteer
Why you need to help every child in the classroom, and not just your own
When volunteering, why hiring a babysitter is a good plan
How being a worker and finishing the task at hand will allow you to be of the most benefit to the class
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.
Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.
SHOW NOTES:
Artsonia
Subscribe to Art Made Easy and receive new episodes directly on your phone via your podcast App.
Note: If you have an iPhone, subscribe in iTunes. If you have an Android phone, subscribe in Stitcher.
SHOW NOTES:
My best advice for teaching art to kids.
Yes, the day has come!
After a long time deciding if, I finally said when.
Thank you SO much for your encouragement, show suggestions and help getting Art Made Easy off the ground.
Many of you were so pumped about this show but confessed that you had no idea what a podcast was. I love you guys for your unbridled enthusiasm.
Here’s a quick definition of a podcast & what to expect from Art Made Easy:
A podcast is a free radio show. The host (me!) interviews guests or talks about a favorite subject. You get to listen through your computer, laptop or smart phone. I like to listen to my favorite podcasts in my car during long travel days or on my walks via set of ear buds and my iPhone.
You can subscribe to the show via iTunes and Stitcher radio. The benefit is that your free podcast ap on your iPhone will automatically be updated with all the podcast episodes from any show you subscribe to.
Go ahead and give it a try!
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And now onto the show…
For my first show, I wanted to tell you my story of how I became an art teacher. We all have different paths and this one is mine. I’ll share advice to those who are just starting out as an art teacher and some of my best tips for teaching art to kids.
This episode is for anyone who thinks they may not have the qualifications to be an art teacher. Teaching art to kids doesn’t have to happen inside a classroom. You can teach art at home, at a summer camp and even as a volunteer (like I did).
If you are an art teacher just beginning your journey, I’m sharing my best advice to get you through that tough first year. Download my free handout and keep it in your teacher planner and refer to it when you have a tough day.
LISTEN TO THE SHOW
SHOW NOTES:
Drawing With Children: A Creative Method for Adult Beginners, Too
Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media-For Budding Artists of All Ages (Lab Series)
National Art Convention
CreativeLive- free online classes
Art Teachers Facebook Group
Website: Painted Paper in the Art Room (Laura Lohmann)
Website: Art of Education
Book: Classroom Management for Art, Music, and PE Teachers
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