The Coronavirus is certainly shaking things up. It's early on in the cycle of school closures, social distancing and home-based learning and people are just plain confused. Folks deal with these types of events differently. There is a tremendous amount of pressure to stay put, not travel, hoard toilet paper and stock up on Chardonnay. So I thought it might be helpful to offer you a permission slip to slow down, calm down and take this pandemic day by day. There are so many opportunities lurking behind every bored moment, teaching challenge and frustrations. You never really know when you'll hit your stride of capturing moments for your students and children during this disruption. This episode shares insights on how boredom is the biggest precursor to creativity. How pulling back maybe the best way to ignite children's creativity. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What I did to develop and nurture my own creativity when I was a child. - How giving your child unstructured time to think about what they like will lead to so many good things - A simple exercise you can start using today with younger students - Why you don't need a lot of tech or equipment to connect with your students while they're at home - What possibilities exist when children are home for an extended period of time - What I recommend you do (and don't do) while home during this time LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: How the Enneagram Broke Me Wide Ame: AME 130 www.deepspacesparkle.com/enneagram-broke-wide-open-ame-130/ The Art Pantry Website www.theartpantry.com/diy/e-guides/ Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

Art Made Easy

How to Cultivate Creative Thinkers at Home: AME 153

Do you struggle to find the right response when parents complain about your cancellation policy, how you're grading children in art class, or why your art looks the way it does? You're not alone. One of the biggest challenges for many art teachers, classroom teachers, and art volunteers is setting expectations for your art program. This is an often overlooked part of your program and if not addressed early on, can lead to some very uncomfortable conversations. And believe me, I've had a few. If you struggle with any of the above, then I'm happy to say that the solution is easy. Today, I'm sharing how a communication plan will empower you with a clear message that will virtually eliminate any confusion with parents, teachers and your administration. Download my worksheet below that will help walk you through each step of your communication plan. "When you are confident in your approach, art philosophy, rules and procedures, you can bet others will be confident in YOU." - Patty Palmer WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to draft an effective communication plan - Why it's never too late to send out a communication letter to the parents - How you can use social media to get your message out - Why this practice has been a positive experience for me - What can happen if you delay sending this information - Which topics to cover in your communication letter LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to download my worksheet to help you draft your own art program letter: Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

Your Communication Plan (and Why it’s Never Too Late to Create One): AME 152

As art teachers we have BIG goals for our art programs. Extensive year-long themes and curriculums require many class sessions to complete. And the more classes a project requires, the more likely it is that kids will fall behind. And that means a portfolio of unfinished work. One of the most effective ways to tackle unfinished work is to schedule a make-up art day for your students. Not only are they helpful in building the confidence level of your young artists but they’ll have more finished art to choose from for your annual art show. It’s a win-win! Why you should schedule a Make-up day: 1. Students can select which project means the most to them 2. Students feel a sense of accomplishment 3. Portfolios reflect the full body of work the student has created 4. More projects to select from for the art show HOW: 1. Set up your space to reflect how students will move through their projects. 2. Pull our portfolios and lay on table 3. Determine the projects that have the most unfinished work 4. Set up individual tables with the supplies to work on those projects 5. Allow children to move from table to table Join us in the Podcast Aftershow on the Dazzler Facebook Group. I'd love to hear your main takeaways from this week's podcast. www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Podcasts mentioned in this episode: How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148 www.deepspacesparkle.com/how-to-prepare-for-a-school-art-show-ame-148/ You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

The Secret Benefits of Make-Up Art Days: AME 151

Do you sometimes feel that there is a spark missing from your art room? Maybe your students are acting bored, apathetic or disruptive? Don't throw out your behavior management plan just yet. All you might need is a change in how you engage with your students. Here are my favorite - and slightly unconventional ways - to connect with your students so your art room is engaging, happy and fun. 1. Get to know your students There is always a story behind the struggle and sometimes the most gentle way to show a child you care is to sit and ask them about their day/interest/hobbies. 2. Become aware of personality profiles Even younger children demonstrate a tendency towards a certain personality: who is the team player, who is the perfectionist, who is bossy, who demands attention. Play into these strong traits with humor, affection and acceptance. 3. Aim to connect with 1-2 kids each class Pick out 2 kids per class with whom you will sit with and give attention. Sometimes, this act allows you to really see a child for who they are. 4. Practice the Clean Slate Model In my mind, this is a game-changer for building trust, authority and compassion. If you have a classroom behavior plan and implement it, making sure to use the Clean Slate Model afterwards is essential. 5. Help kids be responsible for contributing to the class dynamics Determine who gets to help with prep or clean up or who gets to be the model for portrait demonstrations. Showcase or hi light a student's work of art. Develop a practice of critiquing each others works with kindness and curiosity. Anything that can build on the team dynamics of a class contributes to its overall effectiveness. LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Join us in the Dazzler Facebook Group for the Aftershow discussion with your favorite way to connect with students. I'd love to hear your stories! Books mentioned in this podcast episode: Classroom Management for Art, Music and PE Teachers by Michael Linsin: https://amzn.to/32t0qVx The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile: https://amzn.to/2Pq41OI Join the waitlist to be notified when our next enrollment opens! You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

5 Unconventional Ways to Connect with your Students: AME 150

Are you a credentialed art teacher? Or are you teaching art without an art related degree? I'm curious because this topic has been a HOT one in our Facebook groups. And truthfully, if I get hate mail at all, it's usually because of two things: selling art lessons or saying you can teach art even if you're not an artist. I do both because I believe in both. Especially the latter. In this episode of Art Made Easy, I talk about the friction that can happen when these two types of art educators collide. I'll go over my strategies that can help you adjust your mindset in order to stay positive and be confident with the skills that you have. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Helpful practices from my experience as a non-credentialed art teacher - How to overcome your feelings and change your mindset - Strategies to keep your focus on happy art and happy kids - Tips for staying motivated - How to avoid toxic thoughts LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Join us in the Dazzlers Aftershow Discussion  https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/permalink/2889480827762556/ Podcasts related to this episode: 10 Rules for Art Teachers: AME 099 www.deepspacesparkle.com/10-rules-art-teachers-ame-099/ The Life Coach School Podcast by Brooke Castillo: https://thelifecoachschool.com/podcasts/ How to Lead for Female Entrepreneurs Podcast by Kris Plachy: krisplachy.com/podcast/

How to Embrace Your Role as a Non-Credentialed Art Teacher: AME 149

Hosting an art show is undeniably the best way to celebrate your student's year long efforts in art education. But the logistics of an art show can be overwhelming. Whether you're excited to put this together (or expected to) it's always a good idea to plan ahead. In this episode, I'll take you through each step to prepare yourself and what you can do to make sure your art show is a success. Download my Art Show Checklist below and follow along with me in today's podcast. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to select the right projects for display - Who you should contact to help coordinate your event - Why student portfolios are important - What are the most important things you'll need to do one month, one week and a day before the show LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Make sure to DOWNLOAD my free guide to setting up your own art show. Add your name and email and we'll send this PDF straight to you! Join us in the Dazzlers Podcast Aftershow Discussion to chat more about art shows and share your best art show successes: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ Podcast's mentioned in this episode: 3 Steps to a Successful Art Show: AME 084 https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/3-steps-successful-art-show-ame-084/  Art Inspired Instagram Accounts: Sparkler Krista Hillman's Instagram: https:///www.instagram.com/artsatplaceracademy/ Sarah Krajewski's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artroomglitterfairy/ Additional Resources: Art Show Guidebook: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/shop/art-show-guidebook/ (*Sparkler Club Members, you can access to this in the TEACHER AIDES) You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram For help contact: support@deepspacesparkle.com

How to Prepare for a School Art Show: AME 148

When you demonstrate a project, your goal is to communicate the process in a way that connects to the students. A demo lays out the steps, so each student can fully understand the steps and complete the lesson. The question is how do you do that? In this episode, I'll go over my experiences with different tools and technology that I've tried for art demos (what worked and didn't work.) Plus, classroom management tips that will really help you nail your art demo. Join the Dazzlers Facebook Group Podcast Aftershow to talk more about these demo tips + share pictures of your demonstrations style. https://www.facebook.com/groups/DSSstudents/ Need some more art lesson inspiration? Click below to check out more lesson posts on my blog: https://www.deepspacesparkle.com/category/art-lessons/ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - Answers to the most common questions I get about art demos - How you can switch up your demos for different grade levels - What you can do to command their attention during a demo - How to teach a guided drawing to a class - The pros and cons of using a document camera versus demonstrating on your whiteboard and teaching around a table LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Yvette Ackerman's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ackermans_amazing_artists Emily Gould's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sierramadres You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

Nailing Your Art Demo: AME 147

I read so many comments from teachers in our Facebook Groups expressing how their students behavior has changed. Some teachers feel like kids aren’t able to work on the same project for extended periods of time — even as little as 30 minutes. They get bored or anxious, so they rush through the project in a haphazard way just to get to the next activity. If this is the reality then perhaps we can reconsider how we engage with our students. To hold a child’s attention, a new strategy might be the best way to get them excited to participate in the lesson. In this episode, I’ll offer my tips and tricks to keep your class focused and teach your students how to enjoy the creative process by slowing down. I've included a free handout for early finishers below, because there's no magic formula for timing lessons just right. This is a gift from us to help you with your early finishers. This is a condensed lesson from our Quick Activities for Early Finishers Bundle. Join us in the Facebook Dazzler Group - after show discussion to discuss your process in the art room. What are your tips to engage early finishers? What's the pace of your classroom? We want to hear what works for you, or maybe what areas you want to improve in. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to keep early finishers engaged - How your energy affects students (*if you get this down you're golden) - How to help kids make a connection to art using different mediums - How to encourage students to be invested in the project and develop craftsmanship LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: DOWNLOAD a PDF from the Quick Activities and Early Finishers Bundle by clicking on the the yellow button below! Learn More About the Sparklers Membership Club Podcasts & blog posts mentioned in this episode: Perfect Timing: Solutions for Early Finishers: AME 029 What to do with Early Finishers Easy Tissue Paper Art Project for Early Finishers You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

The Art of Slowing Things Down: AME 146

When I was getting started as an art teacher, I was excited. But, I didn't really know what I was doing. I had little to no experience - a few sessions in my kid's classroom crafting quilt squares, but no elaborate art projects. I felt like I jumped into the deep end without any preparation... But what I did have was a vision for what I wanted to accomplish. I knew I had a unique opportunity to inspire these kids. I knew it could be fun, exciting, and I knew I could make an impact. I decided to dedicate myself to making art class special for them. I backed my ideas up with lessons, then plans, and finally a curriculum that I was proud of. As the years went on, I recognized that I was getting better and I started to ask myself what's next? I created goals and identified milestones for myself. I wanted to maintain focus and stay confident in my teaching skills, without getting stale. In this episode, I'll walk you through the 5 Stages of Teacher Growth and give you the tools to move to the next stage. Listen in as I share my roadmap and help you identify where you might be in your teaching career, and how to start creating your own milestones. Be sure to download a copy of my 5 Stages of Teacher Growth below. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to define a Stage One teacher, and the way that their passion for art leads them to teaching. - What the goals and milestones are for Stage One teachers, including art fundamentals. - How you develop your style and start using different media and techniques as a Stage Two teacher. - Why a Stage Three teacher focuses on building confidence and adopting an art philosophy. - What ways a Stage Four teacher shares their expertise with others. - How Stage Five teachers can use his or her mastery to set and use processes. LISTEN TO THE SHOW: LINKS & RESOURCES: Click the yellow button below to DOWNLOAD my free, 5 Stages of Teacher Growth PDF. Add your name and email and we'll send it straight to you! About Guided Drawings: AME 125 Don Massey Art You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

The 5 Stages of Art Teacher Growth: AME 145

My word of the year for 2020 is: clarity. For most of us, January is all about change: being a healthier, happier version of yourself. But that isn't always the case. We don't have to radically reinvent ourselves in order to find happiness. To quote one of my favorite authors, "the primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it." - Eckhart Tolle The most important thing that you can do for yourself, to live a happy life is to be present. Don't worry too much on what will be in the future. Don't dwell on what was in the past... But be happy in the now. In this episode, I'll share my recipe for inner peace. Part of that is finding clarity, and using that clarity to help you create a more focused and intentional lifestyle. In this podcast, I will talk to you about how I use "I CAN" statements in my own life to help cultivate happiness and give you advice to help you align your thoughts with your goals. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your 'word of the year' for 2020 and let me know what kind of online course you'd be interested in. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - What lead me to choosing my word of the year, and the different approach I use for reflecting and planning. - Why our thoughts are so powerful, and specific examples of how they can change your life. - Why I don't like to use the word "resolutions" (and what I say instead). - What it means for me to have clarity going into 2020, and beyond. - And more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: Oprah & Eckhart Tolle: A NEW EARTH Brooke Castillo Podcast You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

How to Think Your Way to a Happy New Year: AME 144

In all of my years of teaching, there is one thing that has lead me to scratch my head literally every single time I hear this phrase... and that's "cookie-cutter art". It really drives me nuts. It used to send me into a tail spin of feeling upset and discouraged about myself as an art teacher. But today I see it as judgemental and feel that it's time we have a very frank conversation about what it means when we say "cookie-cutter art" and what do we really mean to say. This episode is for all the newly hired art teachers to the well experienced art specialists, who can benefit from learning the various expectations we have of teachers, because we could all use more tools in our tool box that we can get! So we're going there... sharing how I think the term "cookie-cutter" should be used and the truth behind it's connotation. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook Group to share your thoughts on how we can better support each other for the upcoming 2020 new year. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN - What are people implying when they say "cookie-cutter art" - My personal definition of "cookie-cutter art" - How so called "cookie-cutter art" can be a perfect platform for growth - How the many nuances of teaching art creates different results for every child. - Why we need to give grace and support to all the new art teachers LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES TAB: Teaching for Artistic Behavior Join the conversation about today's episode in the Deep Space Sparkle Dazzler Group You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

What Do We Mean When We Talk About Cookie-Cutter Art: AME 143

Being successful as an art teacher means more than teaching kids how to draw or paint. It means getting kids to listen and sit and follow directions so that they have the capacity to learn to draw and paint. It isn't easy. If you've been feeling a bit discouraged with how your students are behaving in your art room - especially if their behavior is really causing you to rethink your occupation-- then it might mean it's time to take a step back and give yourself a little check up. Even if everyone tell you that you're doing fine or you're doing the best you can, sometimes there is a knowing that we can do better. Have you ever felt that? It's super hard to articulate. It can feel sticky ...that something isn't right but you brush it off and hope it goes away. I see it happening to member in my groups. It comes out of frustration. Something relatively easy to fix or solve feels monumental to the teacher. When that happens to me...when I get frustrated, or super annoyed or starting to really complain about someone...I know I'm blocked or unable to shift my perspective. Basically, it's on me to fix it. So this episode is all about the stickiest of things: behavior management (or lack of) in your art room. Yes...I'm going there...sharing what I think teacher need to hear if you truly want to love your job. Join me after the podcast inside the Dazzlers Facebook group to share your thoughts on my 3 suggestions and to offer your best strategies for classroom management. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How children are always changing and why we have to adapt how we connect with them - The steps to take to create a classroom management plan (and stick with it) - How building a trusting relationship with your students before getting into the classroom will positively impact your entire year - Why teachers need to treat all students equally, and wipe the slate clean each and every day - How your emotional responses to misbehavior can affect the energy in your classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES Classroom Management for Art, Music & PE Teachers by Michael Linsin Smart Classroom Management Website Easy Management Tips for Creating Your Dream Art Class: AME 012 Classroom Management Strategies that Work for You: AME 088 Join the conversation about today's episode in the Deep Space Sparkle Dazzler Group You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Facebook Instagram support@deepspacesparkle.com

The 3 Things that Hold Teachers Back from Loving Their Job: AME 142

Janey Strong is the photographer, writer, mother and early literacy advocate behind Darling Readers. Her passion is finding unique ways to encourage parents read to their children - and children are never too young or old! Janey shares strategies on what to read, when to read, and how to manage reluctant readers. Make sure to download Janey’s Freebie on her favorite books to read before Kindergarten. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - When Janey started reading to her own children and why she says it’s something you should never stop doing - What parallels exist between teaching art to children and reading to them - How reading can be used as a tool to bond with your children - Why you need to be 100% present when reading with them - Janey’s top book recommendations and how the children’s books of today are different than ones from earlier years - What makes for an amazing children’s book, how Janey’s blog is helping so many people, and so much more! LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Darling Readers Website - Darling Readers Instagram - Darling Readers Facebook Page - Janey Strong's Pinterest - What Do You Do with an Idea?* by Kobi Yamada *Affiliate Link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

The Secret Benefits of Reading Aloud to your Children: AME 141

Patty chats with Gold Star Sparkler, Jennifer Ford Pace, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in her community of Henrico, Virginia. It’s a dive deep conversation on how Jennifer engages with her emotionally disabled students.  If low attention spans, below grade level art skills, or technology hungry kids are part of your classroom landscape, listen in to hear how Jennifers transcends these issues by creating connection. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, I’d love to hear how it impacted you. Take a screenshot of you listening on your device, post it to your Instagram stories and tag me @deepspacesparkle. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - What type of school Jennifer teaches in and how she is able to help her students through art - Jennifer’s journey to becoming an art teacher - How to meet children at their level and strategies that can help you connect with them - Why it’s such a good idea to captivated your students through story (and how to do it!) - How to deal with obstacles that may come with using technology in the classroom LISTEN TO THE SHOW 1. What do you love most about being an art teacher? My favorite thing is when a student makes a mistake and then turns the mistake into the most interesting part of the project. When one of those precious moments presents itself,  I will say, “Did you see what just happened? You just tripped and fell into a puddle of art! Accidents can be awesome things!” I simply love instilling a “can do” attitude within my students. I work at a school that services student with emotional disabilities. Self confidence and stamina are huge areas of struggle for my students. I teach that, in art, a mistake is an opportunity to learn.   One of my most important classroom rules simply says:  “OOPS! Making mistakes is OK! Don’t give up! Keep on trying!”  2. When are you happiest in your art room? I am the happiest when I see the stresses that my students struggle with melt away when they allow themselves to disappear from the world, and disappear into their work. Those quiet moments when I am hanging up finished pieces, anticipating the look of pride on their faces when they see their piece, and hear all of the positive comments. Nothing beats that feeling of giving them these moments to shine! 3. Can you share an experience or moment that defines you as an art teacher? When I arrived at my current school, the art room and the program was not where it needed to be. The room was a mess. Weeks before school starts, I came into school to clean and organize the room. I wanted my room to be a place the kids would be proud to visit. I wanted them to see that they were important to me and I wanted to give them the most welcoming environment possible. Their faces as they walked in on day one was priceless. One of my goals for this program was to show my students, and the community, that anything our students would do in the art room would be on par with any other school in the county. Yes, our school is an exceptional education center, but that doesn’t mean that our work will look any different than any other school. At the annual county wide art show, I took time to survey the works of the comprehensive schools. My kids nailed it. Many of my fellow art teachers commented on the quality of their pieces. 4. What’s your favorite thing about the Sparklers Club? Yes, I am an art teacher. I am also a mom of 3 amazing kids. I am a friend. I am a nerd. DSS gives me the gift of time. DSS allows me to plan at school and do all those other things when I am not. My evenings and weekends are mine thanks to DSS! 5. What advice would you give to a brand new art teacher? My most important art room rule applies here too: “OOPS! Making mistakes is OK! Don’t give up! Keep on trying!” Not every lesson is going to be a hit. Be organized with your materials. Adapt lessons on the fly to keep reluctant artists engaged. HAVE FUN! YOU HAVE THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD!

How to Engage and Connect with Children with Emotional Disabilities: AME 140

Do you have a studio based art business? If so, my conversation with Meri Cherry will be a game-changer for you. She doesn’t just offer strategies on filling your classes or how to decide what art to create--she goes much, much deeper. We chat about how to know if you’re ready to expand, and at the same time, how to slow down. We talk about the bigger issues of running a studio program for students: intention, environment, energy…all the good stuff! And of course, we talk about her new book, Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: - What Meri’s journey of growing and expanding has looked like - How you, too, can be ready for that next step - Where to begin transforming, scaling, and growing - Why word of mouth advertising and the power of ‘moms’ is so important to your success - How your environment will become your third teacher LISTEN TO THE SHOW LINKS & RESOURCES: - Meri Cherry's Website - AME 039: Success Secrets of a Process-Based Art Studio - Play, Make, Create: A Process-Art Handbook by Meri Cherry - Send screenshots of your rating & review on Apple Podcasts to support@deepspacesparkle.com *Affiliate Link: we get a portion of the profits from products purchased from this link You can visit Patty through Deep Space Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram Patty Palmer At Home Instagram Join the Sparklers Club waitlist HERE support@deepspacesparkle.com

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Art Made Easy

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