[1]
Art was always one of my favorite subjects in elementary school. Talented artist I’m not, but my stick figures managed to progress into something recognizable. I think it was just fun to have a class that was something other than academic. A space to be creative and let loose a bit.
My three boys feel the same. Art is an essential part of their education [2]. The art teachers they’ve had over the years continue to inspire them inside and outside of school.
[3]Blick Art Room Aid
When a fabulous resource appears that connects art educators (who share project ideas and funding needs) with arts advocates (who can make contributions to projects in need that resonate with them) I’m thrilled to share and support. Art Room Aid does just that.
Unfortunately due to funding issues many art education programs struggle to continue and are generally some of the first programs to be cut from a underfunded school budget.
Art Room Aid [4] is such a simple way to support art in the classroom. Creating the list was incredibly easy. Once an account was created we added our wish list of art supplies. As new projects come up supplies can be added. Once the list is created you can publish it, making it simple to share via social media, email, the PTA or local businesses.
Our elementary school’s wish list
This year our local elementary school is experimenting with a new concept: Maker Day. Students will be able to participate in meaningful, hands on projects that mix technology, art, en engineering, and a whole heap of creativity. Parents from our community brainstormed and came up with several ideas for projects. Here are a few examples:
- Making a banana play music on a computer
- Sewing a bracelet with LED lights
- Making a vacuum which safely sucks up unwanted insects
- Creating incredible Origami
- Making beautiful jewelry
- Learning about zentangle (google it….)
- Making a Gi-Normous Lego Structure
- Making wooden gnomes
- Catapults
- Creating a huge jelly bean mosaic
- Using out of circulation library books to make crafts and a sculpture
I worked together with the principal of the school to create a wish list for Maker Day using the Art Room Aid site. Take a look at our supply wish list [5] to make Maker Day a success.
Blick Art Room Aid [5] is a fantastic way for art educators to get the word out about upcoming projects and needed supplies and it’s a wonderful way for us, as a community to support our teachers and children.
For more information on this program please visit Art Room Aid. [4] To support our local elementary school and Maker Day please visit Maker Day Art Room Aid [5].
How are the art programs in your area? Do you know a teacher who would benefit from Art Room Aid?
Disclosure: I worked in conjunction with Blick Materials [4] and TheMotherhood.com [6]on this post. Compensation was received. My local school received a donation of $100 in support of art room education. All opinions are my very own.
photo credit: theloushe [7] via photopin [8] cc [9]