Today's Classroom Activities :

Celebrating Youth Art Month

Youth Art Month
Art Plan a celebration of the talents in your school this month by planning an art show in the lobby, library or town hall. Get more ideas from the Council for Art Education at http://acminet.org/youth_art_month.htm

Happy Birthday, Vincent
Art Youth Art Month is a good time to celebrate the birthday of Vincent VanGogh on March 30. Your students can see his work from your own computer lab by going to www.vangoghgallery.com. Also, read a copy of Katie and the Sunflowers by James Mayhew (Orchard Books, 2001) to enjoy some strange happenings at an art museum.

Everyday Masters
Social Studies During Youth Art Month, show students this book about regular people who are masters of traditional arts today. Extraordinary Ordinary People by Alan Govenar (Candlewick, 2006) is a beautiful collection of photographs and interviews with present-day artisans such as: weavers, corona makers, boat builders, Beijing Opera Performers and a professional Mardi Gras Indian.

A Wealth of Self-Expression provides painting, drawing, knitting and crafts from around the world for Youth Art Month.

An Artistic Collaboration explains why when collecting your supplies for Youth Art Month, don't forget to stop at the school library.

Art Immersion Month
Art can serve as a launching pad for exploration, discovery, personal development and fun. Through drawing, kids are given the opportunity to express themselves in non-verbal, non-academic venues. These lessons will give creative, right-brained kids a chance to shine. Even for the less artistically gifted person, art can supply a productive and satisfying outlet for self-expression. During this month, projects will focus on two areas: Studio Art and Art Appreciation.