How I Am Taking My Art Classroom to the Next Level

At University, I had a vision for the way I wanted to teach. I wanted to be different. My goal was to be the teacher my elementary self would have craved. After reflecting on that idea during my student teaching I came to appreciate how many differently reaching styles there were. This summer, I finally wanted my room to reflect the teaching I do. I wanted to paint - it's my favorite thing. I needed a mural that was bright, colorful, and inviting. I also wanted new fluorescent light covers (scroll below to see the difference) However, it was super important to me that this mural expanded my student's understanding of art. I don't want a mural of paintbrushes and other art supplies. I wanted it to wrap around the wall and be completely abstract, yet understandable and teachable. I researched some artists. One that I always fall back to Odili Donald Odita. I will share the process below.

I have had a lot of comments on my new light covers. I ordered them from Golden Eagle Light Covers. I noticed these whenever I visited a dentist. They have so many varieties. I was planning to buy some that had these gorgeous clouds but I was floored when I saw that they had ones that matched MY MURAL 😲. Listen, these were not cheap. If I were you, I would ask your PTA or principle or see if you can get it purchased from a gofundme. Also, you can apparently take film (like the rolls for laminate, cut it down to size, and paint with acrylic). Now I know that other teachers in my district use these so I know I won't have a Fire Marshall ticketing me, but please refer to your districts/schools policy or fire code. I made this purchase because I know that close to 700 students use this room weekly. Just as importantly, I use this room every day. I wanted a space that made me feel excited to teach. 

Who else is getting nervous for the first day of school??? This is still a work in progress and I will post some more in-progress photos below. I am also redoing some organizing boxes to make my shelves look a little more tidy.