Helping Students Think Like Artists Changed Everything in My Classroom
I used to think I was doing it “right.” Every project was neat, teacher-approved, and ready for hallway display. But then I met a few wildly gifted (and wildly stubborn) students who just refused to be stuffed into the art class box. And honestly? They were right.
They didn’t need to fit into the box — they needed to help build it. And that moment changed everything about how I teach.
I started teaching them what artists actually do — how they think, how they plan, how they take risks and solve problems. We built vocabulary around personal voice, originality, and why we make art. The focus shifted from compliance to creativity.
Whether or not you teach in a TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) classroom, you can center your teaching around how artists work — not just what they make.
We walk through a clear creative cycle together - Think - Plan - Experiment - Create - Review - Fix- Share
Instead of rushing to "get done," students begin to pause, reflect, ask questions, and revise. It’s no longer about turning something in — it’s about making something they’re proud of.
I used to hear things like:
“Is this good enough for an A?”
“Can I be done now?”
Now I hear:
“I have an idea for a piece made of cardboard, tiny sculptures, and lights.”
“Can I keep working on this tomorrow?”
Here’s what really surprised me:
My most advanced students no longer hit a ceiling — they kept pushing themselves further.
My most hesitant students found confidence by discovering what they liked, not what they thought I wanted.
My hallway displays no longer matched — but they were authentic, and they actually stopped people in their tracks.
I saw students taking ownership of their learning in a way that rubrics alone could never spark. It brought the joy of teaching (and learning) back into the room.
Teaching students to think like artists, not just art students? Trust me — it feels messy at first. But it’s worth it.
With Love & Encouragement,
Shay
In memory of one of the most talented and beautifully stubborn students I ever taught. He changed my perspective on teaching for the better, forever. David Dauphin 1999-2024
Welcome to Art Class Digest: Bite-Sized Resources for Busy Art Teachers
Hi there! I’m Shay — and I’m so glad you stopped by.
Art Class Digest is a growing collection of practical, creative, and classroom-tested tools for art teachers — especially those working with middle and high school students. If you're juggling lesson planning, creative freedom, classroom management, and trying to keep things fresh every week... you're in the right place.
A Bit About Me
Since 2011, I’ve been teaching middle school art — and it’s been the most rewarding (and occasionally chaotic) creative journey I could ask for. Over the years, I’ve learned to see students as artists in their own right and how to help them build both their confidence and their craft. My classroom approach blends structure with independence, and I believe deeply in giving students the tools and freedom to explore their own creative voice.
What You'll Find Here
I created this site to bring together the three things I’m most passionate about sharing:
Ready-to-use classroom resources like routine posters, sketchbook prompts, and printable workbooks
Short, helpful blog posts full of practical ideas you can try tomorrow
My YouTube channel, where you’ll find quick art history and inspiration videos made just for the art room
Whether you're fully TAB, traditional, or somewhere in between, the goal here is simple: help you save time and energize your classroom.
What’s Coming
Soon I’ll be inviting other art teachers to contribute their voices and ideas to this blog. We’ll cover classroom routines, studio setups, student motivation, display tips, project ideas, and more — all from real teachers, in real classrooms.
Thanks for visiting! Browse the shop, grab a freebie, check out the videos, and stay tuned for more bite-sized art content designed with you in mind.
— Shay
Art Class Digest