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
