SparkChasers

Art supplies can be broken down into two categories: Consumable and non-consumable. Non-consumable art supplies are things like scissors, paper punches, staplers, etc. Consumable art supplies or materials are items such as crayons, markers, pencils, etc. In today’s episode, we’re walking through our favorite consumable essential arts integration supplies, as well as how you can gather and organize them without a lot of upfront cost. Find all the show notes, links to recommended supplies, and more at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers 

Creative Boundaries may seem like an oxymoron, but they actually serve in a symbiotic relationship. When we think of creativity, we might picture a person somewhat frazzled - their hair is askew, their clothes covered in paint, or they haven’t slept in days because they are so caught up in their craft. But the reality is that some of the world’s most creative people have very structured boundaries for their work.  In today’s episode, we’re going to dive into ways that boundaries can actually help your creative spirit thrive. Get all the show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

When Danielle Coke's illustrations on Instagram took off, she wasn't quite sure what happened. Within one week in 2019, she increased her following by 300,000 people. Turns out, her art was also sharing a message. In today's episode, Danielle shares how she uses her gift for illustration and infographics as a means for encouraging dialogue around social justice. Her artivism is helping bridge divides and connect hundreds of thousands of people. And she says you can do it, too. Get all the show notes for today's episode at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

Not all children learn the same. And Dr. Shaun Woodly is on a mission to help teachers build connections and support all of their students reach their greatest potential. Tune into this episode where we'll chat about his Teach, Hustle, Inspire movement and how it's having a positive impact in culturally diverse classrooms everywhere. Get all the show notes and extra details at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

Be honest: when you think about math, do you have the urge to suddenly shrink and move to the back of the room? Well, art educator Ruth Byrne wants to change that. In today's episode, you'll hear Ruth explain how her passion project for Froebel's Gifts has truly made the biggest impact on her teaching this year.  This is also a great preview of her upcoming 2021 Summer Arts Integration and STEAM conference session. Trust me, you're going to love it. 

If you've been curious about how to use movement and dance with your students, but are nervous about the process, Shelly Hutchinson has a message for you. In today's episode, you'll hear Shelly's best ideas for successfully incorporating dance into the classroom. Get all the show notes and details at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

Is there an event in your life you need to forgive? After the year we've had, many educators are left feeling drained, bitter, and even angry. Yet, no one is sharing how teachers can deal with these feelings. In this episode, we'll be talking about a strategy called Collect, Connect, and Correct the Dots that may give us all the ability to process what has happened and move to a better emotional place. Get all the show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

If you’re looking for a new job, today’s episode is going to be so helpful. We’re diving into my best interview tips for landing your dream job. Having interviewed for more positions than I can count - including teaching, administration, and business positions - and being the one doing the hiring, these suggestions are the ones I’ve found to be most successful in getting that job. Get all the show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

Want to use STEAM in your classroom, but feel overwhelmed? Start by setting up these STEAM structures and organization tips from experts in the field. Visit artsintegration.com/sparkchasers for the full list of resources from this episode.

Schoolhouse Rock. Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Sesame Street? What do these all have in common? They are a great example of what’s now coined Edutainment. And while this isn’t new, Edutainment has taken on a whole new evolution as access to learning has become more open in the past 3 decades. Everything from TED Talks to CreativeLive to rock concerts for teacher PD has emerged as a way to make learning more fun. But are we on a dangerous slope? In this episode, we’re diving into this controversial topic and getting curious about what edutainment means for students in 21st-century classrooms. Get all the show notes and research at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

What’s the one thing most teachers dread more than anything else? The words “new initiative”. More often than not, there’s rolled eyes and inward groans. Not because teachers are afraid of change. But because teachers know that those two words typically mean we’re building the plane while flying it. There’s not a sequential plan of action that also takes into account what is already happening in the school.    This is a common barrier for arts integration and STEAM as well. And the very best way I’ve found to jump that hurdle is through the CBAM model. In this episode, we'll chat about what CBAM is and how you can use it in your school to guide change. Get all the show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

Have you ever received leadership coaching? If not, there's a simple model that has the potential to transform educational leadership: The Be, Do, Have model. If you feel like you’re a bit stuck - like you know what you want but you just can’t seem to get there - Be, Do, Have may help you unlock that door. Find all the resources and show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

April is National Poetry Month and if you're looking for fresh ideas for exploring poetry in your classroom, this episode is for you. We're sharing 6 ways to teach poetry through arts integration. Get all the show notes, links, and details at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

It's that time of year again in education - testing season. Regardless of how you feel about the topic, it's clear that testing is tough on students and teachers alike. In this episode, Susan walks you through 3 arts strategies to help make the testing process a little less anxious for all. View all the links, resources, and show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers

Curious about who's coming to the 2021 Summer Arts Integration and STEAM Online Conference? Tune in as Conference Coordinator Holly Valentine and Susan Riley chat about this year's keynotes, hands-on session, and the all-new teacher swag for participants! Get all the details at artsintegrationconference.com 

If there's one thing 2020 taught us all, it was that education reform is a "must-have" item. But if you're nervous about the ramifications of advocacy, it can be hard to start speaking up. In this episode, educator and activist Nicholas Ferroni shares how we can all be a part of re-forming education change efforts no matter what size our platform. Find the full episode show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

Ever wonder what your students REALLY think about learning during a pandemic? Tune in as Susan interviews her middle-school daughter for an unfiltered and honest student point of view. Get all the shownotes and questions (so you can ask your own students) at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers 

Michelle Emerson from Pocketful of Primary is on a mission to help teachers move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered. In today's episode, she's sharing her number one productivity tip and game-changing mindset shifts to help you become the best educator possible. For the full list of show notes and resources, head over to artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/

This week, learn a simple 3-step framework that will save time in your curriculum and increases success with arts integration and STEAM. And great news - you can earn a 1 hour PD certificate just for listening! Head over to artsintegration.com/sparkchasers for all the show notes and details.

Curious about becoming an arts integration specialist? In this episode, Susan shares the inside scoop on what the role is like, what you can do with a certification in this field, and even bust some misconceptions along the way. Get all the show notes at artsintegration.com/sparkchasers/