This summer, I am finally doing something I’ve wanted to do for a long time – teach art lessons! I’ve been held back by the notion that the time wasn’t right, that I was too busy with the day-to-day with the kids and by my own fears. But I’ve finally realized that the conditions will never be exactly right and I’m going to be busy with the kids for many years to come.

I’ve organized a fun Summer of art classes that I am going to teach with my girls in a mommy and me format (May-Aug.) So far, I’ve taught three classes on exploring watercolor with a class size around 5 kids (plus my girls). This class size has been great because it’s allowed the kids and moms to get to know each other.

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The class is approximately 45 minutes long with a circle time in the beginning, 4 mini art paintings and then a snack time/free play outside for about 30 minutes. This time frame has been working great and seems like just as the projects are finishing up, the kids happily run to snack time and free play ready to get their wiggles out.

Here’s what I’m teaching in the class:

Wet Watercolor: We started by painting the whole paper with just water and then slowly added bits of color. The children were encouraged to explore how the color dissipates across their page.

Blend: To teach blends, I folded a piece of watercolor paper for the kids and had them paint one color on each side, in the center I encouraged them to add more water and more color and explore how the two colors begin to blend.

Texture: For texture, I had the kids paint a blank page as they wished, focusing on one or two colors and then sprinkling with salt to create a texture pattern. The kids enjoyed this activity and some of the paintings were gorgeous!

Border: Last, I gave the children a paper with painters tape around the border and they were to free paint the page. After the class was over and their paintings were dry they were to remove the blue tape and see the border they created!

I am loving teaching these classes so far and am starting to find my groove and teaching style. I am hoping to fill you in on more projects from the classes and how I’m balancing teaching with my own kids.

What type of classes do you enjoy with your little one?