I want to take a minute to introduce you to a blogger who is very near and dear to my heart. Her online work on Instagram and Facebook and her blog always, always inspires me. I have invited Meri Cheri to share with you today and I know you will find her work as inspirational as I do!
I am so excited to be here on Teach Preschool today sharing about my ebook, Art Secrets Every Teacher Should Know…a Reggio Inspired Approach. I have been teaching art to children for almost 20 years and I am so thrilled to share my greatest tips and secrets for teachers and parents to make art and creativity a truly rich experience in the classroom and at home. Plus, there is an exclusive discount for all Teach Preschool readers below. Check it out!
Three years ago, I was hired to pioneer an art program at a local Reggio inspired preschool in Los Angeles. Prior, I had taught kindergarten through second grade for 15 years at a private elementary school in Hollywood, California, while teaching every after school art class and camp under the sun. When I shifted to preschool, after having two children of my own, I tapped into a passion I never knew I had. I always loved teaching art, but there was something about guiding and facilitating the art process of younger children that spoke to me on a deep level. Creating an art studio that functioned as a “teacher” was an evolving lesson for both me and my students. You can see the art studio here.
Now, three years later, I have my own art studio for kids in Los Angeles called Meri Cherry Art Studio, where process art, creative thinking and an open studio format are paramount. In the art studio, I encourage creativity, healthy risk taking, cooperation, and self-responsibility, while learning new skills and making art. Students learned to trust their own abilities, development, and ideas. I have also learned to trust my own ideas and have developed many effective practices based on my own trial and error with my students over the years.
In my ebook, Art Secrets Every Teacher Should Know, I share 10 Art Secrets that I find to be essentials for creating an open ended, rich art experience for children. Each Secret is accompanied by a lesson that demonstrates the art secret. There are also 10 of my favorite art tips that will make your life way easier, as well as art secrets from some of the best art educators around the globe.
Here is a little taste of the style of the ebook. If this looks like something that would inspire you in the classroom or at home, I am happy to offer all Teach Preschool readers a 35% discount at purchase. Just use the code TeachPreschool.
USE THE CODE “TEACHPRESCHOOL” AT CHECKOUT FOR A 35% DISCOUNT
Thanks so much and wishing everyone an art filled year! Thanks for having me Teach Preschool! xo, Meri Cherry