http://www.artteacherforum.com/ Art Teacher Forum Tag: materials en Wed, 14 May 2008 06:00:57 +0000 http://www.artteacherforum.com/topic/53#post-115 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 20:03:27 +0000 arttchr 115@http://www.artteacherforum.com/ <p>I teach high school, but have had to set up and "start" an art room. I was advised to start and keep a standrad list of basic supplies I will always use that has been refined over the years. I teach 180 students for about 56 weeks. Must haves are pencils, erasers, sharpeners (there is no perfect one-- they all break) reams of drawing paper, and newsprint or other inexpensive paper. Paper reams (500 sheets) are sold by weight. A 80 lb ream is heavier than a 50 lb ream and therefore thicker paper and more weight. Thicker paper is more versatile, and I do go through tons of student grade watercolor paper. I also bought student grade bogus paper because you cna paint and use pastel on it, but have been having trouble with foxing lately. Again, a good 80 lb Manilla paper holds up to tempera as well. I buy Sax Tempera, colors don't seem to settle by the gallon- I like pumps, but they do get clogged- my co-worker prefers to buy dozens of pint sized. Think about what kind of color mixing you will require of them and do not buy secondary colors if you are requiring that they mix. I also do not buy earth colors because students make complementary saturation charts and discover a yellow and violet can make a pretty good brown. Do not buy Tempera "cakes"--yuck!<br /> Clay is an issue that you have to consider as waste. Kiddy clay may be easier to handle and preserve. Water based clay will harden, clog up sinks and heavy trashcans. Many of the new brands can be painted brightly as well.<br /> Don't forget brushes-- I spend at least $200.00 each year and alternate between acrylic and watercolor. There's no comparison to a crayola brush and I used the crayola watercolors in adult classes as well and a good set comes with the brush- pans can be replaced, etc. Don't forget adaptive tools. Be sure you have class sets of markers and color pencils. Start with cheap ones until discipline is established. Don't forget scissors- must look for sales and they're usually on backorder- better to pay a little more and get a complete class set (Still haven't perfected sharpening). Teach to use white glue, students grew up with glue stick and are fascinated. Rulers are a waste, unless you purchase at the 99 cent store. I know 6th grade is not as destructive as high school, but you would not believe what they do to rulers, metal , plastic or othterwize. Hope this helps somewhat. Oh, I don't buy construction paper anymore- buy Fadeless. It comes in rolls and in patterns as well. Must have rolls of paper!! </p> http://www.artteacherforum.com/topic/53#post-113 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 12:04:56 +0000 Marla 113@http://www.artteacherforum.com/ <p>I am a newly appointed elementary school art consultant looking to suggest to principals the basic supplies that every teacher should have access to. Could anyone give me an invintory of the supplies they like to see in thier cupboard each September? I'd like estimates on quantity as well.<br /> For example: How much construction paper do you stock for each grade six student?<br /> Should kindergarten children use clay or is "play clay" a better choice for them? </p>