Art teachers are known for re-using a lot of different materials
for different purposes in their art classes. In honor of Earth Day I wanted to
share a few recyclable and re-usable materials that I couldn't teach without. I
wanted to share them with you because they might help you organize your
classroom and teach.
1.
Styrofoam Meat Trays: I seriously could not teach without these! Styrofoam meat trays
make the best paint palettes – ever! They are sturdier than foam paper plates,
wash easily with water and a sponge, and last a long time. In addition, they
are readily available. I wash my Styrofoam plates in the dishwasher before
bringing to school. If you are in a pinch, you can purchase them inexpensively
from your grocery store’s butcher. You can also use Styrofoam meat trays (or
flat Styrofoam that you may get as a cushion in a large box) to keep clay
projects from sticking to each other, sticking to tables or even storage bins. I
like re-using them because they last so long and it keeps them out of landfills
for a little longer.
2.
Copy Box Lids: Copy box lids are excellent for organization. I use them to
organize supplies, class projects, and to organize table supplies. Each table
has a copy box lid that is labeled with colored Duct tape (based on the class’s
color) and the table’s number. The box lids help students organize and store
in-progress materials and supplies. Students are responsible for getting it out
and putting it away the beginning and end of each class. They usually last 2
years before I need to replace them.
3.
Half-Gallon Milk Jugs: If you cut the top of the milk jug off with a box cutter, you
get a tall cylinder that works very well for organizing paintbrushes, pencils, ceramic
modeling tools, files, erasers, and more! The transparency is an added bonus
because it helps you see what is inside, which is extremely helpful when your
shelves and art supply storage is high. In addition, I keep a half-gallon milk
jug handy to help measure water for mixing papier mache paste because it makes
measuring easier and faster.
4.
Lidded Containers: I always save any plastic container with a lid because there are
so many instances when having a lidded container that is larger than the little
lidded paint containers is extremely helpful. You know you are an art teacher
when you go to buy yogurt at the grocery store and you are making your
purchases based on how you will re-use the packaging.
5.
Magazines/Newspaper: Oh the possibilities! Weaving! Collages!
Sketching/Art Journaling! Basketry! Sculpture! Papier Mache! Packing and
cushion material! So many great things to use magazines or newspaper for! At the
end of every school year I ask our school librarian to save any old magazines
she is not keeping and I take them to add to my stash.
Art teachers have the opportunity to teach
students about the 3 Rs and to teach students how to be responsible,
eco-friendly artists. I want my students
to treat materials with respect and to re-use as much as possible so they do
not leave a large environmental footprint. I hope that re-using materials in my
classroom shows students how there are many possible uses for different items,
even traditionally discarded ones.