FAQ's

Which DVDs do you recommend for each grade level?
Specific grade levels are not recommended because teachers are encouraged to use the DVDs as a tool for right brain exercises. Just as muscles benefit from repeating the same exercises, our brain also benefits from repetition. Hence, we would love to see all teachers at school sites using the DVDs year after year repeatedly. The students would then have multiple chances to improve their skills while repeating the same art lessons. Also, imagine the delight of your 6th grade students, upon graduation, being able to compare each “tiger drawing” or “butterfly painting” that they completed at each grade level!

Do I have to use specific materials?
By all means, No! Mrs. Smith specifically does not state “tempera” or “acrylic” or “watercolor” paint in the materials list because she wants users to feel free to use any kind of paint they have available. In fact, the painting lessons could just as easily be done using crayons or markers. The drawing lessons could be done using paint. Sometime teachers have apologetically told Mrs. Smith that they used a different medium than stated. Mrs. Smith’s reply to this is, “Yahoo!”

Who should be using these DVDs?
These DVDs are primarily intended for children between the ages of 6-12, but younger and older people have enjoyed them as well.

Are all the lessons “Directed Art Lessons”?
Yes, and no. Mrs. Smith does give step by step direct instructions for each art project, but students are encouraged to repeat the lessons multiple times. Students should feel free to add to their art projects as they gain more experience and confidence in their artistic abilities.

What if the students say they’ve already done the lesson?
Tell the students they’re lucky because they get to see how much better or different they can make their project because they have already had some practice. In an ideal setting, students would have the opportunity to do the same art lessons repeatedly every year. Imagine the delight of a graduating sixth grade child being handed his or her tiger drawings from each year of elementary school!

Mrs. Smith has taught art at multiple schools for many years, and quite frequently she’s had students move schools and end up in a class where she’s repeated a lesson they’ve had the year before at their old school. In every instance, the child has been delighted to share that they’ve already done the lesson and they can’t wait to do it again.

When should the DVD’s be used in the classroom?
There are exceptional occasions when the DVDs enhance objectives in the classroom. During the weeks of state mandated tests, many students become overwhelmed and discouraged. These art lessons are an effective method for offsetting the high pressure atmosphere accompanied by mandated tests required in elementary classrooms. Well organized art lessons on testing days, rejuvenates students and provides them with added clarity. These DVDs are also perfect for incorporating into lesson plans left for substitute teachers.

What benefits occur when using ART with Mrs. Smith DVDs*?
Students have a higher propensity to remember learning objectives when the learning occurs in conjunction with both left and right brain activity. Students categorized as “reluctant” learners participate at a higher level when motivated with art activities. Lastly, when used on a regular basis, Art with Mrs. Smith lessons will improve classroom attendance.

* The benefits listed are derived from Mrs. Smith’s responses from teachers who have witnessed “ART with Mrs. Smith” lessons.