Harris County art teachers got creative during the 13^th annual You Gotta Have Art workshop in June. This two-day workshop hosted by Harris County Department of Education’s Teaching and Learning Center allows teachers to create art projects they can recreate with their students in the classroom, complete with lesson plans.

On day one of the workshop, Humble ISD elementary art teacher Julie Gallow led teachers through a series of art projects that tied directly to the TEKS. From jelly printing and homemade wood block prints to painted art books, teachers gained new strategies they can easily replicate in the classroom.

On the second day, representatives from Crayola presented creatED, a new program that uses practical, art-infused teaching strategies to deepen creative thinking in schools. The day focused on science, technology, engineering, art and technology (STEAM) education and creating cross-curricular games. Teachers left with an art journal, creative supplies and a sketchbook, along with a variety of interactive and interdisciplinary games.

One of several activities was Magic Crayola Movement, where teachers used visual patterns and coding to instruct other teams to move a crayon from one location in the room to another. Along with art and coding elements, the exercise activates learning by physically engaging students.

Teachers also created their own cross-curricular board games complete with playing cards and game pieces. They planned objectives, characters and strategy of their games and decided whether the games would be collaborative or competitive for students.

First time participant Tina Pequeno from Goose Creek CISD enjoyed the hands-on activities she can now take back to her students.

“I will definitely incorporate these projects into my lessons,” said Pequeno, an elementary art teacher. “All of the activities were engaging and relevant and will allow my students to connect art with language arts, science and math.”

To view upcoming workshops, visit www.hcde-texas.org.