teachers

Fragile Keepsakes

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievements.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once one grows up.” I love this quote by Picasso. It brings to mind the precious first drawings my three children created during childhood. I was distraught the other day when one of these fragile keepsakes began to tear inside of a frame. It seems the backing of the frame had come apart along with the drawing.

Society is often good at destroying creativity as well. As children grow up, creativity is often discouraged. Creativity while fragile is the backbone of society. When archeologists study past cultures they often gauge their development by the complexity of the art produced.

There is hope. Many schools have Science, Technology, Art and Math (STEAM) curricula. Creativity is a great way to keep students engaged especially now that so many students are studying online. 

Studies show that there is a correlation between art and other achievements. A report by Americans for the Arts states that young people who participate regularly in the arts (three hours a day each week through one full year) are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, to participate in a math and science fair or to win an award for writing an essay or poem than children who do not participate.

Little Red Lighthouse Workshop

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

The iconic Jeffrey’s Hook lighthouse rose to fame due to the popularity of the book “The Little Red Lighthouse and the Great Gray Bridge” by Hildegarde W. Swift and Lynd Ward. This story was so compelling that it inspired hundreds of children to write letters that saved lighthouse. I love books that inspire children to make a difference. Taking a clue from the book I included the bridge in my painting of the lighthouse.

Lesson Plan for Grades K-3 Social Science

 Created by Elaine Marie Austin 

elainemarieaustin@gmail.com

www.elainemarieartist.com

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

This workshop engages children in an exciting exploration of art and social science. Children will learn about civic responsibility, the role of government and how they can make a difference. 

EDUCATION STANDARDS

SS.KA2.3 Listen to and retell stories about people in the past who have shown character ideals and principles including honesty, courage and responsibility.

SS.K.E.1.3 Describe different kinds of jobs that people do and tools or equipment used.

SS.1.A.2.2 Compare life now and in the past.

SS.1.C.1.2 Give examples of people who have the power and authority to make and enforce rules and laws in the community.

SS.2.E.1.3 Recognize that the United States trades with other nations to exchange goods and services.

VA.1.2.3.4.5 Develop the skill to use art to organize objects sequentially.

LAF.1.W.1.2 Write information in which they name a topic, supply some facts about the topic.

Length 1 ½ – 2 hours 

Topic: The Role of lighthouses and light keepers 

  1. Objective 

Children will learn how lightkeepers and lighthouses contribute to the welfare and economic well-being of the United States. Students will discover the function of lighthouses such as warning against visible shipping hazards. They will learn the role of government and how to impact their neighborhood and the world around them.

Reading is Contagious

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

The Pandemic is a great opportunity to the boost the literacy rates in the United States. Modern jobs demand a high level of literacy. I’m not talking about scanning or skimming an article on the internet. According to the National Institute for Literacy, the ability to read, write and speak in English, compute and solve problems are the what literacy is about.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

When faced with a new project, it’s common to seek subject matter experts for guidance. When I began the task of illustrating my Miami Beach Art Deco coloring book, I sought the advice of my five year old grandson. As I worked on my thumbnail sketches, he noted, “Grammy, books have spines.” This was the first of his insightful remarks.

Life guard towers in Miami Beach capture the whimsical spirit of the city.

When I came back with my drawings he observed, “You don’t have any people in it. You need to draw some kids doing fun things.” “Well, I do see people walking their dogs…” “Yes, what about a parachute…this sky looks empty.” “I don’t see parachutes at South Beach but I do see parasails.” “What’s that?” he inquired. Not sure that I could explain it, I drew a sketch. “Cool!” he replied. “I guess I could draw some clouds in the sky,” I offered.

“I want to draw on this robot.” I decided to include dashed lines for tracing instead of making it a static object. “This building needs something.” “I did leave out some windows,” I explained. So much for my first edit…

I literally went back to the drawing board and returned with the changes he suggested. “Where’s the parachute?” he insisted. “Well, I drew clouds instead.” He wasn’t impressed and maybe a bit disappointed. Still, he said it was much better than before.

“These kids need helmets on their heads. They could get hurt!” “But they look so much cooler without the helmets,” I protested. “These kids need helmets!” “Alright,” I agreed.

“What should I do about the front of the book? I’ve seen a mermaid on a building I could draw.” “No, because people will think it is just for girls.”

My Miami Beach Art Deco coloring book is a fun educational tool with interactive activities and drawings of the Art Deco Building in the Miami Beach Art Deco District.

“What should the ages be for the coloring book?” “Four to nine year olds. Little kids ‘scribble and scrabble’ and I’ve seen nine year olds color.” 

“What should I call it?” “Teen Coloring book.” “Do you know what a teen is?” “No!” 

“Well, I’m not calling it that.” I decided on “Splash and Color” without telling him. My ego had taken enough beatings.

A few weeks later, I returned with what I hoped would be the final edit. “Good job, Grammy. I am proud of you,” he beamed. “Wow! Thanks, grandson.” Now to get it printed I thought… 

As I read the publisher’s guidelines, I breathed a sigh of relief. My grandson had prepared me well.

Leaping over the Eiffel Tower

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

The famed Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

On my first visit to Paris, I stayed at the Hotel de la Tulipe, a wonderful inn located near the Eiffel Tower. I traveled with a group of artists headed to Monet ‘s Garden in Giverny, France.

Grab, your flip flops and imagination. Explore Miami Beach’s Art Deco District through the eyes of a child in this delightful coloring book.

During my stay at the hotel, I befriended the Inn Keeper who told me about his creative and compassionate 5 year old. It seems his son wanted to make signs so tourists would not get lost in Paris. He showed me photos of the drawings.

The next day, I gave the Inn Keeper a copy of my Art Deco coloring book, “Splash and Color,” for his son. The following day much to my surprise, he told me his son had almost finished the coloring book and was researching the Internet to see what the actual buildings looked like.

Talking about leaps and bounds…

Book Review: Lily Brown’s Paintings

Posted on by Voicesoflighthouses

“Starry Night” by Vincent Van Gogh. The illustrator uses several artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin for inspiration in the book, “Lily Brown’s Paintings.”


This book is as much about kindness as it about art. In the book, Lily Brown’s Paintings, children enjoy her playful and happy world. Lily’s interactions with the characters and her family are full of love and compassion.


A walk to school becomes an imaginative journey with the trees coming alive and bowing to Lily. Her painting of the corner market brings joy.
Lily explores and sees the world through her art. The illustrations by E.B. Lewis in the book are vivid and colorful. They bring the book to life.

The illustrator uses several artists like Van Gogh and Gauguin for inspiration. This is a great book to use to introduce children to art history on a level they can comprehend. It is a useful tool help children prepare for an outing to a museum.

To learn more about the creation of the art in the book, check out the link on Lily Brown’s Paintings.

Lily Brown’s Paintings

elainemarieartist.com