Page 89 - The Decorative Painter Fall 2015

teacher's corner
In the Teacher’s Corner
Teacher’s Tips
Great tips from your favorite teachers
You’ve studied and learned the TDP manual and passed the test. You are ready to start logging your 100 hours so you can become a TDA. Good for you! You are on your way!
It can be challenging and a little frightening when you want to start teaching class- es. Will you remember everything that was in the manual? Even if you did, there are always times or situations that arise when you will be unsure of what to do. If only you could ask someone who has been teaching for a while what to do. Now’s your chance! I asked some fellow teachers for some good teaching tips they can pass on to you:
“In my opinion, a good teacher will graciously tell the class that she appreciates their total silence while she is teaching. You want the students to have a good time to enjoy the class but — many students are trying to learn — that’s why they are there. If a student or students in the class can’t respect the teacher as well as their fellow students then they should be dismissed from the classroom. This is tough to do but necessary for the sake of the other students in the classroom.
I believe it is always the responsibility of the teacher to create a happy, upbeat atmosphere in the classroom; she should be animated in her teaching and plan the presentation of the lesson well. Always teach with enthusiasm and be sure that the students enjoy what you’re doing.”
Priscilla Hauser mda
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“Watercolor tip: If you are teaching watercolor projects, it is important to know how to correct an error. Know that about 1/3 of the color is on the top layer of the paper and can be easily removed. Simply wait until it is completely dry. Wet the paper in the area where you want to remove the color. Wet a brush and begin to loosen the pigment. Blot it with a paper towel to pick up the pigment. Wet and loosen again. This can be done over and over again until much of the paint is gone or much lighter.
If you cannot lift anymore and you want it back to white paper, you can scrub it with water and a toothbrush or a small scrubber. If the paper gets damaged or very rough you may dry it and burnish it to restore it to smooth. Take a kitchen spoon and make tiny circles, pressing the paper down. You will be amazed at how smooth it will be and you can paint again. You really can correct anything.”
Louise Jackson mda
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“Be aware of all the learning styles. If you see a student who does not seem to be getting it, try another method of delivery. Many times when I am teaching a new brush stroke I will demonstrate on the back of a student’s hand (with a clean brush of course!). Ask the student questions about his/her painting so he/she can verbal- ize what he/she sees and has learned. Or, have the student close his/her eyes and relax a moment, then open his/her eyes and ask, “What is the first thing you notice about your painting? Do you want to notice this first?” Or, ask the student what he/ she likes about the painting. Try sitting beside the student and just paint with him/ her watching. As you know, some people learn better by touch or movement, some by hearing you or hearing themselves and some visually. Be sure to use all three as much as possible.”
Debra Welty tda
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I hope these tips will help you with your classes. If you have more questions, TDP Committee are always here to help! Please feel free to contact me for any ques- tions you have. If I can’t answer them, I will find out who can.
Vicki Alley tda, TDP Committee Chair, alleyvicki@yahoo.com
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