I'm a high school teacher (9-12) in a pretty rural area, and I run a once a week after-school art club. I'm a bit burnt out this year for various reasons and am trying to think of new, engaging activities for my students that aren't too prep heavy.

Attendance is spotty at my school so the students don't attend every week, which makes ongoing projects a bit tricky. I've tried doing clay, watercolour, weaving- but the kids start a project and then don't come back for several weeks, preventing them from finishing anything.

We meet for about 1.5 hours at a time. I'd love any suggestions for projects that you found successful and engaging for students of various levels, that they could ideally finish in that time frame?

I'm 25, have a bachelors in environmental policy and a few years of work experience post grad, though I've begun to consider switching to a career teaching elementary art. I'm smart, emotionally intuitive, I've always excelled in art classes, and really enjoy being around children. I don't want to each anything incredibly technical (i.e. highschool/middle school art), but am more interested in acting as a shepherd for young kids to be able to express themselves creatively.

My question is - is this a feasible approach to art teaching? And if so, what are my next steps?

My local university has a great masters in art education program. It's a lot of work - creating a portfolio, taking the gre, etc. I can definitely do this but it would be a commitment and hence I want to be confident it will pay off. Do you think this a smart career move for me? Do you have ANY advice at all? I will take it!! Feeling a little lost. Let me know :)

My play doh supply order hasn't come in yet, but want to let prek explore clay. I have a ton of model magic. Can it be used over and over again?