When students have the power to choose how and what they create, they build confidence, independence, and a deeper connection to their artwork. That’s the heart of a choice-based art classroom, often guided by the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) philosophy. Implementing choice-based art successfully can take some thoughtful planning, especially when it comes to setting up your space, managing materials, and inspiring meaningful exploration.
If you’re new to the concept or looking for fresh ideas to support your existing setup, here are six strategies to help make your choice-based art classroom more successful — along with flexible tools that support creativity across ages and abilities.
1. Start with intentional station design
Rather than putting out everything at once, begin with 3–4 core media areas: drawing, painting, collage, and fiber arts. Use low shelves, bins, or carts to create clear zones with labeled materials students can access independently. Having clearly defined, well-stocked centers fosters student autonomy and keeps your classroom running smoothly.
Try this: Stock your collage station with materials that offer variety, such as Roylco® Paper Popz and Decorative Hues Paper, giving students easy access to color, shape, and layering exploration.
2. Demonstrate, then let students take the lead
Model how to use new materials or techniques, then step back and let students make their own creative decisions. The goal is to build confidence, not control outcomes. It’s important to demonstrate how to use and clean up each material before giving students unrestricted access. This helps prevent misuse and encourages responsible choices.
Try this: Show students how Color Diffusing Paper works by dropping liquid watercolor on a sheet — then let students try using pipettes or spray bottles. Students will quickly see how small changes can affect their results.
3. Make reflection part of the process
Encourage students to explain their artistic choices, problem-solving steps, and techniques. Questions like “Why did you pick that material?” or “How did you solve that problem?” build metacognition and validate student agency. Reflection helps them deepen their understanding and celebrate their growth.
Try this: Provide Roylco® Face Pads or Paper Doll Pads for portrait projects that invite personal storytelling and identity work, then ask students to write a short reflection on the back.
4. Build in variety without overwhelming
Instead of offering every option every day, rotate materials or introduce new techniques based on what students are showing interest in. Keeping options fresh encourages continued curiosity and growth.
Try this: Create a weaving rotation with a variety of color, texture, and embellishment options. A great place to start is with Roylco Weaving Flowers or Classroom Weaving Baskets.
5. Encourage mixing materials and mediums
One of the best parts of a choice-based classroom is watching students combine techniques in new ways. Look for items that don’t have a “right” way to use them but still help teach key art concepts like texture, repetition, or symmetry.
Try this: Roylco® Rubbing Plates and Tessellation Animal Templates are great for adding texture and pattern to any media. They layer well with collage, painting, and printmaking activities.
6. Celebrate creativity instead of perfection
Choice-based art allows students to engage deeply with the creative process. Emphasize the value of this process over the finished product by celebrating experimentation, effort, happy accidents, and problem-solving.
Try this: Set up a class “works in progress” wall where students can share pieces they’re still exploring. Provide paper nearby for students to write about what they’re trying and learning and for others to provide helpful critiques.
The most successful choice-based art rooms aren’t about offering endless supplies — they’re about creating a space where students feel trusted, seen, and encouraged to take creative risks. With thoughtful routines and the right tools in place, you can build a studio environment where every student grows as both an artist and a thinker.
Looking for more inspiring supplies?
Roylco materials encourage exploration and engagement across all ages.
Roylco Stencils
Roylco Paper
Roylco Masks