I tried giving my students more “freedom” in art class…
And within 10 minutes?
Paint everywhere. Kids wasting supplies. Half the class asking me what to do next.
It was absolute chaos.
If you’ve been curious about a choice-based art classroom or heard about TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) but worried it would turn into chaos… you’re not alone.
That’s exactly what happens when you add choice without structure.
But here’s the part no one tells you…
You don’t need to completely redesign your curriculum or classroom to make this work. You can start small and still see a huge shift in how your students engage.
What Is Choice-Based Art (and Why It Works)
A choice-based art class gives students more control over what they create, how they create it, and the materials they use.
Instead of every student making the exact same project, students are guided to make their own creative decisions within a structured environment.
This approach is similar to TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior).
When students have even a small amount of choice, something shifts.
They stop asking:
- “Is this right?”
- “What do I do next?”
…and start thinking:
- “What if I tried this?”
- “I want to add more detail here”
Choice builds confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills. It also leads to more meaningful, creative artwork.
Even something as simple as choosing between markers or paint can completely change how engaged a child feels.
5 Easy Ways to Start Choice-Based Art (TAB-Friendly)
You don’t need a full TAB overhaul to get started. These simple strategies will help you introduce a choice-based art classroom without losing control.
1. Let Students Choose Materials
You do NOT need to open every cabinet and hope for the best. Please don’t… your future self will hate you.
Start with one decision.
One example– If you’re teaching self-portraits, teach the same skills to everyone, then let students choose between:
- Paint
- Colored pencils
Same lesson. Same objective. Totally different energy.
2. Let Go of One Fixed Subject
Think about a project you’ve done every year where every student makes the exact same thing.
Now ask yourself… does it actually have to be that specific?
Instead of:
→ Everyone makes a clay turtle
Try:
→ Students design and create their own clay animal
→ Or…if turtles are the goal– everyone makes their own turtle using a selection of materials
You keep structure. They gain ownership.
Looking FREE examples of “choose your own subject” lessons? Click the links below!
- Creative Pinch Pot Lesson
- Creative Pinch Pot Editable Planning Sheet (Princess Artypants members)
- Chalk and Glue Lesson
- “Drawing With Thread” Embroidery Lesson (Princess Artypants members)
3.Try Independent Projects
This is where many teachers hesitate… but it’s powerful.
With simple planning tools and clear expectations, even young students can:
- Plan their ideas
- Make decisions
- Complete their own projects
This builds independence and confidence fast.
Looking for FREE Independent Art planning sheets? Click the links below!
- Art Planning Worksheet Grades 1-2
- Editable Art Planning Worksheet Grades 1-2 (Princess Artypants Members)
- Art Planning Worksheet Grades 3-5
- Editable Art Planning Worksheet Grades 3-5 (Princess Artypants Members)
4. Set Up “Pop Up” Centers
Create simple art centers on the table tops like:
- Paint Color Challenge
- Design a Squishmallow (Princess Artypants Members)
- Finish the Sweet Treat
- Make Your Own Treasure Map (Princess Artypants Members)
Students rotate or choose where to start.
This is one of the easiest ways to introduce a TAB art classroom structure without overwhelm.
And honestly… this is exactly the kind of thing teachers join the Princess Artypants Membership for.
Instead of figuring out centers, materials, and lesson ideas on your own, most of it is already created for you… ready to print, set up, and use.
You still get the flexibility to make it your own, but you’re not starting from scratch every single time.
It turns “I should try this someday” into “I can actually do this tomorrow.”
5. Use Task-Based Activities
Task-based activities (sometimes called “task parties”) let students choose creative challenges and complete them together.
This builds:
- Collaboration
- Engagement
- Creative thinking
And it makes your classroom feel more dynamic and fun.
Looking for a freebie to help with task-based art activities?
6. Use Themes
Themes give direction without limiting creativity.
Instead of assigning one outcome, give a theme like:
Students can use the ideas on the sheets above or interpret the theme in their own way, which leads to more meaningful artwork.
If you’re new to choice-based art, start simple.
You do not need to switch everything overnight.
Start with:
- One material choice
- One flexible project
- One pop up center
TAB focuses on giving students ownership while still maintaining structure. Over time, you can build routines that support independence and creativity without chaos.
At this point, you might be thinking…
“Okay I love this… but how do I actually do this without it turning into chaos?”
You’re not wrong.
Choice without structure is chaos.
But when you have a simple plan?
That’s when it actually works.
That’s exactly why I put together the: No-Chaos Choice Lesson Plan
It walks you through:
- What students actually need to learn
- How to add ONE simple choice
- How to keep things from getting messy
- And how to run the lesson from start to finish
Using a lesson you already teach.
Start with one lesson.
That’s all it takes to see the difference.