Lesson prep

After many years in the elementary art world, I've come to really understand why art teachers need so much prep time. Our curriculum is strictly project-based and require so many different supplies. With that said, I have also come to believe that a well-taught lesson is based on how well prepared the classroom is before those kiddos arrive. They are only in our care for 1 hour so the supplies need to be ready and the tables need to be

set so that they can get the most out of the project and create the best art. Just my thoughts for the day. How are you at prepping for your lessons? 

Time for a change in classroom management...

Ok.  It's the time of year when students are tired of us and we are...well...exhausted.  So, to keep my classes running smoothly, I have decided to implement a self-evaluation for all of my mini-artists.  I pass these forms out to each student at the beginning of class and have the students fill out the top portion while I will check the boxes when needed.  Since I frequently walk around the room as they are working anyway, I put a check mark in the boxes as they complete each part of the lesson...the listening part...the working part...the staying focused part...and so on.  It worked really well with the 1 class I experimented with today, so I'll let you know if it continues to be effective or if it turns out to be WAY too much work.  In case you are wondering, for the students who consistently have missing check marks, they will be practicing our 'High 5' expectations during the next art class instead of working on the projects.  

If you want me to e-mail you the document so you can try it in your art room, leave me your e-mail address in the comments section below.