kgray

Posted on 11/01/09

One of my state standards (Indiana) reads something like, "shows care and
responsibility for supplies." That's elementary, the HS standards have it
in there somewhere, too, in a more integrated way...check your state
standards, see if there's anything in them that you could consider relative
to clean-up, and make your clean up routines "standards-based."
Or you could just NOT clean up for a week, then take your principal on a
grand tour of a no-clean-up-time art room! :)

On 11/01/09, the room is in aceptable condition you will be dismissed wrote:
> On 11/01/09, Josie wrote:
>
> Josie, good job getting the kids to clean up. My philosophy is no clean
> up - no projects.
>
>> This is my first year teaching HS in a while (the last time was 10
>> years ago) and I have a couple of HS classes this year in addition to
>> my MS classes. I noticed right off the bat that for some reason HS
>> students like to stand by the door during clean-up if they are finished
>> with their own particular section. I want them sitting (as I expect my
>> MS students to do) if they are finished, as standing seems to add to
>> the chaotic atmosphere of clean-up, and having them sitting gives me a
>> chance to check everything over during those precious last few minutes
>> before I dismiss them. So, I set ground rules and explained why they
>> are important:
>> 1.) When you're finished cleaning up, please have a seat
>> 2.) The bell does not dismiss you: I do. WHEN we are cleaned up on
>> time and the room is in acceptable condition you will be dismissed
>>
>> I just explained that it helps cut down on the chaotic nature of clean-
>> up and gives me an organized sense of closure. They seemed to
>> understand and agreed.
>>
>> Then I waited to see what happened. The first day, most kids did as
>> was expected, and I handed them a "mona-buck" (I raffle them on Friday
>> for a jolly rancher, small candy bar, or even a soda on occassion:
>> They never know which day will be something really good to keep them
>> guessing) and a "thank you" to reinforce the behavior.
>>
>> 2 boys were waiting by the door, and I immediately asked them to help
>> one of the tables sponge tables. "I always need extra help cleaning up
>> at these last few minutes, and students standing by the door will get
>> first pick!" I said :) They did the same thing the next day, and so I
>> did the same thing (asked them to help until the bell rang.... as soon
>> as they were finished with one job, I gave them another...paintbrushes
>> can always use another washing, so I was never without an idea.) Day 3
>> they all were sitting after clean-up.
>>
>> Maybe you could explain to your principal that you are going to try a
>> new management plan regarding clean-up, and see if he cuts you some
>> slack. It sounds like he's more irritated with the classroom
>> management aspect and doesn't have a full understanding on how the art
>> room works. If you can give a little on the 'lining up early' issue,
>> maybe he'll get off your back! :)

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