hah! I like the not cleaning up rule :p

On 11/01/09, kgray wrote:
> 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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