Great Suggestions from ArtMe! It has been said by wiser people
than I that it takes three years to truly feel at home in a new
school, especially if you are a newish teacher. I have found
that in the third year I hit my stride.

The expectations you have for yourself and your students may be
realistic, but take it easy on yourself and make sure you don't
let your frustration snow ball into more frustration. Take a
week to do a quick, imaginative project with "trouble" grades,
and tell them that they need to practice clean up. Have the
students come up with the expectations. Ask them what
professions entail an artistic background - reminding why art is
important is a good touchstone.

In terms of the kids wanting to do what other grades did, I just
say, "Well, maybe you will get to do it too sometime." in a
singsong voice that does not encourage further conversation.
Sometimes (which cracks me up) the students from different grades
will want to do "the other" project, so when they say that they
wish they could do the other I tell them that it's funny because
a lot of the kids in that grade said they would rather do the
project they are doing. Grass is always greener...

Hanging off of you: "I am not a jungle gym. Hug and go please,
Hug and go!" and tone of voice is everything - light-hearted and
loving. But I like ArtMe's comment too - maybe you can switch it
up!

Start noticing the things you love about your job and vocalizing
them to the kids, it may help both of you. Good luck and I hope
when the breaks come it rejuvenates you!

On 11/03/09, ArtMe wrote:
> Little ones hanging onto you- just smile and say lovingly-
> You're great, but this is your chance to run and play and I
> love watching you play with your friends!
>
> With middle schoolers and clean up- you might try making it a
> competition between classes. Allow 5 minutes of clean up time,
> then set a timer and have then take their seats at the end of
> clean up. I always have silent inspection. Give points for an
> efficient clean up and silent inspection. Come up with some
> kind of prize for the class that gets the most points over a
> certain time period. The prize can just be free choice art
> class if you don't want to give them junk to eat.
>
> You can try posting a rubric so kids will know what you are
> expecting from them in their work and hopefully you will get
> more effort from them. Let them know they will do the fun
> looking project when you feel they're ready and have met
> certain goals first. If they can't clean up well, they're
> obviously not ready for clay or other messy projects. Logical
> consequences. Make sure you're not allowing them to argue with
> you or question the value of your program. You are the
> teacher. It's not your job to be nice, but to help them learn
> and to meet certain standards. There are many ways to make art
> fun, but your job is not to provide entertainment. You are a
> young teacher. These children seem to think they can walk over
> you. Let them know you're the one in charge. You can be nice
> after Christmas.
>

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