zoefarm

Posted on 11/06/09

I so sympathize with that overwhelmed feeling, but hang in
there, it will get better. I have been teaching art at a small
school - 4th - 6th grade for 10 years. My advice to you: 1st,
set up your class (hopefully the first week of school but
tomorrow will work too) so that your students know the first 3
minutes are there jobs passing out supplies, and the last 5
minutes are theirs to clean up. I have nine 35 minute classes a
day. If I tried to get everything out and put up for them it
would kill me.

I choose who does what by popsicle stick with their name on it.
Everyone makes one for themselves the first week.I keep in jars
on a shelf. I choose the names and gradually everyone in the
class both passes out and puts up things. It helps with them
knowing I don't have favorites and everyone is responsible for
the room being clean. I have a classroom rule that says " If
you make a mess, you clean it up." I also buy a small bicycle
horns as my attention getters and cleanup starters...they love
the different beeps... to get them to stop..look at me and
listen for directions.

As far as the hugging...it's up to you...every kid needs a hug
now and then, but those that hang on...tell them privately, be
honest, but kind...that that kind of touching is not
appropriate. Not that you don't like them, but that you need
your space. I shake hands with my kids at the door..the best
appropriate touch for a teacher ...now.. with the flu, we touch
elbows, touch knuckles...Even touch shoes...no germs
spread...they feel welcome.

As far as them complaining about projects, I usually say
something to the effect, that if they don't like what I have
planned I have a great biography on an artist that they can do
a book report for me on...that usually does the trick. (Have on
on hand in case they call your bluff)

On 11/04/09, spluckygirl wrote:
> after a while you will figure out which kids could really
> use a hug so i just indulge them. for the others, i bring
> a spray bottle to recess and when they get too close i
> mist them. they love it. but, i do live in arizona so that
> makes it easier:) i also try to tell them that they have
> lots of energy they need to get out and exercise is good
> for them blah blah blah. good luck.
>
> On 11/04/09, Ms. G wrote:
>> Allie's right about the clean up mind set... kids think
>> if you get the stuff
>> out, you should put it up. So I use that logic on
>> them... assign a helper table, rotating that every
>> week... have them pass out supplies and then at the end
>> of the class I say, "if you passed something out,
>> go pick it up now"
>>
>> I like the Beatles song idea, might use that one.
>>
>> On 11/04/09, Allie wrote:
>>> A suggestion for clean-up: I know you are trying to
>>> save time by getting out the supplies for the
>>> students, but I have found clean-up goes much
>>> smoother if the kids ge the stuff out for themsleves.
>>> Then they are not confused about where to put it at
>>> the end. I also think older kids have weird logic and
>>> think that if I got it out then I should put it away
>>> for them, too. Maybe have a system where a few kids
>>> pass out the things at the begining and the same kids
>>> put the same stuff away.
>>>
>>> On 11/04/09, debio wrote:
>>>> Great suggestions! I used to say, take one giant
>>>> step away from the art teacher! outside. They know
>>>> I joke with them a lot, but for some it might be
>>>> the only hug they get all day... but you can also
>>>> say you are trying to not get sick.
>>>>
>>>> For kids who envy, first of all don't let them get
>>>> to you. they only say what is on the top of their
>>>> head. I say things like, I know! It is so cool.
>>>> Just wait until youget to do it! Or if they see
>>>> something they didn't do in a younger grade, and NO
>>>> FAIR, etc. I tell them I can't stand to do the
>>>> exact same thing over and over. So they will be
>>>> doing somethings that other kids won't do next
>>>> year. Whatever. It does help if you have raised
>>>> your own set of children, as they say the same
>>>> things. YOu find out it is a kid thing, nothing
>>>> personal.
>>>>
>>>> And you have a whole "nuther set of issues in
>>>> HS/MS.....
>>>>
>>>> You can't please all of the people all of the time!
>>>>
>>>> On 11/04/09, Josie wrote:
>>>>> Molly, I love the "Help" idea! I might
>>>>> not mind cleaning up as much if it was to the
>>>>> Beatles--lol. May be borrowing that one starting
>>>>> today :)

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