Art Teachers Chatboard – Teachers.Net

Join Teachers.Net

Chatboards

Recent Groups

Art Teachers

MEMBERS

20 Members

+ Join Group

Pinned Posts

ALLAll Teachers

Teachers.Net LIVE CHAT Support group - Tues eve!

Featured Jobs

Full-timeMontessori Teacher

Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada

TemporaryTeachers, rural schools

Peace River North School District

Full-timeHead Teacher: 2nd/3rd Grades – Mills College Children’s School

Mills College

Teaching Jobs on Teachers.Net

Featured Job special only $39!

https://teachers.net/jobs

Become a Teachers.Net sponsor!

Art Teachers Chatboard

NYC Teachers... Artifacts?

by SH

Jan 9, 2014

Hi,

I was just curious what sort of things any of you NYC art teachers are planning to submit as artifacts?

Thanks! SH

Comment

report post

Do You Let Your Kids In Art Move Around.

by Mr. Freeze

Jan 3, 2014

Fo you let your kids move around? I find it distracting when kids move around in my class. I think they get too chatty and forget to work. I am focusing on better organization to minimize kids walking over to their neighbors. I think moving forward I am going to make my students stay seated and not move around in class until clean up time. Then the...See More

Comment

(3)

report post

view previous comments

Traveling Art Teacher No. Every level (k-12) I have taught I want kids sitting down and not migrating around the room. Alas, I have said "sit in your seat(s)" over a million+ times in 11 years. Wish it didn't have to come to that as it is a waste of my instructional time, but students want to talk and conversate too much instead of working if you let them sit/move to th...See More

Jan 8, 2014

report post

artme On 1/08/14, Traveling Art Teacher wrote: > No. Every level (k-12) I have taught I want kids sitting down > and not migrating > around the room. Alas, I have said "sit in > your seat(s)" over a million+ times in 11 > years. Wish it > didn't have to come to that as it is a waste of my > instructional time, > but students want ...See More

Jan 8, 2014

report post

reading credit

by Smith

Jan 3, 2014

Where, What are people doing to get this credit?

Comment

report post

What do You Do When Kids Hate You?

by The Mean Art Teacher

Dec 19, 2013

I don't think I am mean at all but my 7th grade class does. I am simply demanding and want them to do their best and not give me half___ art. But I seen as that "Mean Art Teacher" . I am at a loss. What should I do? I think I will try to set clearer expectations for each assignment and also let the students choose the consequences for breaking the ...See More

Comment

(6)

report post

view previous comments

The Mean Art Teacher Very well said and helpful. All the comments have been. I guess I need to just be me and even get firmer in what I do and say. I shouldn't compromise. I guess a classroom has to be a dictatorship to some degree. If they hate me they hate me. I don't think all of them hate me. But if you can't please everyone, so be it. But my goal is for each of th...See More

Dec 26, 2013

report post

Josie I don't have a blog (maybe when my own kids are grown and I have more free time! I do like to write....writing a book some day is on the bucket list.) :) I would say first and foremost, commit to a mission-- decide what it is you really want to accomplish in that classroom. For me, I want to use the art room as a place to inspire students to be the...See MoreI don't have a blog (maybe when my own kids are grown and I have more free time! I do like to write....writing a book some day is on the bucket list.) :) I would say first and foremost, commit to a mission-- decide what it is you really want to accomplish in that classroom. For me, I want to use the art room as a place to inspire students to be the best people they can be. To be stronger, more creative, kinder, more open, patient, persistent, determined people with a work ethic they can be proud of and which will set them up for success as adults. Once you see the big picture it all becomes so much more more important than design principles and color theory. The lessons you teach through your subject matter actually shape lives.... and knowing that creates instant enthusiasm on your part that is contagious. It needs to be authentic-- adolescents are very intuitive and they value/respect honesty. The thing is that teaching the visual art standards are crucial for students to learn in order to create beautiful art. Without the beautiful end result you can't teach them the rewards of patience, persistence, and hard work. So I teach my students the standards and set the bar high but only because I am looking at the big picture. I could care less in 20 years if my students remember what analogous colors are. But if they learn the value of hard work, taking pride in what they do, etc. then I will feel that I have done SOMETHING. I started teaching this way because I felt that teaching students to have good character etc was so important and was lacking in our current educational system. What ended up happening though, is that it not only inspired ME to do good work and feel that my job was important, but it inspired THEM to do better work in class. When someone believes in you, and believes whole heartedly that whether or not you finish this project well is a direct result of your character, it's hard to let them down. It must, must, must be coupled with positive encouragement--but also a no nonsense way of getting across the idea that "I won't accept any less from you---because I know you are better than that." Teachers mention all the time when they see artwork displayed, "How did you get John to work for you like that? I can't believe he painted that!" I had one of my most unmotivated students win a Scholastic art award one year--- it was such a great moment! If you are interested in tweaking your discipline style, I would say reading Jim Fay's Love and Logic books are a wonderful place to start. They mesh perfectly with the ideas I've described above.... His philosophy is all about holding students accountable for their actions. You must follow through with consequences, give them with empathy (this is where the psychology piece comes in) and given consistently. When done correctly, there is no "getting angry!" I haven't truly felt angry in the art room in years (frustrated yes, but anger...not so much.) It is because I am always in control of the situation, and the responsibility is put back on the kids. Here is one of my favorite examples. One of my most difficult to reach students would constantly have the girls wash his brushes out for him during clean up time. I noticed it one day... The girls at his table would just pick up his brushes and wash them! One day, I asked them to leave it and said, "John, don't forget about your brushes--they are still there on the table." He ignored my reminder (as I knew he would) and proceeded to leave when I dismissed class. Now I had this particular class last period, so I chose specifically to work my consequence around that. I also chose that time because I knew how much he loved this time of the day, hanging out with all of his friends at his locker. I waited until it was time to leave and as he was about to walk out said, "Oh John you forgot! No worries....you can do it now. Hey, next time do it during clean up time--that's what that time is for." The next day in class, I watched him carefully. This time, he picked up the brushes/container from the table (didn't want to have to stay after again!) But do you know what that little stinker did? Carefully threw them out in the garbage on his way back to his seat. Brushes, cup, water and all. Did I get mad? Make a scene? Nope. Waited until the class was leaving, walked over to the garbage, picked them out and said, "Looks like you're still not sure about what to do with your brushes, so let me show you now how to wash them, and then I'll watch to make sure you are doing it properly." I kept him longer this time as I dragged out the "washing lesson." The next day, John washed his brushes out in the sink, and the following class I actually caught him washing out SEVERAL brushes. I remember leaning over the sink next to him, and said quietly, "John Smith, am I actually watching you wash out your CLASSMATES brushes today?" "I do believe you are Mrs. B" he said with a smirk. GREAT moment! Will never forget it :) There is no reason at all why your students should ever hate you. My own children dont hate me and yet I am very strict with them and have very high standards. They know though that I LOVE them and give them consequences to teach them. They know that I want them to grow up to be good, wonderful, successful, happy people. It's the same with our students. They will respect you if you hold them to high standards, but do it with compassion, love, and constantly make it clear that you care about them and THAT is why you will not let them take the easy way out. I sometimes equate that "easy" style of teaching with laziness. I say, "If I didn't care about you, I'd set out some paint, and go sit at my desk and grade papers. Do you ever see me sit down? No! I am out there making sure everyone is successful because I care so much about you. If I'm out there working my butt off, is it so much to ask that you do the same for me?" Always said with a smile---always said out of love. They pick up on that, and I promise, they will respond to it. Give it time...relationships are not built in a day, but when they are built, they are stronger than you ever thought possible! :) On 12/26/13, Artst1Teaching wrote: > Josie, > Can you share more on this topic....or do you have a blog or > > something? Such helpful info I've needed to hear too. Thanks for > > sharing! > > .On 12/19/13, Josie wrote: > >> Holding students to high standards is critical---and will often >> times meet resistence UNLESS the delivery exudes "I know you can >> do this--- you can do much better and I want that for you! I have >> faith in you, and never will I ever believe that this is your >> best work." It sounds simple, but if they really and truly >> believe that you care about them, they will work for you. They >> will want to please you. There isn't one magic way to accomplish >> this, and it takes time.... but building that relationship with >> students will solve a LOT of the motivation problems. I have >> told a student before, "If I didn't care about you.... If I >> thought you couldn't do this....If I thought you were too stupid >> to understand, I would simply nod and say "Ok Jimmy, that's your >> best-- give you a D and move on. I know that isn't true---you >> are bright, you are talented, and if you work hard, you can >> accomplish more than you ever thought. I want to prove that to >> you and I want you to prove that to yourself!" >> >> I also try to make Art class relevent to ALL...not just the class >> artists. About 1% of my students will go on to study art, >> therefore I need to make it relevent to the other 99% if they ARE >> going to be motivated. I link craftsmanship to hard work, pride, >> patience....Things that if they practice now, will bring them >> success later on. >> >> Good luck!

Dec 29, 2013

report post

Camp Art?

by SH

Dec 19, 2013

Hello! I've been an elementary art teacher for 7 years, but am applying this year to be a summer camp art director for campers ages 8-15. The camp is looking for a combination of the "traditional'" camp crafts and some more exciting, fine art projects.

I was wondering if anyone else has experience working with a camp curriculum? Can you s...See More

Comment

report post

Babysitters

by Frustrated

Dec 15, 2013

Does anyone else get treated as if their subject area is not important? I teach in a separate building and when it is raining I have to move to the main building to hold classes wherever there is an open space for the day ( hallways, media centers, empty classrooms) I cannot teach my lessons for lack of materials, technology, space...but no one see...See More

Comment

(3)

report post

view previous comments

artme I think it's important to find ways to educate your staff about the value of your program. When you hang artwork or send work home with students, use it as an opportunity to post signs or include the lessons goals and skills taught, tied to state or national standards. Send home newsletters about your program. Make a flyer to send home describing w...See More

Dec 17, 2013

report post

Josie I couldn't agree more with the previous poster. I have students write self reflection assessments with each project, and I hang these up along with the artwork. With a clay project, 5th grade students were asked to write a hypothesis and then measure their project during different stages in the drying/firing process. They then had to make conclusio...See More

Dec 17, 2013

report post

Videos

by Robin

Dec 12, 2013

I am looking for some old videos....I posted this last year with little success...I have searched the internet and turned up a little info. I am looking for copies of the 1980's TVO/PBS series Artscape. What I would really like is to purchase copies but Amazon does not have them. PBS does not have them in their archives....anyone have them? Thanks!

Comment

report post

Do you do this??!! Need opinions/help!

by Lisa

Dec 10, 2013

I teach k-6 in urban school, small room with little storage. I feel like all I do is pick things up, put down, then rearrange again and again. I hate clutter but when you are an art teacher, it's all we have! How cluttered are your rooms? Do you have your supplies out in plain view or in cabinets (glue, scissors, crayons, paper, etc).

Comment

(1)

report post

Hmmm... My room is pretty well picked up at the 2 elementary schools I am at. The former art teacher bought many Rubbermaid lock lid storage boxes. So most everything I have for hand held are in these lableled Rubbermaid or Sterilite clear plastic boxes in open shelving units. I have a student go get any box we may need during an art lesson. Even pencils/c...See More

Dec 11, 2013

report post

No More Painting

by brushes away

Dec 7, 2013

I teach middle school art and some of my students do not want to clean up. I have been trying them out with watercolors as a test and they aren't cleaning up enough. I'm ready so say no more paint until they learn how to clean up. What would you do.

Comment

(4)

report post

view previous comments

Josie On 12/07/13, brushes away wrote: > I teach middle school art and some of my students do not > want to clean up. I have been trying them out with > watercolors as a test and they aren't cleaning up enough. > I'm ready so say no more paint until they learn how to > clean up. What would you do.

I try to catch them on an individ...See More

Dec 9, 2013

report post

Hmmm.... Not a middle school idea but for little people painting (k-2) and cleanup time I want them sitting and not all heard up at the sink. So I do the bus boy routine, an old plastic kitchen basin. I walk briskly to every table asking for their water cups and brush leaving the wet project and paint palette on their table. Putting each water cup and brush...See More

Dec 11, 2013

report post