Art Studio Expectations
One thing I want to note is that instead of having classroom rules, I am using these 'ARTS expectations' to establish norms for our classroom. These are just the basics and I highly recommend establishing additional norms/expectations WITH students as well. The poster reads:
We are all...
ARTISTS- Using our imaginations to create original work.
RESPECTFUL- Taking care of materials, the space, and each other.
THOUGHTFUL- Intentional with our art, actions, and words.
SUPPORTIVE- Listening to, encouraging, and helping one another.
Clean Up Procedures: Art Jobs
Clean up time can be one of the most hectic parts of art class. But after over a decade of teaching I have found this to be an easy way to assign clean up duties within the elementary classroom and ensure a smooth transition.
I securely attach these Art Job posters to a wall, leaving one side open where I can clip a colored clothespin. Each clothespin corresponds to a specific table (I have them labeled by color). Every week I simply move the clothespins and the jobs rotate! Since these routines are established from the very beginning of the year, we are able to clean up even the messiest of messes in an efficient way!
Celebrations: Classroom Cheers
Some of you may know that I love to end my elementary art classes with a celebratory cheer 🥳 Well I finally created a YouTube video demonstrating all of the ones I've acquired throughout the years! Here are just a FEW of the many cheers I end my art classes with. Watch the video below to see all 43 different ones!
I print these class cheers onto cardstock paper and used 10 mil laminator film so they are super durable! I then hole-punched the corner and added a metal ring to make it easy to flip through. I do a new cheer every week and my young artists are always so EXCITED to learn a new one! Click here to download my classroom cheers set.
Class Folders and Seating Charts
With over 25 different classes a week, it is important to stay organized! I have been using class folders for a few years now, and they have been incredibly useful!
I keep this file box by my desk and have it organized daily. I have all of my class folders scheduled for the day, and each grade level is color coded, so the color of the folder corresponds to the grade level (ex. all of my 5th-grade classes are blue folders).
On the front of each folder, I printed a seating chart where I filled in students' preferred names, including proper pronunciation. On the bottom, I have a space to keep track of student absences as well as for notes. On top of that seating chart, I stapled a clear laminate sheet, this way, I can use a dry-erase marker to make quick notes and check off on progress during class.
I have a printed grade book inside each folder and can keep additional notes/information for each class. During the day, I can quickly swap out one class folder for the next, placing them all back in the file box when class is over.
Hand Signals
Who else uses hand signals in their classroom? ✋🏽 I have found that establishing a system of hand signals in the elementary classroom is an excellent practice for young artists to communicate their needs and get a message across quickly. Not only that, they can be a great way to introduce American Sign Language! This year I will be displaying an ASL alphabet nearby as well. These are just a few of the hand signals that I use in my elementary art room. The signal I use for "Help" is ASL for the letter H. The signal I use for "Done" is ASL for the letter D. Click here to purchase this poster set!