Our 20th episode!!!! Woohoo!!!

In this episode, we talk about one of the most asked about topics in teaching…classroom management! But specifically, how we do it in our art rooms, which can look a lot different than a regular classroom. 

There are so many things in this episode, but first of all, we’d like to say, keep it simple! You don’t have to have all kinds of rewards systems in place. We have high expectations for our students and we teach them those expectations and hold them accountable. When they come to art, greet them. Make sure they know what they are supposed to do when they arrive. Do they sit quietly? Do they do a sketch like a bell ringer? Do they talk quietly and wait for you? We both do a mindful minute with a breathing exercise to start the class off. This is a good way to set the tone for the class and get them ready to learn. 

How do you expect them to behave during instruction time? During work time? Teach these expectations and then stick with it! Rewards plans come in handy at times and some teachers love them and do them well. But don’t worry about it if it’s not you. Do whatever feels right for you and your classroom. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Ask veteran teachers. Ask classroom teachers about their own class or specific students. It’s okay to not get it right the first time, second time, or twentieth time! 

Listen to the full episode to hear our thoughts on more specifics about classroom management in the elementary art room. 

Keep blending,

Hayley and Laura