Managing the Art Class Advice

1.  First manage yourself.  Make sure you have a weekly, monthly, and yearly plan based on your school's art standard.

2.  Create a set of rules of conduct for the art classroom and post them. 

3.  Let students know what is expected of them.

4.  Don't grade based on your own taste or bias. Part of the overall grade should be based on participation and attendance. 

5.  Allow time for setting up and cleaning up.  Give all students a chance to help set up and clean up in their groups. 

6.  Organize, organize, organize.  Use art backpacks to store art tools if you do not have enough room in the class for storage.  An art cart will also work for storage.

7.  If you teach art all day organize your lessons so that you can use the same theme for all classes.  Do make sure that you challenge older and gifted students and that you accommodate those with special needs.

8.  Create a variety of projects.  You should have 45 minute lessons along with those that are completed over a week long session.  Be sure to include group projects.

9.  Ask students to keep a portfolio and grade on a weekly basis.  Be sure to exhibit all students artwork in school room, halls, library and neighborhood venues.  Ask parents to an "art opening." 

10.  Do return students artwork in good condition.

Keep it Positive!  Keep it Fun!