Classroom Management Plan
Smoothly managing an art classroom is naturally challenging, especially with the increase in behavior problems across the board. With the right responses, routines, and studio habits, students can have a productive and creative art class experience each time they come into the art room.
Behaviors that are unsafe to the student or to others will be immediately addressed. I like to pull the student aside and talk to them in a calm and curious way to figure out the root of the issue, provide the resources they need, and come up with a plan for success going forward. Success, especially in art, looks different for every student. I will always offer to meet a student where they are, so I can ensure they are pushing themselves and comprehending knowledge, and to ensure that I can appropriately evaluate their work and keep them on track.
For some students, school is the only consistent thing in their lives. I like to make sure my students know exactly what we will be doing and what will be expected of them as soon as they come in each day. I utilize technology to make sure that everyone has access to the curriculum and supplementary materials. A structured opening and closing routine for students to get into a creative mindset, respect their peers and materials, and courteously and calmly clean up is vital.
A big part of managing my classroom comes from equipping my students with the habits and vocabulary to manage themselves, as artists. The 8 Studio Habits of Mind are habits that artists naturally explore when making and responding to art. This includes habits like developing a craft, engaging & persisting, and reflecting. My students will become familiar with these habits and will use them to steer their studio practice in a direction that is authentic to them. We use this framework to plan out our artworks, participate in critiques, and find our paths.
To me, it is extremely important for students to get the opportunity to have a studio practice and create with and around other artists. The art room is a place where creative energy is shared and flowing through everyone in class. It is a priority to ensure that my classroom is managed in a way that is safe, productive, and prioritizes this creativity.