Wednesday, September 21, 2016

Art Teacherin' 101: Episode 19

Last week, I discovered a little magical device that worked wonders with a chatty fourth grade class: this wee plastic sign from the Dollah-Make-You-Hollah Tree!

So, just how does it work? In short, I start off by placing it on the table of the hardest working group. Then I set my timer for seven minutes (because five minutes broke the class up too much) and when the timer went off, the Rock Star group chatted about who was the next set of Rock Stars. The wee sign was then passed to that table and Wash, Rinse, Repeat. Allow me to do a slightly better job explaining it to you here:

I'm REALLY BIG into putting the kids in charge of stuff like the Happy/Sad board (see below-below), the clean up signal, and, now, this. I could tell a big fat hairy fib and say that it's because I like putting ownership in the kids hands or instilling responsibility. I suppose that's a super sweet side effect but the fur realz reason is that 1. I'm Lazy and 2. I'm Crazy. I'd forget ALL of that stuff each and every art class if the kids weren't so stinkin' good at reminding me and keeping up with all of it. So there. Now you know the truth. 
In case you missed my Dollar Tree shopping spree finds, here you go! It truly is Art Teacherin' heaven, y'all. 
And in case you missed that bit about the happy/sad board...dudes. I love this thing. It's quick, it's easy and it's a visual for the kids. It's also great for when I have a sub as he/she can keep up with it as well. In my sub videos, you'll often see me chat about it as a reminder to the kids that I am watching. ALWAYS WATCHING...(something on Netflix). 
Because I did a lousy job explaining my table set up, here it 'tis. With my bigger glasses, we use every seat in the house except those end cap seats. That's where I like to plop down and check out the happenings. 
Now to figure out what to do with the rest of the little signs. I have a feeling this idea is going to progress so stay tuned. Love to hear your tips and tricks for management in the art room. We can all learn from each other! 
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6 comments:

  1. Hi Cassie, I hope I've said it before, but I'm so grateful you find the time to keep up on this blog! Thank you :o) I don't know how yoU do it....awesome art teacher AND inspiration to us all?!!! It never fails, (not to put you under any pressure) but whenever my day has been a challenge and I'm just not sure if I can do this crazy job, you leave a post that totally inspires me and reminds me why we do this! THANK YOU, like, times a ga-zillion!!!

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    1. Anonymous9/22/2016

      Cassie, what melle said - super duper quadruple dittos! : )

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  2. My kids would love this. Adding to my dollar tree shopping list.

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  3. Anonymous9/22/2016

    Having some for REAL chatting issues in my third and four grade classes! Gonna try this! Thanks as always!-M3

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  4. I made my own sign today, as soon as I put it out you could've heard a pin drop!!

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