Thursday, August 15, 2013

In the Art Room: The First Days of Art Class

Konichiwa'ing and bowing to "Sensei Stephens"...a girl could get used to this. Unfortunately, I can't seem to train the hubs to do the same.
Konichiwa, ya'll!
 I don't know about you, but I am always super curious how teachers begin their school year. Since I just finished seeing all of my first through fourth grade classes for an hour this rotation (I see my students for a 1/2 hour twice every six days. Yeah, I'm just as confused as you are), I thought I'd share with you the first days of art class. Not included in this episode of In the Art Room is kindergarten-town. Because they start a little later than the rest, I only saw one class this week...and I tend to do things a little differently with them (read: whatever I can manage to do with a herd of cats, er kids, in one session).

On the first day of art class, I greeted my students outside my room wearing my kimono. We chatted briefly about how we would be studying the art of Asia this year beginning with Japan. They learned that whenever they are on a red line (one outside my room as you can see below, one in my room where we line up and another set where we sit on the floor) they are to be "samurai silent". I then told them how to say hello in Japanese and how to bow to show respect. Which is what's goin' down in that top photo.
My Samurai Silent line.


Once we entered the art room, following another red line, I asked the kids if they could tell me anything that was different about my room. Keep in mind, the last time they saw my room, it looked like this...and now it looks like this. From there, we gathered on the floor in "Japan".  I used the yellow map to remind them the name of our continent, the continent we studied last year and the continent of Asia. 

I chatted with the kids about my trip to Japan several years ago (I did the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program which I cannot recommend enough. It was such a wonderful experience. You really outta do it). They learned that children in Japan are very much like them, including their style of dress. However, on special occasions, folks do wear a kimono. I chatted about my kimono, the obi (that giant belt) and my geta (the wooden shoes I'm wearing).
I know what you're thinking: You didn't talk about RULES on the very first day?! I'm getting to it! But c'mon. On the first days of school, it's nothing but rules and procedures and blahblahblah. Not only that, but I've been these kids' art teacher forever. We kinda sorta got this. That being said, after 10 minutes of chatting about Japan, I did have the kids move to this part of my room, take a seat on the floor so we could discuss...Art Class Rules.

Now, before they ventured to that part of the room, I asked them to go shopping at The Store for a piece of newspaper. The Store is simply the supply-gathering table I have set up in my room. You can read more about that here.
Okay, so you mighta noticed I'm wearing a different kimono. I'd accidentally left my other one at home that day and was left using my thrift store kimono.
Once seated on the floor with our newspapers, I went through the roll and greeted each student with a "konichiwa!". This gave them the opportunity to not only practice their konichiwas but to also learn my name if they were a newbie.
Five minutes later we got around to the rules. Now just to spice things up a bit, I like to use my sound machine when chatting about something that might otherwise be monotonous. This little gadget has 16 different awesome sound effects from a scream (to demonstrate what I might sound like if a rule is broken) to a round of applause for awesomeness. Consequences to not following rules are also discussed. Behind my rows of seated kids, I've got two red X's that are my designated time out spots. Students are to stand and face me when in time out so they can still hear instructions but no longer (er, hopefully) disrupt the group. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I've had my share of office referrals. But it's rare so I don't chat about it much.
When all that's covered, we get to our Very First Art Project! After teaching for a million (okay, 15) years, it's one thing that I've found drives the kids nuts on the first day: not getting to "do art". So I always try to include a little something. On the first day, we spent the last 5-7ish minutes making origami hats. I used this as a chance to really emphasize the rules: If you "listen carefully" then you'll be able to "follow directions. Origami can be confusing, so "try your best". "Be kind" to your friends, lend a hand if they need help. And that wrapped up our very first 1/2 hour session.
For our second 1/2 hour session, we practiced our samurai silent business and got our seats in art class. I have six tables with four chairs at each. Every table has a color and every seat has a number. Each student was instructed where their spot was (I'm a believer in assigned seats with an even ratio of boys/girls and positive peer grouping). I told them that we were going to play the Painting Game. Once they were given their seats, they were told to put on the apron that was on the back of their chair, don't touch the paint and wait for everyone to get their seat.
So the Painting Game was just a fun way for us to review proper painting procedures, review the elements of art and have fun. I would draw a number and then either a line or a shape and the kids were to paint it. I reminded them that our paint brushes are like ballerinas: they ALWAYS dance on their tippy-toes. They never EVER scoot around on their bottom. Because that's bad for the bristles and just plain weird. I mean, who ever heard of a butt-scootin-around ballerina?!
After a couple rounds, the kids swapped paint cups and brushes with their neighbors. We talked about the principals of art by chatting about variety, emphasis and all that other groovy goodness.
I changed out the table coverings at the end of each day which means these papers got pretty well covered. The kids were responsible for enhancing the painting that was already before them...which was a struggle for some. However, they all seemed to enjoy their painting time and were eager to do it again. Which we won't be anytime soon because we have a million other projects to get to...but I didn't tell them that. By the way, these paintings will be used as a backdrop for another project I'll share with you soon.
To wrap up the Painting Game and chat about what we learned, we lined up and played The Smartest Artist. More on that game here.

This is actually a photo from last year...I just didn't manage to snap one while we were playing this week. I quizzed them on the elements of art, the primary colors and the names of lines. After that, we bowed and said sayonara before exiting.
And there you have it! One hour in the art room, broken down into two classes. Every time I see these guys, I'll be covering a new routine and procedure (next up, safety drills) but I gotta break it up a bit with some fun. For my sanity and theirs. Teacher friends, how do you approach your first days of school. There's just so much to cover, the fun never ends. Thank goodness Friday comes once a week and saves the day, right?!
And now it's time to announce the Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Debi! Congrats, girl! I can't wait to send this crayon-goodness your way and see what amazingness you create.

31 comments:

  1. Anonymous8/15/2013

    You teach students not only about styles of art and how to's, but you give them the world! Thank you! I can't wait to talk to Jack about the class!
    Sue Ellen Parker

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8/21/2018

      Contact Dr Raypower at urgentspellcast@gmail.com if you want to get your Husband, Wife, Boyfriend and Girlfriend back now and regain your happiness.

      Hi i am Laura Christ from USA I have just experience the wonders of Dr. Raypower love spell, that have been spread on the internet and worldwide, How he marvelously helped people all over the world to restored back their marriage life and get back lost lovers, and also help to win lottery. I contacted him after going through so many testimonies from different people how he help to bring back ex lover back, i told him about my husband that abandoned me about 8 months ago, and left home with all i had.. Dr Raypower only told me to smile and have a rest of mind he will handle all in just 24 hours, After the second day my husband called me, i was just so shocked, i pick the call and couldn't believe my ears, he was really begging me to forgive him and making promises on phone.. He came back home and also got me a new car just for him to proof his love for me. i was so happy and called Dr Raypower and thanked him, he only told me to share the good news all over the world .. Well if you need an effective and real spell caster contact Dr Raypower Via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +1 (424) 330-8109 and also see more reviews about him on his website: http://urgentspellcast.website2.me/





      Contact Dr Raypower at urgentspellcast@gmail.com if you want to get your Husband, Wife, Boyfriend and Girlfriend back now and regain your happiness.

      Hi i am Laura Christ from USA I have just experience the wonders of Dr. Raypower love spell, that have been spread on the internet and worldwide, How he marvelously helped people all over the world to restored back their marriage life and get back lost lovers, and also help to win lottery. I contacted him after going through so many testimonies from different people how he help to bring back ex lover back, i told him about my husband that abandoned me about 8 months ago, and left home with all i had.. Dr Raypower only told me to smile and have a rest of mind he will handle all in just 24 hours, After the second day my husband called me, i was just so shocked, i pick the call and couldn't believe my ears, he was really begging me to forgive him and making promises on phone.. He came back home and also got me a new car just for him to proof his love for me. i was so happy and called Dr Raypower and thanked him, he only told me to share the good news all over the world .. Well if you need an effective and real spell caster contact Dr Raypower Via email: urgentspellcast@gmail.com or Call or WhatsApp: +1 (424) 330-8109 and also see more reviews about him on his website: http://urgentspellcast.website2.me/

      Delete
  2. I abosolutely love your Smartest Artist game! My students play it at line up every class. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous8/08/2014

      what is that game?

      Delete
  3. Hi Cassie
    I want to be in your art class! I promise to be samurai silent.
    Thanks for a great post. Love the dancing paintbrush analogies.

    ReplyDelete
  4. The first day in my class is similar in that I introduce them to the classroom and explain my reward systems to them and go through the obvious rules. I also introduce them to my puppets and I find puppets to be a great motivational tool and the children love them. We also allocate jobs to specific monitors and this helps the children feel responsible for the classroom. I'm very much like you in that I'm a firm believer in getting stuck into fun activities as soon as possible as keeping children occupied and interested is key to getting good behaviour from them. So as soon as that's all out of the way it's down to work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your classroom is quite the theater. I want to be a student in your class.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8/19/2013

    I wish, wish, wish there were more teachers like you (and I wish, wish, wish my kids had an art teacher like you). I love all your outfits and can't believe the amount of work you put into decorating your class for the subject you are teaching. I wish more teachers had your passion (and energy!). I think I love you! :)
    Kara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous3/30/2014

    I love your methods! Also how to treat your brushes! I always say to my students that you wouldn't want anyone to do that to your head/ hair. That is when they go crazy with my brushes! Treat them nice like brushing or petting your hair! Love the ballerina!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the ballerina brushes!! In my class we have "Mrs. Water Pastel" who comes out to greet the students and talk to them about her "brothers/sisters/cousins" and how they like their hair to be treated. She makes an appearance every once in awhile. The kids love her (they also love when I paint "wrong" with her and she screams). One of my kids even said she had been "hyber-painting" when she was gone for awhile. Hahaha. Great classroom. Love everything you have done!!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. yvonne r7/22/2014

    where did you get the guitar apron?

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous8/07/2014

    Do you do the same activity with all of the grades each day? I'm just wondering how you would have time to switch between classes.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I would love to put my kids in an art class. I took art classes when I was younger and it changed my view of just everyday things. I want them to have what I have. They would really enjoy it. http://www.portart.com.au/port-melbourne-art-classes/

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey, I very much agree with you that there needs to be some art on the first day. It's really easy for the kids to zone out if all they hear is Blah, Blah, Blah. I want to get better at setting the expectations together in the art room. I try to get the kids to give me their thoughts on safe and sensible practice. We have also started a clean up procedure that seems to be working well. We have all the things that need to be done listed on a magnetic board and students have their name placed against a different task. More efficient I think?? Kat

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's a good post!! Enrolling your kids in art classes with the best idea to develop their creativity and give them a chance to explore their creativity in multiple ways.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great post, Thank your very much for your post, keep it on as blogging. check out my blog 3towap.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. How do you play the Painting Game? When you draw a number and shape, does everyone paint? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kasey -- Yes! Everyone paints...whatever size, color or manner they wish. So if I say "3 circles" everyone paints 3 circles...but they can be big, small, dif colors, overlapping, you name it! Hope that helps :)

      Delete
  16. Cassie- as always, your posts inspire and get me excited to get back into the art classroom groove!!! Question- what grade level (s) do you do the Painting Game with?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi Cassie! I have been snooping on your blog for a few months now so I may as well show myself :) Question for you - I'd LOVE to try the Smartest Artist game this year! So - do you have a winner each time? I see the pic of the crayon prize - just wondering how that works or if you just play for fun, no winner....

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous5/24/2016

    Great ideas! I pinned the painting game and will be using it next school year. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love you! You remind me of me lol. Wanted to know how can I store artwork for my kids. My room only has 1 wall the rest has large windows. I will be teaching 6 of each grade. K-5. Any sugguestions?

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous7/23/2016

    Trini, I just pinned a post about using plastic sleeves and connector rings to display art on windows. I'm going to give it a try!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oooo I love that idea!

      Delete
    2. Send me the link please!

      Delete
    3. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    4. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
  21. Hello Cassie as always its such a pleasure to be part of you"art" life. I wanted to ask some questions that may sound weird. I have been teaching art for 6 years, however I always end up back in a regular classroom. So I feel like a first time teacher each time I am back in the art room. How do you pick your theme for the year? Also my classroom has more windows than wall space, any suggestions for art storage (6 classes a day with a 6 day rotation)?
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have been looking for beginning of the year activities for my new K-8 classroom. Thank you so much for the painting game! Every grade loved it. The paintings came out awesome. And it was great "color" for the hallways right off the back! I put my own dramatic spin on it with a giant soft soccer ball with a different symbols- line, triangle, etc. - on every space and a giant soft die both from Five Below. Teacher rolls both to determine painting content.

    ReplyDelete
  23. You are an amazing teacher! Although I am an aspiring history teacher I love all your videos and blogs! Thank you for sharing your passion.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thanks to Dr.Purity for bringing back my wife and brought great joy to my family!! puritylovespell@gmail.com is certainly the best spell caster online, if you need your Ex lover back fast! and his result is 100% guarantee..on Whats-app: +2348070980389.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for your comments. I appreciate each and every one :)

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.