We made it!! Summer vacation has officially began for many school staff and students. Even though vacation has started, many educators and homeschoolers will be doing research for new art lessons, displays, etc. for the 2014-15 school year. Here's a simple idea to use in any classroom when you are working on a project or art lesson. When I taught art on the secondary level, I always posted the steps for each art lesson on one of the main bulletin boards in my classroom. This allowed each student to be reminded of the steps for each art lesson and cut down the amount of students who asked "What are we supposed to do again?......." A simple version of this is displayed below. An example of the completed demonstration painting is displayed with the lesson steps simply written above. The bulletin board also features our colorful Pencil Bulletin Board Trim as well as out C-R-C poster. Have a wonderfully restful and creative summer.

One of the most successful portrait lessons that I've taught on the secondary level uses the grid technique. Using the grid technique to teach drawing can really be effective in building students confidence in the art room.  For this lesson, the students used magazine ads to create the drawings; they also used oil pastels to color the portraits. (Because it takes a good amount of time and focus to complete this project, this lesson really helps in managing an art class.) 

This particular grid portrait is inspired by the work of Chuck Close.  Chuck Close is a famous artist who is known for his beautiful portraits and inspiring story. To learn more about the grid technique and Chuck Close, click on the links below.

http://www.art-is-fun.com/grid-method.html
http://www.chuckclose.com

Today I was thinking about my first professional teaching job as an art teacher in an elementary school that served 800 students in grades K-5. When I walked into the art room, the students were screaming, wrestling, standing on tables and throwing art supplies at each other. I thought to myself, what have I gotten myself into? After a short few weeks, a lot of prayer, and hard work, I got the art room in order and the students back on track. Thus, today I want to share five simple tips for managing an art classroom successfully.

1. Organization
This is one of the most important tips on the list. Lack of organization can cause major issues in your classroom. Keep you supplies and student work in order. Make sure your class is neat and clean at the end of each day. Prepare your lessons in a timely manner. Have a seating chart for each class.

2. Engaging Art Lessons
There are hundreds of great websites and blogs to help you develop amazing art lessons that will keep the students focused in a positive way. Keep your presentations/demonstrations between 5-10 minutes long and allow the students more time to have fun creating.

3. Bell Work
This tip works on all grade levels. Have the students do a simple 5 minute drawing or art activity in an art journal as soon as they walk in the room. This helps to get their creative juices flowing.

4. 10 Minutes of Quiet Time
For the first 5-10 minutes of each project, tell the students that they have to work quietly so that they can concentrate. In some cases the students become so engaged in their work they stay quiet for 20 minutes. You can also play soft classical music while they're quiet to stimulate the creative sides of their brains. 

5. Consistent Integrity
Keep the routine, rules, and procedures in your class consistent. Follow through on positive and negative consequences.

Share more tips on managing an art room by commenting below.