I’ve been asked many times how to finish art projects with a roomful of little artists when each one works at their own pace. Well, it’s not easy, but at the same time, it’s not impossible. Here are a few things to think about:
Some children will always finish ahead of others. It may be because they like to rush things, are on-task kids or perhaps just plain bored and want to move on. Whatever the reason, I’m prepared.
Free-Choice Art Time
I have a station set up in one corner of the art room for free-choice art time. Meaning, they can grab a piece of paper, a few markers and draw whatever they like. At times, some kids can’t wait to get to the “free choice” station and this leaves me wondering if the featured art project was engaging enough. Who knows? Maybe it’s time to dream up more creative projects. For the on-task students who use their time effectively (meaning: don’t talk alot!), the free choice time is their version of downtime. They can write a letter to their friend, invent the latest quiz for lunchtime entertainment or simply practice drawing something they like.
Kinders usually repeat the very same lesson over and over again. If the art project was learning to draw a pig, they will use their free-choice time to draw a pig. Very cute.
Here’s a tip: Free choice work must be done at their original seat. This means that if their place is messy with let’s say, paint, they need to clean it up before starting free choice time.
The Benefits of Portfolios
At the beginning of the year, I make an art portfolio for each student. Of course, they can do it themselves. Basically, the portfolio is just a piece of large paper folded in half. I put their name, teacher’s name and grade level on the upper right corner. After each class, I put the art work in their portfolio. When a student has a few minutes at the end of the class, they can get their portfolio and start any unfinished work.
I shouldn’t make it sounds this simple. You have to plan. Early in the school year, I did a series of post about which projects to start the school year off with. (You can find the series here.) I always suggest starting with a line drawing. Line drawings will never be completed in one class time. They also only require a black pen. Do you see where I’m going with this? Completing line drawings are the perfect project to work on if there is extra time at the end of a class.
Directed Line Drawings
I love directed line drawings. They have many benefits: develop listening skills, enrich vocabulary, teach shapes and relationships, and on and on. Students love them as well because they get to learn how to draw something that well, looks like something. But of course, they can be a tab bit contrived. But everything in moderation, right?
But as far as keeping timing under control, directed line drawings can’t be beat. If you teach the lesson well, meaning provide easy to understand steps and samples, the kids will be enraptured. This type of lesson keeps everyone on the same page. They’re moving at the same pace…some kids wait a bit for others to catch up, but basically the class is flowing.
It might help you to teach a few directed line drawings to get the rhythm of the class and to see how much time children need.
Here are a few Directed Line Drawings that work really well:
Koi Fish Painting for Upper Grades
Encouraging Words
Sometimes all anyone needs is a few kind words. Children are no exception. Often times, the kids who lag behind are just not confident or happy with their work. I really try hard to make every child feel proud. I’m truly impressed by their willingness, abilities and personal creative stamp and I make every effort to convey my feelings to them. I don’t believe in the mantra of never giving compliments or being overly careful of my words. I honestly love everything that the kids create (and who wouldn’t) and really enjoy celebrating their art with them.
Have Fun with the Lesson
3rd Grade Teach Mrs Heinrich getting into the "Paper-Bag" hat fun!
Try very hard to impart a sense of fun with all of your projects. Children will notice your reaction when they paint two heads instead of one, or add way too much glitter when they were told only a sprinkle. Make a conscious effort to monitor your reactions. Draw a smiley face on your hand if you have too. Just keep smiling and extending your good nature to the children.
I do the same time with the free-choice art table but I call it the "Got Time? Table"
I hate when they try to rush over there to get 'free drawing paper' as if its a prize…I remind them its there all-year-long and their proejct is more important.
Also, I appreciated your last comment about the two heads instead of one and the glitter–I have to be careful b/c its SO Hard to monitor my reactions and facial experessions and I'm totally working on it! ;0 thanks for the reminder!
I get so frustrated when my children rush to finish a wonderful project to work on free drawing or a colouring sheet. Is it my hang up?
I was actually a bit confused, but intrigued by your comment on "two heads … glitter."
I never know what to say to those kids who PURPOSELY don't follow directions. I don't mean taking an artistic leap, but for example, covering their picture with glue instead of gluing on an object!
Thoughts?
I have a few kids who, at times, will sabotage their art work. Usually, these kids have underlying conditions that I don't know about. Since I'm not credentialed, the home room teacher attends art class with her students and she usually helps this child.
As for other kids who just don't listen, well, that's another thing and another post!
Patty,
I love your site. I've been following it since last spring and I have used sooo many of your projects in my room. I've been teaching art in a public school system for 6 years now, and it is wonderful to see what others are doing. I started my own blog…although I don't think I will be as prolific a poster as you are ( I have a toddler
Anyway it is called the lime apron(www.limeapron.blogspot.com). I have NO idea what I am doing, but I have managed to show a couple projects and even referenced you in one. Learning a little at a time. Thanks for all the great ideas and have a happy holiday!
Love, Love, Love, this site. I have been an art teacher for 13 years in NYC. It is the best! Lately I have stopped free time because of all the rushing, and have put out a large book basket., most of the books are art books, which they love but do not rush to finish the project. I sometimes give a prize to the child who finishes last!
Putting out books is something I have considered. I think I’ll give it a go!
I have an area on one side of my room that has a few things that they can choose to do when their work is completed and not rushed through. I have this set up so that they have more options to choose from when they are done and each one is to help improve their art skills, which I definitly notice improvements and confidence growing.
*I have a sheet of paper (that I cut in half so I save paper) and they may do free draw or use a drawing book that I have made copies of and put in folders. The drawing folders has animals, people, cars, etc in it and I’ve noticed that their drawings have been getting much better with the extra practice. Some of them don’t even need the steps any more, they know how to draw it from memory.
* I took paper, cut out organic shapes, and laminated it (so it can be used over and over). They will choose one, trace it onto their free draw paper and figure out what the organic shape looks like, kind of like looking at the clouds. This is a way to expand their imagination and create some GT skills.
* I have a few printed papers that have just a small squiggle line in the center and they finsh the lines by turning it into something and then color it. They may use the back of the paper for free draw or any of the other above examples if they finish it still to early.
* I have play dough in seperate plasic ziplock containers that teaches them to create 3D objects. I show the younger students how to make pinch pots out of the play dough. This improves their building and forming skills that will help when we get to clay.
* I have a large loom that I split into 3 sections so 3 students may weave at a time.
* I also have some books out that they may read and flash cards on multiplication, insects, colors and shapes, capitals, etc.
I wanted to share this with all of you because I was so excited on how this has helped them with their everday art and overall confidence through the extra practice. It also saves paper since allot of them choose to weave and use the play dough.
Emily D. mentioned that she offers her early finishers a basket of books instead of art supplies and so do I.
Offering a basket of books has not only eliminated the urge for students to dash through their art assignment but the books are a great way to integrate silent reading into art time.
Kelly Yerby, East Lansing Schools
I really like the portfolio idea and will be starting my own portfolios this year as well! Time management is crucial for me to keep myself sane and I have a few little perfectionists that need the extra freedom of time that portfolios allow.
Last year I also got permission from my principal to paint 3 of my cabinets – so I chose to make one chalkboard, one dry-erase, and the last one magnetic. With a little tweaking, these cabinets have been a lifesaver when it comes to “what do I do now?” lessons. The kids love the freedom they are given to create art on the cabinets and leave them up for the next class to see.
I’ve noticed that my Kinders will do the project again during their free draw time as well! Too funny!