Comments for Deep Space Sparkle

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:14:27 +0000

I know! They’re too young to have such sass! Oh well, we can only model good behavior and engage them so fast that they don’t have time to be disruptive.

Comment on Modigliani Portraits in Chalk pastel by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:13:27 +0000

You’ll love the chalk…it looks so warm and lovely. Have fun!

Comment on Visiting New York City by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:12:48 +0000

I agree…NYC is the best. Can’t wait to go back!!!!

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:12:07 +0000

I love this…brings the parents into the picture!

Comment on Classroom Management: A step in the positive direction! by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:11:32 +0000

Thanks Mary!!!!

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by Patty

Patty — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:10:58 +0000

I hope that discussions like this one can empower us to become better teachers. I’ve never minded the awful task of searching for ways to improve myself or my teaching to better engage with my students. Sometimes, I know it’s me…I’m distracted, I’m still thinking of how late my oldest son woke up that morning (ha!) or some other silly frustration. Occasionally my mood will spill onto my students. They’re not stupid. They pick up on my energy. My only advice is to make sure my energy is good. Kids deserve that. Now, having said that…if they still are little problem makers, then my energy changes fast!
Hopefully, you can ask other teachers whom you admire for help. I often look at the smart, professional teachers at my school and try to learn as much as I can from their management styles. Good luck and yes, it’s worth it if you are sharing art with children. Keep creating!!!

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by angie

angie — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:42:15 +0000

thank you for this discussion. i am also an elementary art teacher who teaches at 2 schools. 640 students at one and 924 at the other.i am 9 weeks at one, then switch. each day i have a harder time with classroom management. i find myself exasperated and raising my voice more and more. even the really good kids suffer. i hate who i am when i can’t control a classroom. many days spent crying after school and sleepless nights trying to find an answer. glad to know i’m not alone. however, sometimes i wonder if this career that i’ve invested 12 years of my life is worth the emotional toll.

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by catherine cooper

catherine cooper — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:09:22 +0000

I too feel so ashamed of myself when I lose my temper and my thinking leading up to that point is that my students shouldn’t act like this…IT”S ART! FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! THEY SHOULD WANT TO BE HERE! And then when I came back from planet Artopia, I realize that it is very much my responibility to teach and remind them of the expectations. And yes, I seem to have the most trouble with 5th graders (although my school only goes up that far, so I don’t have any comparison). It’s the sassy attitude and back talk (like they already know everything) that really gets me. I tell myself that they act this way because it’s the way they are treated and no one expects them to be respectful (so I try to respect them and connect with them, but it’s still hard) Maybe it’s just a pre-pre-teen phase, but I find I am having to really lay down the law more and more…and again, IT”S ART…I just want to teach ART, but it’s never that simple! Thanks for your post–it’s so good to know others are going through this too!

Comment on Classroom Management: A step in the positive direction! by Mary Breshike

Mary Breshike — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:57:39 +0000

As a new art teacher, I love the practical guide you mention about classroom management! Love your site! Thank you!

Comment on Classroom Management: Reigning In A Rowdy Class by Maureen Cesari

Maureen Cesari — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 14:32:11 +0000

I think anyone who teaches art has been in this situation. I teach after school art programas at a charter school that does not offer art, music, etc. during the school day. I have classes with students in grades 3 thru 8. It is generally the 5th and 6th graders that give me the biggest problem. I often have to remind students of expectations and that I do not have a problem refunding their parents money and sending them home if they are going to be disruptive to my classroom and to their fellow students.