How do I manage classroom behavior? Classroom rules and expectations are vital in an art classroom. Set up, display, and follow through with these rules & expectations. There are four umbrella rules/expectations that all behavior can fall under.
Four Classroom Rules
- Follow directions the 1st time
- Raise your hand to speak
- Respect others (space, quiet, artwork)
- Take care of property (personal, peer, classroom, school)
Art Classroom Poster – Download
According to your needs, please print the poster that would be best for your classroom. They are the same except for the title – Download the Art Classroom Rules Poster Here. Download Art Rules Expectations Here. Both files are 20 mb high-resolution for printing a poster size-display. Poster size is 18″x30″.
Printing and Displaying Rules Poster
Print and laminate the poster. Place flat sicker magnet tape on the back to adhere to the board at the front of the room. The poster should always be displayed in a central location for visual reference at all times.
Explaining the Rules to Elementary Students
Teach and reinforce the rules by following through with them. For example, don’t respond to a student who calls out versus a student who raises their hands. This can be so hard, but not responding to the call-out reinforces that raising your hand is essential in your class. Walking by that student and reminding them or saying, “I’d love to call on comments of students with hands raised,” will encourage and reinforce this to the entire class. Students will rise to your expectations. You may make your own poster or use one of mine. You can download the Art Class Rules poster here.
Rule No. 1 – Follow directions the 1st time. Does this mean the 10th time? (No) Does this mean the 100th time? (No.) Why is it important to follow this rule? It saves time – we have more time for creating art when we listen the first time. If you have a bell, chime, or other “freeze” indicator, this is a good time to practice. Freezing when you hear the sound – no sounds from your mouth and no movement from your body, will help you hear the directions the 1st time. Practice. Have students talk by telling each other something about themselves – their favorite color, if they have a pet, etc. Ring the bell and see if everyone stops. Practice as needed.
Rule No. 2 – Raise your hand to speak. This does not mean talking while raising your hand. This means your hand is in the air without sounds coming from your mouth. If I cannot call on you, I might ask you to save your comments and questions for work time. The only time you don’t need to raise your hand is if you’ll throw up. If you have time, tell a neighbor and either run to the trash can which is here, or to the bathroom which is here. If you need to go to the bathroom please use the ASL (American Sign Language) for bathroom. This indicates a different hand signal and I’ll know you’re need is different.
Rule No. 3 – Respect others & property. We will work best in our own space, use a quiet voice, and only mark and touch our artwork. Respecting property includes what we carry in the art room, what our peers or classmates have, the tools and supplies in the classroom, the tables, chairs, and materials provided by the school.
How To Fix Behavior Issues
After giving a couple of reminders and the behavior persists in not following the rules, it’s time to identify and fix the behavior to align with your expectations. See my Fix-It Ticket post to address these issues.