the studio
Studio Rules
In the studio you must always:
Be Yourself - Show what makes you special
Make Mistakes - You'll learn something
Challenge Yourself - Try something new
Ask Questions - What do you want to know
Be Kind - To everyone and everything
seating
I don't have assigned seats unless student behavior makes it necessary.
Students need to be able to move around the room to work with different classmates and to investigate what others are doing.
That being said, students tend to sit in the same place each day, so I have a seating chart for substitutes and ease of taking attendance.
supplies
Paper is stored on a bookshelf in the main area of the classroom along with books and magazines for research.
Materials and tools are stored in whatever way is most convenient for the space. Paints, brushes, and palettes are stored by the sink. Commonly used materials like paper, scissors, and colored pencils are out in the open. Infrequently used materials are clearly labeled in a closet.
Students are allowed access to whatever materials they want most of the time. If the material or tool they need is not out in the open, they ask permission to go find it in the closet. I regularly suggest different tools and materials to students who may not know what is available in the closet.
The closet is filled with clearly labeled boxes and transparent tubs.
visuals and signage
Featured Artists - Several of these Featured Artist areas are displayed in the hallway.
Artistic Behaviors - This bubble map of artistic behaviors is the most prominent display in the room.
Students who submit an AP portfolio get to paint a ceiling tile.
Time Management - When the minute hand is pointing to the class period, there's 10 minutes left to clean up and journal. I created this when I was teaching at the elementary level to help students who couldn't read a clock manage their time. It proved to be just as useful at the secondary level.
Spontaneous Art - A challenging student kept shooting rubber bands across the room when I turned my back. Afterward, a helpful student picked them up and formed them into a chain. I then stretched the rubberband chain from a bookshelf up to the ceiling as a reminder. I later added the words: "I will be flexible. I will not break."