If you’re a beginning first-year art teacher, or maybe a veteran looking to update your classroom management, you may be compiling a list of class rules. However, there are many factors for the teacher to consider. Classroom discipline is very unique to an elementary art room, with distinct challenges that only art teachers face.
Issues such as rotating class schedules, how often you see the students, how long class periods are, the layout of the classroom, management of supplies and materials, and the unique needs of students are all characteristics an art teacher must consider when planning their class rules and procedures. Most of all, the teacher needs to decide what management issues are most important to them (and their school) when choosing their discipline plan.
As you plan your classroom management, keep in mind – rules are very different than procedures, and procedures should not be included as rules. Class procedures are routines and how-to’s – the way your class runs (everything from how to line up at the door to the end of class, to how to clean desks or brushes). Rules, precisely, are expected guidelines for behavior.
As a guideline, elementary art teachers should never make more than five rules for their classes. For younger students, this is all they can handle.
It is also best for classroom rules for elementary art be written in a positive and ‘active’ voice. (Rather than “Don’t scream and yell“, write “Use a respectful, indoor voice.”)
Lastly, make sure that your class rules are posted in plain view on the walls of your art classroom. Number them, keep them short and simple, and – this is extremely important – post the consequences next to each rule. This helps students know in advance what result will happen when they disobey, and tends to curb disruptive behavior.
The following are examples of elementary art classroom rules. Variations of these are frequently used by teachers in schools throughout the country. Feel free to borrow, adapt or sample any of these for your art room:
Sample Rule #1: Use a respectful, indoor voice.
Sample Rule #2: Be kind and respectful to your classmates and teacher.
Sample Rule #3: Keep your hands (and art supplies) to yourself.
Sample Rule #4: Be responsible for your work area and art supplies.
Sample Rule #5:Raise your hand when the teacher is talking.
Sample Rule #6: Food stays in the cafeteria, not the art room.
Sample Rule #7: Walk carefully through the room.
Sample Rule #8: Have a positive work attitude, persevere and do your best.
Sample Rule #9: Talk only during ‘work time.’
Sample Rule #10: Help others when needed.
Sample Rule #11: Use manners.
Sample Rule #12: Ask permission before you get art supplies.
Sample Rule #13: Clean your own messes.
Sample Rule #14: Turn off your voice when the intercom sounds.
Sample Rule #15: Work quietly when you are finished.
Sample Rule #16: Wait patiently while the teacher is helping a classmate.
Sample Rule #17: Work so as not to disturb your classmates.
These are just a few examples of rules you can use in your elementary art room. Keep in mind that any rules you make must be active and measurable – meaning, it must be general enough to cover a variety of behaviors, but specific enough to pinpoint (for example, “Be a good student” is much too vague).
Lastly, be sure to pick the rules that are right for you and your classroom; after all, a rule is pointless if you can’t or won’t enforce it. Now, good luck with your classroom management, and happy planning!
