Saturday, August 26, 2017

New ways to be "ready for art"

For many years, one of the first things I have said to my classes is "Show me you are ready for art," and I wait for all eyes to look at me, talking to stop, and still seated bodies. I am changing it up a bit this year and trying to broaden the concept of being ready for art - I still greet them with that same request, but then right after I have their attention we do a short relaxation exercise. A few shoulder rolls, a few hand stretches, and a few slow deep breaths - and our bodies are calmer, our minds are clearer and we are ready to be creative. It only takes about 30 seconds but it really does create a nice mood in the room and the kids seem to be enjoying it! Once we get into the routine I will start calling up a student to lead us in the relaxation and choose a few new techniques we can do in our seats.
Image from pbs.org

Another practice I have been doing absolutely regularly is our Five Minute Focus, where we listen to low volume music and think about our work without distraction. Once the lesson has been introduced or reviewed and all materials are passed out, we work without talking and listen to our own artist voice in our heads. After the five minutes is up, we use our table talk voices and take a vote on continuing the music (it's usually a yes) - mostly Vince Guaraldi and movie soundtracks like Wall-e (my fave) and Monsters Inc with a few Beatles classics and such. I use a Spotify playlist.

I have a new chart posted in my room that shows how our 45 minutes is broken down - it is the same schedule as it has always been, but having the chart up for students to see seems to be helping us to use our time more wisely. Art room time is a terrible thing to waste :) .

8 comments:

  1. Hi, thanks for sharing some new routines you're trying...I particularly like the "5 minute focus", I sometimes have the kids do silent work time, where they just concentrate on their work. I like the phrasing you use because it clearly and simple states what it is, and what it's for. I'm going to try and use it this year instead of simply calling in silent work time! It's the little tweaks like that, that sometimes make a big difference!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment ArtMuse - I used to be kind of random about the moments of silent work time too, I noticed it worked but I wasn't very consistent about it. So I put it right up front and it sets a nice tone - they continue working at a much more comfortable noise level than when we just dive in without that focus time. Hope you have a fantastic year!

      Delete
  2. This is awesome - you are awesome - thanks for the inspiration! I'm going to try these techniques with all my students as well, and I especially want to do the relaxation moment with my Pre-K's and K's :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We had an art teacher PD day today and the girls at my table all agreed we missed you - hope you are well and happy!

      Delete
  3. Aw, that just melts my heart. I miss you guys!!!!!!! All is well and happy :) Gearing up for year two here in Virginia......can't believe it!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm a new art teacher :) and was just wondering this past week about having music during the time the students are working on their projects. It was SO quiet last week and I almost felt like I needed to go around and comment every once in awhile on everyone's work just to break the silence. I think I might consider some background music this week and see how I like it (or they like it!).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heather - welcome to Art Teacher World - hope you are having a great time so far! Honestly in the past I only played music rarely - it was kind of distracting and felt like "too much." This year we are all really enjoying it during our focus time, and then if they are still working quietly I just let the music continue. However if it is a lesson where I'm having to give steps every few minutes, or they are extra lively, I don't bother with it after the focus time because it is just more noise in the room. My best advice is just to use it when you feel it is helping, like you mentioned to break an awkward silence.

      Delete
  5. Very nice. Well thought and beautifully presented :)

    When relaxing please feel free to stop by my art hub! have a great day!

    ReplyDelete

Comments are very appreciated - thanks for stopping by!