Some classes are very good, don’t get me wrong. But what do you do with classes that refuse to listen and choose to be brats? Do you stop caring about the quality of work they create and just wait until they graduate? Honestly, caring too much doesn’t feel sustainable. But at the same time, caring too little isn’t either.
With only a few more weeks of my first year, I don’t know if I can come back for a second. I love my job and my students, and I have good to great relationships with a majority of them and I notice a lot of them still growing in a positive direction. However, there are some students with behaviors so out of control that they make it feel unbearable some days. I dread those classes all week and feel bad for the students who are cooperating. It makes me feel like I can’t do certain mediums with those classes because some kids make a mess on purpose- splashing water around, throwing materials, running around, yelling, talking back, etc. I’m losing my patience and really do not want to turn into a mean art teacher because I want to do fun projects. I’m saying this because unfortunately these kids get so loud I have to literally yell for them to hear me. Other teachers have confirmed this is the same behavior these kids display in their class as well, and they also have to resort to yelling very loudly.
Is this a common feeling/experience? I have been seeking behavioral management advice on here and almost everywhere I can. A lot of it is great, but a certain handful of kids aren’t responding to it and they are honestly a bit arrogant for their age (elementary). I don’t want to let these kids ruin my livelihood, haha, but somedays it feels like it’s spoiling my passion for the job! I will feel like I gave up too quick if I can’t even make it to my second year
Hello fellow art teachers!
This has been my first year teaching and WOW, it’s been a wild ride. I realized this was my year to figure out what I need to figure out. My conclusion is…everything. But one of my main goals for next year is to really nail down a good behavior management system that can work in the art room. I’ve found a few things that help, but I’d like to hear other tactics. Maybe some ways to make behavior management more fun than punitive so kids actually want to buy in. (Although consequences are obviously necessary when students won’t follow instructions). I work with elementary kids k-6, and they are obviously still learning how yo be human so I want to make sure o can be effective and not just mean!
Would love to hear what works for some of you!
A few weeks ago some of you mentioned adding cacao powder to your yogurt with a bit of sweetener…I added it along with my berries….total game changer! I’m actually excited about my morning yogurt now.
Any other yogurt topping ideas (that will still keep it somewhat low calorie)? I was thinking nuts but they just up the calories so much with so few nuts. Same with granola. Sadly.
My current yogurt dish is 0 fat yogurt, 1/2 cup of berries, cacao powder, and a drizzle of honey.
Would love to hear what you guys do with yours!