Art Centers 2.0
Classroom management can be a challenge in the arts. So a few years ago I decided to try something new: I used art centers as an incentive in my class management plan.
He performed miracles!
How does it work? Well asked!
I have a desktop scoring system in my room. When students do what they need to do (calmly approach, complete tasks, help each other, clean up on time, etc.), they get a score on the table. If you do not follow the instructions (if you do not work very hard, if you do not clean, etc.) you will lose. I use Class Dodge to help keep track of these points. Class Dojo is a free app for teachers ( read more here ). ** Class Dojo did not support this message. I love them. :)
In my studies, I usually focused on my blackboard notes. I can upload or download points directly from my desktop from my computer and / or phone app and it updates in real time.
I prepared 6 drawing lessons for my class (one for each class).
Then I have 8 “students” in each class (one “student” for each color on my desk). The reason I follow grades rather than individual students is because of the size and importance of the school I teach. I teach 1,200 students, most of whom live in residential buildings. As a result, many of my students move throughout the year and are replaced by new students. Tracking spreadsheets, not tracking students, makes it easier to keep track of the system, as I don't have to keep adding and subtracting student names from class. It also makes classroom management a little easier, as I don’t have to monitor the behavior of 25-30 students at a time (instead of working together at 8 desks).
I have only one class per class because I saw my students several days in a row before moving on to their next special education. When they finish the rotation, I will change the points again so that they are ready for the next team. If you don’t have such a multi-day shift, you can always create a class for the teacher you are looking for.
So what motivates students to score? Your chance to participate in my art centers!
The number of points in each table determines which art centers can participate in their free time (after the project is completed). Each center is assigned a point value. You can use this center when the table has reached that point or more. If there aren't many points on the board, you won't be able to (and don't worry ... your students will confirm). How I determine the points for each center depends on the needs of my students. I know you will appreciate something (e.g. jewelry), I would appreciate it. Simply put, the value of the point is low.No points will be deducted if the student decides to cross the border.
The best thing about this system is that instead of material things (sweets for example), my students are rewarded with an immersive artistic experience. It also keeps other students busy and often supports them.
So what center do I have in my room?
I change centers from time to time ... but now I have my room ...Classroom library: 0 pointsStudents can always see and / or read the books I keep in my classroom. I have a lot of picture books that I have collected over the years (they are often used with my children to inspire their art education). My manager loves it too! Great way to get into reading and writing! :) |  |
 | Tables: 1 pointThis center is the only fun gift I have for my mindless students. I do this because I always want my students to be nominated. Without a fun and engaging center, students can stay active because they are bored (and the rest of your class are the last thing they need when they finish their art projects)!When I go back to school, I often store small whiteboards at Wal-Mart ... but this Amazon bag looks good. |
Texture in the middle : 1 point This center has laser cards for students to practice sewing. This center is a practice center and offers nothing for students. |  |
 | How to draw and draw books for free: 2 pointsI have a lot of books on how to draw my kids to help them develop their drawing skills. A broad topic is needed to motivate the student. I have books on dragons , graffiti , pokemon, Nicodemus characters , animals, sea animals, pets, and more. |
Pattern blocks : 3 points. A few years ago, I had a lot of pattern notebooks in my class. And now I split them into 8 bowls and the middle part (which my kids often use). They can be used by students to be very creative. I think my teens like to do things like food and animals, and my older students like to do castings and balance things like do difficult things. Hex towers are also popular at school. How many piles can you build before the tower is demolished? ! |  |
 | Conflict texture : 4 pointsI paint the texture in some of their art projects with my little ones ... so this center is so much fun for many of my senior students.I have a lot of pre-purchased tutorial boards and I also use myself as a shelf, texture map, cardboard and glue. Students place a sheet of paper on a coated surface and then use the edge of a pencil to rub the top of the paper to catch the surface. |
Puzzle : 5 points I have 24 and 49 two puzzles and 100 two puzzles. I also have 3 great floor puzzles that my kids love. One of my favorite things to do with older students is to organize a jigsaw puzzle. I have 6 49-piece puzzles ... so sometimes kids run to see who can complete their puzzle first. Sometimes I came across a winner in the finals. :) |  |
 | Vintage origami 6 pointMany of my students love origami, so I printed out some simple and complex origami tutorials I found on the net and put them in plastic bags for my students to read.My biggest disappointment at this center is when children leave unused paper in a half-folded container. ⁇ |
Spirograph : 7 points I know what you're thinking, well, either way. Or do you think "WHAT ?! Are you still selling coils ?!" (Maybe you were born in the 80's or earlier) or "Uh, what's this?" (# thousand years - don't judge). Spirography is an interesting geometric design tool. It takes a second to teach kids how to use it ... but once you catch them, they'll be a little busy. Who knew that drawing symmetrical radial patterns could be so exciting? |  |
 | Keva Marsh : 7 pointsThis is the new site I bought from Amazon this year. This has received excellent reviews from other STEAM activities and received rave reviews.The set I bought had 200 small wooden planks and some balls. Students use the boards to move the ball. My kids love it so much because I bought 2 more sets (I now have 600 boards). It’s fun to see them create their own art. |
K'NEX : 8 points Since I was a kid, I've never liked K'NEX (I was a Lego kid), but I've seen some of my students like it. I left the Construction Guide book in the middle of the box, but instead most of my students come up with their own ideas (warning if your students are like me - 75% of their creations look like a fiery tour). |  |
 | Doh Play ፡ 10 10 pointsThis center is a great source of inspiration for my students!Who doesn't love building things from a toy store ?! The only downside to this center is that they don’t allow the doha to dry in the original container, which is why my students often don’t dry the lids completely. So to solve the problem, I found a twisted plastic container that I now use to store toys. Fixed issue! |
Jewelery Center : 14 points This center is the most productive in my class. At the Jewelry Center, students can make 2 items to take home. My kids love this center (both girls and boys). They love being able to create whatever they wear anywhere. :) Here is my favorite Tang link I use on this site! |  |
If you're looking for items for your art gallery, I highly recommend you check out Amazon's list of art galleries !
