Wednesday, September 28, 2011

incentives

The more I learn about by students the more I realize they really need clear TANGIBLE incentives. A colleague of mine described it as "puppy training with treats." Its true. I have clearly set up my consequences in my room (still working on 100% following up on them). Now the next step is implementing a really strong incentive program. I'm thinking maybe table wars of some kind. Students working together to do well. I'm not sure yet. I'm devoting this weekend to plan something that I will be able to stick to and that will get students motivated to work.

I tried something new today that worked. I wrote post it notes on some students work encouraging them to keep working hard and pointing out areas that I thought were really successful. THIS WORKED REALLY WELL. This gave me a chance to connect with students I havent had the chance to spend much one of one time with. I didn't say ANYTHING about the notes. I just let them look at them and digest take my comments in and get to work. I am going to keep doing this in some capacity throughout the year.

alright fellow art teachers I want to here what your incentives are. What systems do you use?

Monday, September 26, 2011

beginnings are never easy

Welcome to my blog. Here I want to share what I am doing in my art classroom and learn from other art educator bloggers. My students call me Miss D. This is my first year teaching and I am splitting my time between two different schools in my city. It has been a rough start to say the least but I am trying to keep my head high. Always looking for advice and hints along way. I am looking forward to your comments and suggestions.