Art Rules!
The beginning of a new school year is a great time to review the rules we follow during Art class! In addition to the usual rules that students have in their classrooms (no hitting, raise your hand, etc.), we have three special rules we follow in the Art Room, and they each involve something you “say”….
- Rule #1 – Say only things that are kind and encouraging about another person’s artwork. (This includes any famous artists we may be learning about – yes, even Picasso!)
- Rule #2 – Say only things that are kind and encouraging about YOUR OWN artwork. (Negative self-talk is not healthy for you or those around you… it can actually discourage students sitting near you who may be admiring what you’ve just done!)
- Rule #3 – Say “I’ll try” instead of “I can’t”.
Cute story…. Earlier this week, we had just finished talking about these rules and started in on our project, when one of my 2nd graders, who is often easily discouraged, blurted out, “This is impossible!” The room fell instantly silent and he quickly added, “….but I’ll try!” The whole class cheered. It was one of those great teaching moments!!
Your rules are simple and easy to remember. I'd like to add a rule like your #3. I have a boy that is refusing to do his self portrait this year. I'm hoping to get him going by being extra kind to him when I see him at lunch and in the hall. He will have class on monday and I'm hoping he will be able to mix his skin tone and get the face painted. We shall see…
I don't know if this would work for you, Kathy, but I always tell my students who are perfectionists that “only God is perfect”. I work at a private Christian school, so I can say things like that. It really helps them take the pressure off themselves to do everything perfectly! It seems like that comes up every time we do self-portraits especially!
What a great resource! Love your site! I am a homeschooling mama of two and found this through a homeschool forum that I visit. I can't wait to use some of your wonderful ideas with my girls!
Your rules go perfectly with my “no whining or complaining” rule. I have posted the Maya Angelou quote (I may not have it word for word here, so if it's slightly off, I apologize) “If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.”
Love it! I'll have to remember that one!!
Love your rules. Can I have your permission to post on my blog – countryfun.edublogs.org and in my childcare space? I want to extend to everyday activities, not just art. We have the 'do not hurt self or others' rule here, but I love how positively yours are stated.
I love your site! I've gotten so many ideas so far and my son will love doing them. I have a question… do you have a general supplies list? I would love to have *most* things on hand, knowing there will be odd things I'll have to run out for when doing specific projects. But stocking up for each project will be a bit overwhelming. Plus I'd love to know your opinions on types of paper, paints, brushes etc… I don't want to get frustrated with the wrong stuff right off the bat. I apologize if this comment is in the wrong spot or if I've overlooked your list if it's been posted elsewhere. thanks in advance.
That's a great idea, Teri! I'll try to do a post about general supplies soon. I definitely have some opinions to share on that topic!! Thanks for asking!
When students complain that it is 'too hard', I remind them “Of course it is hard! Isn't that wonderful?! If it was easy, it would be boring.”
Also, for the perfectionists, I remind them that I expect them to make mistakes, because they ARE students! If they already knew everything, they wouldn't be in school.
And one more thing. Every year I liken art lessons to music lessons. No one expects a music student to pick up a trumpet on the first lesson and play a beautiful melody! We all know that he/she is going to be making some awful noises until he/she learns control. It is the same for dance, drama, and visual art! Once the kids see it that way, they are much happier experimenting and are less afraid to make mistakes.
Great ideas, Kate! Thanks for sharing!!