{"id":1370,"date":"2013-08-13T19:16:34","date_gmt":"2013-08-13T23:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=1370"},"modified":"2019-07-15T19:00:57","modified_gmt":"2019-07-15T23:00:57","slug":"teaching-artstart-the-year-off-right","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/teaching-artstart-the-year-off-right","title":{"rendered":"Teaching Art – 7 Ways to Start the Year Off Right"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Teaching<\/div>\n
\nOne of the most important things a teacher can do is start the year off right. Starting on \u201cthe right foot\u201d can lead to a pleasurable and productive year with your students. It can lead to improved production and less disciplinary disruptions. (In fact, some of the discipline issues that teachers encounter can be traced back to how the year was started by the teacher.) The start of the school year is the best time for the teacher to \u201cset the tone\u201d and establish the working conditions for the class. Set the wrong \u201ctone\u201d at the start, and you\u2019re in for a rough ride to recovery. So, let\u2019s take a look at 7 ways to start the year off right\u2026<\/p>\n

1. Establish the Classroom Rules \/ Procedures<\/strong><\/h2>\n

A classroom needs a clearly defined set of rules and procedures. These rules should be beyond the \u201cschool rules\u201d and should be unique for the specific classroom. Students need parameters. They need guidance and although they may not admit it, they desire discipline.<\/p>\n

Students need the rules to be clear and easily accessible. This means that the rules to your classroom should be clearly posted so that everyone can see them and knows where they can find them.<\/p>\n

Students need clear rules that are easy to understand and follow. Vague rules, like \u201cTake care of supplies\u201d should be avoided. Instead, \u201cClean and return all materials and tools like you found them\u201d is a clearer statement that is easier to measure.<\/p>\n

The rules should not be overwhelming. Don\u2019t overload your list of rules. Often, 5 well-thought rules are plenty.<\/p>\n

Go over the rules on the first day, and be clear on the consequences. Clear rules should have clear consequences.<\/p>\n

2. Discipline Early and Consistently <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Once the rules and procedures are established, it won\u2019t take long for a student to test them. Perhaps it will be the first day or maybe the first week. But, it will happen. And when it does, you need to be ready to discipline. Remember, students want discipline. Students want to know that an adult is in charge and will keep the organization of the classroom in tact. When you are tested as a teacher \u2013 pass the test. Follow through and discipline the student following the procedures that you laid out.<\/p>\n

You are the teacher, not the friend. Students respect teachers that \u201cdo what they say\u201d. They lose respect for teachers that don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Remove yourself from the equation when disciplining the student. You can simply say,<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnny, you broke the rules. I have explained the consequences. I now have no choice but to punish you.\u201d<\/p>\n

This makes it clear to the student that you are simply doing your job. The students will respect this and you will have less disciplinary actions as a result.<\/p><\/div>\n

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3. Learn Students\u2019 Names Quickly <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Students want to know that you respect them and who they are as individuals. You can demonstrate this to them by learning their names quickly. Make it a game, if it helps.<\/p>\n

The simple act of learning a student\u2019s name and addressing them by their name will show students that you care about them as individuals.<\/p>\n

4. Be Visible and Greet Students at the Door<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is a small tip that will go very far. Simply greet students as they enter the room. Stand at the door and welcome them into your classroom. Say, \u201cHello\u201d to them. This is a practice that shouldn\u2019t end after the first week, either. You should do this every day, for every class.<\/p>\n

Saying \u201cGoodbye\u201d as they leave is just as important as well.<\/p>\n

5. Take Your Discipline Seriously<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Students will respond to your lead. If you give any indication that you don\u2019t take what you teach seriously, then your students won\u2019t either. As an art teacher, this is a battle that you may already have to fight. There\u2019s no reason to add fuel to this fire. Show your students the value of what you teach by demonstrating to them that it\u2019s important to you.<\/p>\n

6. Set an Example <\/strong><\/h2>\n

You, as the teacher, are the example in the classroom. If it is important to you for your students to follow the rules, then you need to too. Students watch what you do and take notes. If the rules state, \u201cNo Food or Drink in the Classroom\u201d, then you shouldn\u2019t be walking around with your coffee. Students respect teachers that also follow the rules and lose respect quickly for teachers that don\u2019t.<\/p>\n

7. Be Yourself<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Students appreciate and respond to authenticity. Trying to be someone that you\u2019re not will be \u201csniffed\u201d out by students quickly. Be authentic and let your personality be a part of your teaching. You don\u2019t have to be the most charismatic person in order to be an effective teacher. You simply just have to be yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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