Is this your first week of school? I always count my first week as a wash -
the kids never seem to be ready to learn the first week. I would do a lesson
taught by modeling - you show them step by step how to draw something. I do
this with my K-6 grade classes. With middle school, I would do some drawing
exercises - they love perspective, so maybe do a basic perspective lesson.
If you are just starting out I wouldn't begin a major project - not until
you are sure they are ready to handle more. Don't paint with them or do clay
until you have established discipline, and let them know this. I hold these
two projects out as rewards because that is what the kids want to do most -
so it becomes a sign of responsibility that they have to earn.
~Michal
K-12 Kansas Art Teacher
http://www.geocities.com/theartkids
> What do you guys recommend for my classes who can't seem to follow
> directions
> or get quiet? I'm having trouble with some fourth grade clasess, with my
> sixth graders and with my 7th/8th grade class. They are just so wound up
> and
> talkative. They won't get quiet when I ask them too or when I give them a
> look
> or when I stand quietly waiting. If they do finally "get it," as soon as
> I
> start talking, they begin talking again. It's as if they can't control
> themselves. I've already gone over rules, consequences, and daily
> procedures. I need
> to drive it home that they should enter quietly and look for their
> directions
> on the board.
