Make sure you give the kids warning first when it gets close to clean-up
time. That gives them time for closure. I also go around the tables and ask
them to put up or clean up items not in use. I keep small trash cans at each
table to help with scraps.
When painting. I have the entire class stop and listen to directions. I
always wash the brushes and pallettes myself so I ask the kids to just put
them in their water containers. Then I call one team at a time to put their
art on the drying rack and their palletes in the sink. Then they use baby
wipes to clean their hands and tables. I have four teams of 6. Each week,
each team has a captain. That person helps collect art work, books and
folders and makes sure their team is clean.
AFter all artwork and materials are put away, I start a countdown from five.
The first team clean, in their seats sitting quietly gets to leave first.
Even my fifth graders rush to be first.
If you need your sink to wash hands, you might consider large buckets to put
your messy items in for clean up later. I used to do that when I taught on a
cart.
Just keep at it. You'll find a system that works for you. Rewards help too,
Janet
