When I went to elementary, I had the expectation that the kids were,
well, different from the middle school ones. I thought they would take of
things because it was new to them. They had not gotten into the system of
destroy-replace. However, I am having a rude awakening.
In the past two weeks, 24 boxes of crayons have been destroyed. They are
broken and are almost useless. I put the crayons into a container for the
students to share. Instead, the crayons "mysteriously" end up on the other
side of the room, shattered to pieces. Of course, the response is "I didn't
do it."
I have students take a piece of newsprint to put under their work. This
saves the table tops. At least so I thought. Some desks have been
intentionally written on. Of course if I didn't see it, it didn't happen.
( The newsprint is also destroyed. Students have scribbled all over the
paper. I was pushed over the edge this afternoon when I noticed that
students had written: sicko, but crossed out the s and wrote a d. Great.
First graders.
I am so annoyed by their destructive nature. Come on, even the
kindergarteners showed more respect! In middle school, I could use leverage,
especially with grades. However, elementary kids are different.
I am afraid to move forward in my lessons because I feel like I would be
overlooking this problem. I also feel that if I don't do something now I
will have trouble later. I realize art is supposed to have a fun atmosphere
so I can't be real anal. The teacher before seemed to "let loose" and clean
up later. However, I am not that way. Any ideas on how to be gentle, yet
firm with this age group?
By the way, I have done the schpeal (sp?) on using materials nicely;
materials are for the entire school to use. I also have called parents of
children who have been abusing materials. However, the trend is growing to
five parents per class per day. (I have different classes each day) Thank
you for any insights...
