Classroom Expectations

In my Secondary Methods class we talked about classroom expectations and what kind of rules we would implement in our classrooms.  We divided into groups and brainstormed what kind of rules we would have as a teacher.  This task was actually a lot harder than I thought it would be.  What are my expectations for my students?  What goals do I want my students to strive to achieve while in my class?  My group and I came up with five key concepts for a classroom. 

~Respect - respect your fellow classmates, teacher, and materials.  Be courteous towards your peers and treat them how you want to be treated

~Be Prepared - always bring necessary materials to class

~Clean Up - clean up your area and work space and also help in cleaning up the art room

~Challenge Yourself - don't be afraid to challenge yourself and get outside your comfort zone.  

~Be Patient - Do not become frustrated if a certain project doesn't turn out the way you plan, embrace your mistakes.  

Safety Rules

Their are a lot of toxic materials that are used in an art classroom and on the first day of classes it's important to go over safety procedures so that students know how to use their art materials the right way.  You will always have that one student who will want to goof around and play with the X-acto knife or try to put their hands in hazardous chemicals.  It's important to address the potential dangers that can take place if these materials are used in the wrong way.  It's better to scare them a little bit instead of downplaying the potential hazards of using some of these materials.  

Safety Rules would be a little something like this: 

- When using X-acto knives and utility knives always make sure to cut AWAY from yourself to avoid accidentally cutting yourself.  Also make sure to cut using a cutting board.  Always use sharp tools with caution.

- When using fixative spray or some kind of spray paint always do it outside.  Unless, the art classroom has a vent unit area where students can use spray fix.  

- Wear protective goggles when working on sculptural projects that include plaster, wood, metal or if your using machinery of any kind.  

- Wear gloves when using oil based inks and paints because oil paints/inks can be absorbed into the skin.  

- When using solvents to clean brushes or palette knives that are oil based NEVER wash them out in the sink because these oil based mediums get stuck in the sink clog and that's not good.  Also when using solvents with heavy fumes make sure to use them sparingly or to pour a little solvent in a small container and let them soak for a little while making sure to take them out and clean them off with a rag of some kind.  

- Always place rags and clothes with solvents in the designated trashcan meant specifically for them, do not put them in the regular trashcan.  

- Tie back  long hair, remove any loose jewelry when using machinery or throwing on the wheel. 

- NEVER try to operate power tools or machinery if you are not a 100% sure how to use it.  Always ask the instructor how to use it first.