“Shhh” Noise Control

January 29, 2010 by Theresa McGee · 1 Comment 

I love the buzz and energy of an art room filled with students actively involved in the creative process.  Because of this, I allow my students to talk during art production, as long as they remain on-task and the noise level doesn’t become disruptive.  However, some of my classes have a harder time with this freedom than others.  Enter . . . “Noise Control“. This iPhone app has been very effective during times when I need students to keep noise down and raise concentration. While I can’t promise this will forever solve noise issues, a little extra help never hurts.  Watch the video below to see how it works:

Can’t see video above? Click here.

Here’s a few tips to get started:

  • Download Noise Control from iTunes (if you don’t have a personal iPhone, it’s worth it to find someone who will part with theirs for a few hours)
  • Adjust noise level and sensitivity and plug into external speakers.
  • Project “Shhh” app using a document camera – the extra visual makes a BIG difference by allowing the students “see” their noise level. If you don’t have a document camera, consider this low-cost option.
  • Use positive reinforcement to mold behavior. For example, see how long the class can go without “Shhh” activation – every 10 minutes earns minutes toward an open studio day.

    • Filed under: Classroom Management, Off-task Behavior, Positive Reinforcement, Tech Stuff
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    Present your Classroom Rules

    September 4, 2009 by Theresa McGee · 2 Comments 

    The first week of school typically involves going over classroom rules and procedures.  However, making these rules “stick” is a year-long challenge.  The SlideShare PowerPoint below, created by an art teacher from Michigan, outlines her art classroom expectations and management solutions.  This presentation could be useful to play periodically throughout the school year, during quiet work times, or even as students enter the room and get settled.  Download for your classroom or use as inspiration for your own expectation presentation appropriate for your students’ grade levels. Click the green play button at the bottom of the screen to watch the presentation and hear the audio track.

    Artistically Awesome

    View more presentations from jessicamaynard82.

    Filed under: Classroom Management, Clean-up and Transition, Organization and Preparation
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    Energize Your Classroom Management

    November 10, 2008 by Hillary Andrlik · Leave a Comment 

    (Trouble viewing this video? Try this link.)

    The Power Teaching’s Classroom Management System is an active style of engaging students. I found a demo video on Youttube and thought it was very interesting. I use some similar strategies with direct instruction lessons for pacing my students, especially at the lower levels like kindergarten, first and second grade. I think there are numerous instructional techniques shown in the video that could be adapted for the elementary art classroom.  What kind of active movements or vocal responses do you use with your classes to keep them engaged?  Do you have any silly sayings that help kids remember art facts? Do you think the approach taken in the video would work for students with behavior issues? Give us your feedback, tips and creative solutions in the comments section.

    (Trouble viewing this video? Try this link.)

    Filed under: Classroom Management, Off-task Behavior
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