Safety in the classroom

How do you deal with safety in the classroom?

In my classroom safety will be a large concern primarily because I would like my students to fully understand the hazards of some materials when misused. At the beginning of the semester I will walk my students through the different safety issues within the classroom and how to avoid them. In the front of the room next to the classroom rules will be reminders of safety precautions that are important in the classroom. For older students (i.e. high school) they will take an exam, so that I know that they understand the safety requirements for the class.

Interview question #1

If you're a student in your art class, what can you expect to see or do on the first day?

On the first day of my art class we will introduce ourselves, review the expectations for the course (i.e. possible projects), go through class rules as well as create class expectations for both the students as well as myself. When we introduce ourselves we will do so in hopes of students becoming more familiar with their classmates and myself. I think it is important for the class to know the possible projects that may be done in the class. I also think it is important for the class to work cooperatively to come up with expectations as far as actions, behaviors and the learning environment. Creating expectations as a group allows everyone to participate and ask directly for what they want. It also allows students to state their own expectations for the class not jus the teachers expectation for them.

Where I am right now....

As of today I feel that through my experiences as an art education student I am on my way to to becoming a very effective and influential art teacher. Through my experiences as an observer in previous art education classes as well as an elementary school tutor and after-school club leader, I feel that I have the experience to continue to work effectively in the classroom. However even though I am comfortable in the classroom I still feel that there is a lot of knowledge I am yet to acquire. I hope to someday work in an inner-city school and help at-risk students find their passion in art and use art as an outlet for their emotions. In the fall I will be studying abroad and I am hoping to become fluent enough to effectively communicate with bilingual, English as a second language, and migrant students and families.