THE STORAGE BATTLE OF AN ART TEACHER
I am fortunate to have a recently built classroom with a storage closet but it never fails that I am struggling with how to organize and manage. I actually took my old classroom desks, stacked them and use them as shelves in the closet. I have invested in a few storage tubs and portfolios to store examples but it never seems to be enough.
Like most creative types, I have a tendency toward hoarding because I never know when I meet need this stack of twenty, used mouse pads for a new project.
Storing student work and supplies is another challenge. I am fortunate to have purchased four wire, portfolio racks that help my advanced, 2-D students keep their drawings and paintings.
Craft supplies are another challenge with limited space and students who like to "borrow" supplies when they find a chance. This problem is multiplied with large numbers that come and go through my classroom everyday. (AND - we all know how neat and tidy teenagers naturally are)
This week I was ending old units and starting brand new ones so supplies and equipment were overlapping. I had blenders and drying racks set up for papermaking while I was dragging out printmaking inks, rollers and blades. I found myself finishing up 24" x 36" (huge) ink drawing assignments while getting charcoal and pastels ready for the next projects. I was also giving my most advanced students the freedom to select personal mediums so I had a class of 18 teens all going in different directions with watercolors, pastels, acrylics, pencil and (most chaotic of all) mixed-media-anything-goes.
It seems I am always stirring my room like a big pot of stew but the truth is I love what I do and I am blessed to have these terrific supplies and a supportive school district.
Comments
Love your blog.