I know this is Education 101 stuff... but dang, it works! 🤷 When it comes to classroom management, especially in the art room, I’ve learned that clarity and consistency are key and positive reinforcement can be your secret weapon.
Whether you're brand new to teaching or looking to refresh your behavior management strategies, here's a reminder: students thrive when they know exactly what to expect. So when you’re creating your classroom systems, aim to make everything as black and white as possible. Kids want to know exactly what will happen if they do XYZ, both the consequences and the rewards. The more crystal clear your system, the more buy-in you’ll get.
Art Class Poster by Art Bar
Two Positive Reinforcement Strategies That Work Like Magic
And let me be real with you, positive reinforcement doesn’t have to cost a thing. In fact, two of the most effective strategies I’ve used year after year are nearly free- at most, they just cost me a little time:
🎖 1. The “Art Star” System
Each class, I choose one “Art Star.” This student is selected for being the best role model and helper in art that day. The reward?
-
A fun shiny sticker of the student's choosing (the only cost! Shout out Dollar Store!)
-
A simple note of acknowledgement to send home to show their grown-ups. I literally just hand drew the template above and made copies on gold paper that I cut up and handed out to students with their sticker when selected.
-
The honor of being my teacher assistant next class (passing out supplies, leading the line, etc.) THIS is the ticket. I use my art star as my teacher helper, and not only that- I allow them to choose 3 of their friends to help as well. So being chosen as the art star comes with that pride in knowing they get to be my special helper.
It’s simple, it’s special, and it makes a big impact. Students strive to be the Art Star, and it creates a ripple effect of good choices across the room.
🎨 2. Face Painting Reward Day
Ok, hear me out—this might sound like a lot, but I promise it’s way easier than it seems. Face painting has been the most powerful reward in my classroom management toolbox since my first year of teaching.
Here’s how I make it work:
-
I create a small poster of face paint options students can choose from (hearts, rainbows, sports logos, etc.).
-
At the end of each semester or grading period, students who have kept all their “points” (more on that in another post) earn their face paint reward.
-
During this special class period, students quietly draw in their sketchbooks while I call them up one at a time for their face paint.
Not only do the kids love it, but their families know immediately when their child comes home with face paint that they’ve been crushing it in art class. It’s memorable, meaningful, and magical. To learn more about face painting in general, check out my other blog here.
Positive reinforcement doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. With a little creativity (hello, art teachers!), you can build systems that are easy to manage, motivate your students, and make your classroom culture shine. Whether you try out the Art Star system, set up your own face painting reward day, or create something uniquely your own, just remember: keep it consistent and make it special. You've got this!!
