I am excited to implement artist portfolios this year with my 1st - 5th grade classes. Parents, you can expect to see your child's amazing collection of artwork at the culmination of the year! Keeping a portfolio is a perfect way to measure growth and accomplishment in art. The covers are fairly simple (a Xerox copy) with a place for name, teacher and grade. I added a box for reflection in the top right corner. We'll use that to write about our favorite piece of art at the end of the year. The bottom includes an image I borrowed that was made by Melissa Mercillott about many careers in art. This paper cover was glued down onto the back of a manila file folder using Elmer's glue (I did that after the kids left to make things easier). While we worked on the front of the folders during class, the paper covers were slid inside to keep them "marked."
First grade made a list of lines on one half of the folder front and a self portrait on the other.
Second grade made a list of lines on one half and a list of important color families on the other.
And third - fifth grade made a list of the elements and principles of art while I gave short explanations of each term. Using that information, we played a game in table groups. I gave each group a piece of art to observe and then the table worked together to talk about one element and one principle that really jumped out (even though there were many). The results were shared with the class while we took turns viewing each piece of art.
This year, I knew that I wanted to change up things in the art room and that I wanted to incorporate a sketchbook that could be kept all year long. I've never had much success with sketchbooks and did away with them for several years, however, this year I am excited to give them a try again - and I think the kids are excited about these special books as well! I am referring to them as Drawing Challenge Sketchbooks. Each grade level has a list of 10 topics to work on throughout the year. We will get these out and work on them when we have completed a project or a part of a project, when someone finishes their work early, or I have to be away from school. If you are interested in my lists of sketchbook challenge topics, send me an email and I would be glad to share. Of course, there are also directions for the kids to follow and all of that information is included on the topic sheets as well.
And here is my behavior management plan - Quietest Artists. It is based on a system that the kids are already familiar with and understand because I have been using it for the past 2 years - the "ART" letters. If the class is loud or not listening to directions, I begin by flipping the "A" for the first warning. If things don't calm down, I flip the "R" for a second warning. When the "T" turns over, we stop and clean up for the day. The class has to work as a team and they can earn letters back (except for "T"....there's no coming back from that!) if they work hard to turn down the volume and focus on art making. If the teacher arrives to pick up the class and the letters spell, "ART," then I give a sticker to the class on the chart. 10 stickers = free art day. I am working on compiling an awesome collection of free art activities for this special day and stacking my bookshelf full of games, puzzles, manipulative, etc.! I'm excited and the kids are too!
I've been wanting to hang something outside my door for some time to let students know what to expect for each 9 week period when they visit the art room. I made this poster from a large piece of 18x24 drawing paper which I laminated. Then I backed it onto a piece of larger blue paper to create the border. Now the kids can reference the sign as they walk into my room to see what mediums they will be exploring during our units of study. 
All of my students, 1st-5th grades, are storing their work in a portfolio this year. I decided to do something similar with my Kindergartners. About every 9 weeks, I will be sending home the work we have completed in class along with a sheet explaining the big ideas/concepts behind each project. I think parents will really treasure these! 
