Managing the Mess

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Hi, I’m Katie Jarvis, a K–6 elementary art educator sharing art room management, routines, and systems for teachers.

All content reflects my personal experience and views and does not represent any school or district.

10/17/2026

💡 GENIUS OR GIMMICK? 🤨

I’m always on the lookout for interesting art supplies, classroom tools, and gadgets that might make life easier in the elementary art room. These 6 art teacher finds caught my attention!

A few of my thoughts…

The crayon holders? Broken crayons are definitely an issue, and I could see these being helpful for individual students. But for an entire class? Not very practical!

The crayon wrapper cutter? I actually have this one (it was gifted to me), and it works really well! I often forget to remove crayon wrappers before starting a project, so having a quick, safe tool that even kids can use is pretty handy.

The tape cutter? I’m intrigued! There are certain art projects where students need little pieces of tape, and prepping them can be a pain. I’m just wondering if this gadget is weighted enough to stay put.

And the electric eraser? Probably not practical for my elementary art classroom, but it looks fun for personal artwork!

Now I want YOUR opinion! Which of these art teacher finds are GENIUS, and which are GIMMICKS?

Tell me the numbers and your verdict in the comments!

Want to check them out? Comment FINDS and I’ll send you the Amazon links to all 6 products!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

10/13/2026

I think I just found the secret recipe for a little classroom magic! 🧙‍♀️✨🎃

A pinch of creativity, a sprinkle of spooky season, and P**F! The cutest little stuffed paper toys appear! 👻

If you need an easy fall craft that your students will go absolutely WILD for, this is it!

With 16 fall and Halloween designs plus a create-your-own option, this low-prep printable activity is perfect for elementary classrooms, Fun Friday, Halloween parties, or those weird schedule days when you just need something FUN.

Just print, color, cut, stuff, and create!

Fair warning: The real magic is how many times you’ll hear, “Can I make another one?!” 😂

🎃 Comment FALL and I’ll send you the project!

10/11/2026

Welcome to the elementary art teacher horror movies! 👻

Which art room nightmare scares you the most? Or did I leave out something even more terrifying??

10/10/2026

They’re talking WHILE you’re teaching. Now what?

You’ve taught the expectations. You’ve practiced your listening routines. You’ve reminded everyone that it’s time to listen.

And yet… they’re STILL talking.

Sound familiar?

I’m in my 26th year as an elementary art teacher at a Title I school, teaching approximately 600 students. And one thing I’ve learned about classroom management is that what you say matters, but sometimes what you DON’T say matters just as much.

It’s easy to get frustrated when students keep interrupting your lesson. And I’ve definitely been guilty of talking too much when trying to get students to STOP talking!

Sometimes I use a quick phrase. Sometimes I point to a visual reminder. And sometimes I take a breath, quietly document the behavior, and get right back to teaching.

Of course, I’m not writing down names every time someone talks! I have an established behavior plan, and documentation happens when a student reaches that step. Having a plan and being consistent makes all the difference.

Not every situation calls for the same response. Sometimes a quick reminder is enough. Other times, a student needs a little more support or a conversation about what’s distracting them.

I’m sharing some of the actual teacher scripts and classroom management strategies I use to handle student talking and interruptions during art lessons, including one that’s been GOLD for me this school year!

SAVE this post for the next time you’re teaching a chatty class!

This is the second post in my Managing the Talking series. Missed the first one? Check out my 5 proactive strategies for preventing interruptions before they start.

COMING NEXT: What happens when reminders aren’t enough? I’ll share how I follow through and stay consistent.

What’s YOUR go-to phrase when students interrupt your lesson?

10/06/2026

Shopping is my favorite sport. 🛒

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are October 6 & 7, and I rounded up some of my favorite art teacher deals to make your life and your art room a little easier.

Comment DEALS and I’ll send you the list!

10/05/2026

Students talking while you’re teaching?

Try these 5 proactive strategies tomorrow.

10/03/2026

My students are going to go WILD for these.

They loved making stuffed toys before, so obviously I needed a fall version.

This low-prep fall art project includes 16 pre-drawn fall + Halloween designs, plus a blank template so students can create their own. Color, cut, stuff, and you’ve got the cutest little 3D paper stuffed toys.

The full printable resource + step-by-step video is now on TPT.

Comment FALL and I’ll send you the link!

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