Professional Development

Incorporating Art Bell Ringers

After being through APL and Marzano training I realized I needed to implement more concrete bell ringers for my classes.

For elementary I post a review question for each class on the front small board at the beginning of the day that is relevant to what we are learning plus it promotes peer/class interaction and reflection. I ask the question at the beginning of each class and put the students “on the clock”. They then share with a neighbor (interaction sequence) and a walk around and interview a couple of groups. When the time is up, I then first ask those students I interviewed the bell ringer question. I then know the correct answer will be repeated to the class. I ask for volunteers afterwards.

For my junior high art class I either pose a question and/or an image on the projector relating to our element or principle of art we are learning about. I also will sometimes pass out warm-up sheets about the area of focus that they first work individually on, and then we have our short class discussion using the interaction sequence. The warm ups are hands-on and demonstrate their knowledge plus they are fun.

I created a bell ringer template sheet for my high school classes after researching different ideas and reflecting on what would work best for my classroom and students. Each day is themed (see below) and the students fill out their question and turn it in each day after they have completed it. They receive a total of five points for doing this which is then added onto their weekly effort grade. Some of the bell ringer questions will be test questions and help the students review/study. Once each weekly bell ringer sheet is finished I provide feedback and pass back their sheets to study from. Some of the questions additionally evoke interest, critical thinking, and important social skills I feel my students will benefit from.

Masterpiece Monday: Artwork from our studied/project artist

Terms Tuesday: Project vocabulary

Wise Words Wednesday: Reflection of journal prompt; artist quote; manners; social skills

Think-It-Out Thursday: Artist questions (critical thinking); art techniques

Fun Fact Friday: Interesting artist/art fact; reflection

Reflection

Overall, using bell ringers consistently and routinely in my K-12 art classes has been beneficial for student learning and retention. It not only has made my classrooms run more smoothly but it has created a routine for the students that helps with classroom management and learning. I can tell the information is retained better now because of the feedback and questions I ask, evidence I receive through written tests, and the successful artwork.

I was apprehensive to add it into each of my classes because I do get stuck in my teaching routine plus it is hard to find the time to research and implement new strategies. It changes my flow and routine and that is scary sometimes. Subsequently, the bell ringers get our class started promptly with the students individually working and focused. This then gives me time to do attendance and catch up quickly with any students. It gets the students refocused on our lesson objectives and it repeats important knowledge that they need to see again. I like the bell ringer sheet template I designed because it is fun for me to make and the students to complete. It’s almost like a trivia game and it gets the students reflecting and allows them to communicate their ideas and opinions.

It does add more work to my day but the results outweigh that. I have enjoyed doing it and I am glad I have added consistent and routine bell ringers to my curriculum. I am a better art teacher because of it and it promotes good learning and classroom management as well.