TheApple

 I had a gifted grade 5 class like this one year and it was really difficult.  I also understand that art can be view by students as a more relaxed period and they are more likely to act out.

Here are some suggestions; you will probably need to switch things out as the year progresses.

Meet the class at the door and wait until they are completely quiet before they are allowed to enter.  It sounds like they have assigned seats now.  Have something on the board, or at their place, that they are expected to start doing immediately.  Have whatever materials they need to start this "warm-up" at their place, or hand it to them as they walk in. (No excuses allowed such as "I forgot my pencil" because you will have it there for them plus an extra cup of sharpened pencils just in case "it accidently breaks".)

If your directions are on the board, refuse to repeat them.  As you go through steps during your instruction; stop and stand silently every time someone stops paying attention.  If someone walks in late; write their name down and assist only them with directions when others begin working.  

Play calming music like classical baroque while they work.

Depending on how often you see them; perhaps you can give them some free talking minutes as a reward at the end of the class.  The noise level really can make all the difference; maybe you can let them talk while they work if they can keep it at an inside volume.  They do sell a noise activated traffic light for about $50.00 that will turn yellow for caution and then red.  You can adjust it to react to your allowable volume.

If Art counts toward honor roll you will have really angry parents if art keeps them off of honor roll; so you will need some sort of notification and documentation if you are going to carry through on grade reduction.  If you are new to the school, I would work with a more veteran teacher or AP to plan how to keep parents informed and to make sure you have back-up.  Sadly, parents often see the "specials" periods as socialization periods for their kids, too.

You could give them each an index card when they walk in the door.  They should write their name and date on the card as soon as they sit down. If they are talking out of turn during class pick up their card (have them place it in plain sight where they are working); the cards you pick up are the students who miss recess.  it is also documentation.  You can set this up so they get one warning which you give by walking by and initialing the card or however you think it will work best.  Once you set it up, think it through carefully to make sure you can manage it before you explain it; then stick to it.

One last idea that I have had a lot of success with over the years:

Use a three ring binder.  Create one page for each student (alphabetically by last name, etc).  Refer to it as "The Book"

When the child is not following rules, procedures or directions they must go to where the book is and sign and date their page with a short description of why they were asked to sign (ex. talking, playing around, not working, late, etc.).  This gives you documentation.  They don't want to sign, they don't want to walk across the room in front of their peers, and they don't want their parents to see it.   Stay very calm about it but be firm; don't let them whine their way out of it.  It's also very important to be very clear about when they will be asked to sign the book. Repeat expectations calmly at the beginning of each class for "six weeks basic training".

I am sure your supplies are very scarce so identify them as readily as you can.  When I have had large classes I have given each student a number that goes next to their name; that is the number marked on the scissors they use and return, etc.)  Decorate your pencils in a way they won't want to take them.  Ex. spray paint them an unusual color or attach something long like a popsicle stick with a ton of tape.

Best of luck as you find your way through the year with this challenging group.

Penny Larson

Is there something they really love, like clay?  If so, maybe you can make that the reward activity after a certain number of weeks of earning points.

That was a beautiful exchange.   Moonstar expressed herself so well and Penny Larson really got to the point.

I taught this grade level for a while, and often ran into rowdy students...one thing I am wondering is with regards to your art projects...wondering why these kids aren't more involved?   

I'm sure you display their work... do you have shows?

Are your projects messy enough?   That usually is a sign of a good, hands-on (mind required) project...plaster gause mask making tends to be the ticket with this age range.   Perhaps you could offer an option like this to students who are focused and not talking loudly (could be a good incentive)...perhaps you could create a contractually based agreement with each student that says if they achieve "x" amount of creative work points they will be allowed to move to a higher level project ~ this way those who are talking out and not remaining focused will be able to see that others are getting to do cool projects that they want to do...etc

Just another idea!

Good Luck...and keep us aprised of how it goes...

Seems like you need to pause the current work and begin again- starting with the rules of your classroom. You must be clear with the children what they can and cannot do- and when. If you want it quiet for the first 15 min, then express that. Be very specific about how you want them to conduct themselves (especially about what is considered having someone else do their work for them)

Make sure that you list your rules and, most importantly be explicit about your rewards and punishments for their behaviors. If you are consistent and well planned, any future problems should be dealt with with a parent.

One good way to know who needs to b dealt with is to have a class list and twice during the session, chec off simply who is on task, and who is not. You should have it large and on the board. That way, the children can see that you are aware of exactly who is doing what. Good Luck!!!