This is my artcart. While this is not my idea of an ideal teaching setup, with abit of organization it's not too bad.
First you'll notice the PVC pipe above the
cart. This is attached with corner pieces and braced onto the back. I
use this consistently to display posters and reproductions. I can have
several at one time and flip them according to what I need for each
particular class. I have also attached bent pipe to either end for
handles. If you look closely, you will notice 2" boards attached to the
back and either side. These prevent items from sliding off.
On the top I store my immediate teaching
supplies (pencils, sharpies, scissors, glue, etc) in a cup, as well as
a stapler and pencil box with assorted odds and ends that I use
frequently. The students are not allowed to touch these supplies as I
use these for teaching. You will also notice several books and boxes.
These are classified as "centers" and are discussed on a different page.
Here you notice my cart opened up. I will
discuss these in 4 seperate areas: 1)Top left shelf 2)Top right drawers
3)Center shelf and 4)Bottom shelf. On the doors, peeking out, you'll
notice magnetic clips. These I use daily to display my visuals on the
chalkboards. These are vital to my teaching.
1)Top Left Shelf: Here I store a box full of
tempera cakes in the back. I can pull these out easily when needed.
There are 8 stacked plastic baskets sull of crayons for students who
don't have needed supplies as well as 10 boxes of markers. Standing on
edge is 1 portfolio that stores my current visuals and project demos
and extra portfolios for new students. A can of brushes rounds out the
list for this shelf. I leave extra room on this shelf for extras the
different assignements may require. This may include liquid tempera,
for example. In this case, I have glitter.
2) Top Right Drawers: The top drawer is mine
for teaching supplies. I keep rulers, tape, chalk, staples, etc, etc.
The center drawer holds boxes of crayons, misc. odds & ends that I
use for different projects that tend to get lost in the cabinet. This
drawer changes monthly. The bottom drawer is the student's drawer. It
holds extra sharpies, scissors, and rulers - those type items that are
either confiscated by the classroom teacher, lost, or for whatever
reason, not accessable to students.
3)Center Shelf: This shelf holds a plastic tub
full of plastic cups with lids (for painting). These are easily
distributable and store easily until I have time to rinse and refill.
If one cup spills it does not damage as it is contained in the larger
container. Next to this is a box of watercolors, as well as a box of
the 1 1/4 oz. glue bottles. I like the small size for smaller hands -
the kids like them too! Next to this is a stack of oil pastels.
4) Bottom Shelf: The bottom shelf containes a
box of 12x18" drawing paper, 12x18" colored paper in various colors,
and all the handouts for the current year.
I have a storage cabinet that holds the
multitude of teaching supplies that all art teachers seem to need at
one time or another. It holds items such as tissue paper, yarn, liquid
tempera, etc, etc. I try to keep only those items that are the very
basics in supplies on my cart. I rotate other items on an "as needed"
basis. These are stored in large, clear plastic boxes so I can stack
them and easily see what's inside. If you have any storage ideas, or
time saving hints for art teachers on a cart, please e-mail me and I'll
be glad to post them!
