Art Room Goals

Every student has an art goal in class each week. As the students enter my room, I get them seated and settled down so I can proceed to introduce or review a lesson. I first demonstrate what I want the students to do, and I ask for a volunteer to read the art goals that are posted on the white board while still at the demonstration table. A student will read the goals that repeat what I just finished showing them by demonstration. I explain that their goal is what I want them to complete today in class, and if they are working and not fooling around, they should be able to complete their goal for the day. Questions, if any are answered and the students go back to their seats to get to work. I estimate that half the class can work independently, and the other half can't seem to do the task on their own without my help. Is it because they aren't paying attention while I'm talking, or do they have trouble with multiple step tasks? Generally I think it's the later, and for this reason alone it's so important to post the goals on the board for all to see. If they get confused, the steps are clearly stated on the board for the student to read at any time. It's also a good idea to post the goals for the anxious student who walks in the door and asks "what are we doing today?" as they pass by me to enter the room. All I have to say is "read the board" for the student who can't wait any longer. Posting the goals helps me as a teacher to stay focused and organized especially since I travel from one location to another everyday.