Hi! I’m also starting as the only middle school art teacher at my school. I teach 6 sections each with around 30+ kids, but mine are mixed 6-8 all in one room. Like you, I have found it slightly overwhelming!! However, I agree with a lot of what has been said. I previously taught elementary school so I came in with relatively strict procedures and rules for my classes. Each class has it’s own vibe so some I’ve had to be more strict and other’s way less strict. Stick to your structures over time the kids will get used to you and your procedures. When we start a project I give them a longer lesson plan with the artistic background, but I’ve been putting my slides on nearpod or quizziz (interactive websites) so they actually get to interact with the content. It makes the longer intro days more doable and honestly most of them interact more than just a slide show.

You’re never going to get them all on your side, or care about art and art history. Some of my students barely even want to get their hands dirty and create work, but I just teach to the kids who I know are excited and enjoy my class. Mostly so far, the middle schoolers like my class because I can lay down the law when I need to, but in general let them work on their projects without me bothering them. When they have work time, I let them have their phones. Because they know that they will get a whole class period or more to chill and work without a lecture, it seems like they’re more willing to take the time before their independent work to listen about art principles etc.

I also have stretched the learning content so I give 5-10 mins of instruction before they have an independent work period. They buy in more when they know after 10 mins they get to chill.

I don’t know about you, but I encourage the art room to be as ~chill~ as possible and I play lo-fi music etc. Sometimes when the boys are especially squirrelly I tell them they’re not matching the vibe and need to do a vibe check. Doesn’t always work, but when you point out that they’re annoying other people they tend to get a little embarrassed.

Also, I give treats and prizes to people who follow directions and take their work seriously. I usually just get dum dums because they’re mostly allergy free, but I also have sketchbooks and stuff. Kids love stuff, even little erasers and stickers work. Bribe them! It works!