Back on track - 6 minute drawings

I think one of the best things I ever adopted was the idea for the six minute draw.  A fellow art teacher shared the idea with me;  a friend from another district had suggested it to her.  When students walk into the classroom, I have paper and pencils set up and waiting for them along with a little orange "at work" traffic cone.  This is their signal to sit down silently and engage their creative art brain.  I have a timer set on my iPad for 6 minutes, everyone independently draws.  For me, this is the opportunity to switch out the materials from the class that just walked out and to become mentally prepared for the new class in front of me.  This is my saving grace!  I'm sharing with you a student drawing from today.  I'm really impressed by my veteran students who are used to the routine.  They are really stepping up their drawings this year.

Student work