Managing the Mess

Managing the Mess

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Hi, I’m Katie Jarvis, a K–6 elementary art educator sharing art room management, routines, and systems for teachers.

All content reflects my personal experience and views and does not represent any school or district.

Photos from Managing the Mess's post 06/13/2026

I’m still wrapping up the school year, but I’ve already started working on supply orders for next year. 🎨📦

After spending way too much time scrolling through catalogs, websites, and new releases, I came across a few products that made me stop and take a second look. Some are brand new to me, some are newer products, and a few just seemed like clever ideas for the art room.

Comment NEW and I’ll send you the links so you can check them out for yourself! 📦🎨

06/11/2026

Looking for a simple weaving project for summer camp, summer school, or the art room? 🧺☀️🐜

This weaving template helps students practice cutting, weaving, and fine motor skills while creating a fun picnic-themed artwork. Simply copy the template onto construction paper and students can cut and weave independently.

The resource includes both 1” and 2” slit templates, making it easy to adapt for different ages and skill levels.

Comment WEAVING and I’ll send you the link!

06/06/2026

I assigned some summer homework. 😅☀️ If behavior management, transitions, cleanup, or routines felt challenging this year, comment HOMEWORK and I’ll send you my free Art Room Management Checklist.

06/04/2026

I’m not going to come right out and say that I’m still teaching and won’t be on summer break for a while…

…but there will be signs. 😂

If I’ve been a little quieter lately, this is why. Between report cards, final grades, art awards, ordering supplies, packing up the art room, and getting ready for next year, these last few weeks always feel like a sprint to the finish line.

To those of you already on summer break: I’m only a little jealous. 😉

What’s your best survival tip for the last few weeks of school? What helps keep you going? Drop it below. Trust me, the teachers still teaching could use all the encouragement right now. ❤️

06/02/2026
Photos from Managing the Mess's post 05/30/2026

After 24 years of teaching elementary art, these are some of the classroom systems, routines, and resources that have stood the test of time.

If you’re looking for ways to make your art room more organized and easier to manage next year, this post is for you.

Comment SYSTEMS and I’ll send you the resources featured in this post.

Photos from Managing the Mess's post 05/27/2026

These are the kindergarten art supplies that have truly survived my little artists over the years 😂🎨

Comment LITTLE ARTISTS and I’ll send you the links 💕
I also have my editable K-6 inventory and ordering template over on my TPT!

05/25/2026

Comment END and I’ll send you my FREE End of the Year Art Class Checklist ☀️💕

Future you will be VERY thankful for a little prep before summer break 😅 I made this free checklist to help elementary art teachers organize supplies, prep for back to school, and make the end of the school year feel a little less overwhelming.

Photos from Managing the Mess's post 05/24/2026

Comment END and I’ll send you my FREE 7-page End of the Year Art Class Checklist 💕

The end of the school year is a lot 😅 My last day isn’t until June 17th, so I’m right there with you! Taking a little time now to prep and organize really helps future you when back-to-school season rolls around.

This free checklist includes end-of-year cleanup tips, inventory reminders, student helper ideas, back-to-school prep, and clickable resource links for elementary art teachers.

Photos from Managing the Mess's post 05/20/2026

Elementary art teachers… a little end-of-year prep now can save SO much stress when you walk back into your classroom next school year ☀️

These are some of my favorite ways to stay organized before summer break after 25 years of teaching elementary art and Managing the Mess 🎨

Comment SUMMER for more end-of-year art teacher tips and my YouTube playlist with even more ideas for organizing your art room before summer!

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