Our latest episode is all about music class procedures and building a positive community within each class.
Some of the things we talked about:
Music Making: Bring the joy of music to them as soon as possible.
o Start the class with a “no-fail” singing game or chant. This could be a singing or chanting name game. Is there a singing game students have begged to play again and again in class in your past years? Start the year and your class with that gem!
o Aim to include singing, moving/dancing, and playing instruments, within the first 4 lessons.
Rapport: Build relationships between you and the class
o Use students’ names frequently, (this will help you memorize names quicker, too.)
o Smile and be willing to share a laugh with the students.
o Talk to kids when they’re not in music class and show that you care about them.
o Share a few of your “what I did on my summer vacation” pictures with each class. (They need to know about you, too.)
o Verbalize why you became a music teacher.
o Give a short performance for each class. You are a musician, too. Share that part of you.
· Rules: Communicate your behavior management plan and class rules on the first or second day.
o Keep it simple. More than 4 or 5 rules is too many.
o Emphasize mutually respect. (Pair and share: “I want my teacher to know:__________”)
o Give specific examples of following or not following a classroom rule.
Procedures to Practice:
Coming in to the room
Mindful Minutes
Reading the learning target
Lining up/Leaving the room
Asking a question
Pair and Share/”Back to Class”
Bathroom procedures
Time Out procedure
Answering the phone
Fire Drill
Lock-Down
Making a Circle
Moving in a Circle
Passing out materials
Getting small percussion instruments
Going to drums
Going to barred instruments
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