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