MTCT Episode #23: Back to School Procedures

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