Sweet Sounds - Quality Kodaly Resources for Elementary Music Educators
I cannot take any credit whatsoever for today's tip- that goes to my cooperating teacher during my student teaching. This is totally and completely stolen from her, and I have continued to use it in every single class, every single day of my teaching career. Transitions between activities, especially when the students need to move, can be one of the most difficult things to manage in the classroom. And in elementary general music, we tend to have a lot of those. Although this only covers one aspect of those transitions, it certainly does make things a lot faster and smoother. I hold up 1 finger as a cue for them to stand, 2 fingers for sitting up/forward in their chairs, and 3 for sitting back. The great thing about having a hand signal for these actions is that I can get them ready for an activity while explaining the directions at the same time. These are also perfect to use in concerts, because the audience can't see me holding up one hand. I use this for everyone 1st grade and older, and they get very good at moving quickly and quietly. At the beginning of the school year we practice and I tell them they have to be fast, but if they make sound it doesn't count. Not only is it great to have a signal for standing, sitting up, and sitting, but I have found that these specific signals are intuitive. When I hold up 1 finger, it is like I am motioning up, so it is easy for students to remember. When I use 2 fingers to have students sit up, I often find myself turning my hand upside down and motioning to a student's feet to remind them to put their 2 feet flat on the floor. Besides all of the up and down we do for singing, playing recorders etc, the hand signals are very handy when we need to move to another part of the room. I use 1 finger to tell them to stand, then I turn that finger in the direction that I want them to turn, and they all turn at the same time. This is also excellent preparation for concerts, especially when students are on risers. Usually I have them then start with the first row to walk to the new spot and the next rows follow, or sometimes I will tell them to start at the back row. Having them all turn together makes it much easier for students to smoothly follow the line and know exactly where to go. Plus it looks very impressive to classroom visitors and concert audiences! Do you use any hand signals in the classroom? What routines do you have in place to make transitions go more smoothly?
How do you keep your students in line in the music room-- both figuratively and literally? Here are some of my favorite phrases for classroom management!
Hey-O friends! How do you manage changing classes (my class doesn’t but I’m curious), or even moving from subject to subject within your own classroom? I teach in a self-contained classroom and it’s easy to shift subjects down the schedule a little when things don’t go as planned. #WhoopsWritingWasSupposedToStart20MinutesAgo? ahahahaha #NoShame When it’s time to check morning work, I play a song When it’s time to come to the carpet for a lesson I play a song. Subject change & it’s time to get out a different interactive notebook and folder— YES, I have a song for that! I keep a slew of songs on my iTunes and iPhone/iPad and I just click depending on what I need! It’s easy to say that it’s time to start something new and kids take that task as, “Okay I can chat with my friend now for 1049813582305 minutes”. If they’re singing—they’re on task and still able to talk–but they’re singing to a tune. When the music stops they must be ready! Beginning of the year I introduce a song for a new subject/idea slowly. I want the kids to get used to it and understand the rules that follow when the song […]
I love music. I belt out my favorite tunes in the car, I sing in the shower, and I hum when I'm nervous (or concentrating!) So, why not in the classroom? Today, I want to talk about how I use music in my classroom to help increase my student's ability to focus.
How do you keep your students in line in the music room-- both figuratively and literally? Here are some of my favorite phrases for classroom management!
If you were to walk into my classroom, there is a very good chance that music will be playing. Whether that be as background noise or as a classroom management tool, I cannot go without music in my classroom! Click HERE for all of my school appropriate playlists! Our kids now are stimulated 24/7 by all of the technology at their fingertips. They are watching Netflix, while Snapchatting, while playing a video game all at the same time! They go from an overstimulated environment at home, to school where they are expected to be quiet the majority of their day…
Music Teachers! This classroom management system has everything you need from the first day in music to implementation throughout the entire year. Based on a 4-point system positive classroom management style, this system will help you structure your class from entrance to exit, saving time for more music and fun! I use this personally in my classroom and have included with this file a walk through of what a typical class would look like for me, using the system. This product includes: Teacher Introduction to the 4-point system with two pages of suggestions and an implementation guide. Classroom Report: Elementary teachers- this one is for you! Give feedback on how the visiting class did for the day in an objective, positive way! Some teachers collect and display their great reports! Leadership Awards: Celebrate students that show the 4 points in your classroom with these leadership awards! There are two versions, one where you can print and cut up on card stock and another that is formatted for 2x4 label- the kids love these because they can stick it in their classroom leadership notebooks! Kids love stickers ! Student Introduction: Google Slides (with teacher guide notes) that will help you introduce this to your classroom and refresh when needed. This slide has several sections that you can use for your 'First Day in Music' and add teacher information and other things you would like to share with the class. There is also a section where you can edit to tailor the 4- point system to your specific classroom needs. Keep this slide handy because it can be used when you need a refresher or when you come back from a break! Classroom Decor - Included is a poster to hang in your class and the definition of each point. Class notes: A tracking sheet to keep track of the student points and leadership awards given. Google Slide Extra- Tracking Chart ! We set a celebration goal. For example, when a class has a total of 10 4-point days, we celebrate. Typically we do a glow party with dance music :) This classroom management system is available in art, STEM, PE, music, media/library, computer lab, and writing lab! Click here!
I have to share with you something that I absolutely love: The WOW board! This beautiful piece of poster board was introduced to me by my friend and colleague. I used it throughout the year but found it especially helpful near the end of the school year.
The ultimate list of classroom management strategies, organized into verbal and non-verbal strategies, parent communication tips,rewards and prizes, games, brain breaks, and visual strategies.
Music in the classroom is a powerful tool and it should be more than just having music as a special once a week. Learn why music is important and different ways you can integrate music into your lesson plans seamlessly. Blog post at Mrs. D's Corner.
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Teaching elementary music? Learn all about classroom management strategies to control those fifth graders in the blog post!
Tips on how early childhood educators can manage a preschool classroom effectively. How to maximize children's learning potential in a preschool environment.
As I work to empower my students, this year I added student jobs to band and orchestra. Students now get to fulfill specific roles.
In this post, I'm sharing 5 unexpected behavior management techniques for you to use in your elementary classroom. These long-game strategies will help your students understand the why behind the rules you implement in your classroom and help build intrinsic motivation and other real world skills.An added bonus? While I myself am a music teacher and will be using musical examples, these scenarios and techniques are applicable in just about any elementary classroom setting!We might think ‘behavio
What do you do with your first snow day of the year? BLOG!!! Last year all of the teachers in my district were given an iPad. Music teachers were some of the last teachers to get the iPads, so we…
Brain breaks are a great classroom management tool to use regularly in your classroom. Brain breaks are short, 1 to 2 minute, activities that can…
Middle school teachers are always looking for classroom management tips to strengthen their classroom environment. Check out these classroom tips!
Learn how to manage one of the biggest challenges of teaching: Six disrespectful students in the same class. Yikes!
Three Really Specific classroom management systems for the music room. Some ideas for keeping your class under control so that they can learn!
If you work with children, I can promise you that you will come across at least one student that has these difficult behaviors. Not only are they really stressful for the teacher but they impact the student’s life in many ways. Behaviors like disrespect and defiance can make classroom's chaotic.
When you make meaningful classroom procedures for older students, you are establishing comfort and familiarity for them.
If you want your classroom to run like a well oiled machine, you need clear procedures and routines in place for your students. Middle and High School English Language Arts discussed routines & procedures, problematic student behaviors, successful classroom management strategies, support from colleagues & administration, and valuable classroom management resources. Read through the chat for ideas to implement in your own classroom.
There are times throughout the year when it seems like your classes just aren’t going right. You are working hard on your lessons, thinking of engaging applications, and even trying to add ch…
A tool to add to your classroom management plan for positive student behavior. It encourages student accountability and student self-reflection.
Behavior Management for Music Teachers. Organized Chaos. Includes PBIS, Restorative Practices, classroom jobs, routines and procedures, and more for elementary music classroom behavior management strategies.
Likability is a key principle of SCM—because it makes building rapport effortless. It causes students to want to listen to you, please you, and behave for you. It helps make your consequences matter. Being disliked, on the other hand, makes classroom management far more ... Read more
Helping students learn is our primary concern as educators, but that can definitely prove to be challenging in a chaotic classroom environment. Therefore, we must do our best to provide a safe and calm environment for our students. So, how can we most effectively accomplish this? First, let me start off by saying that it is ... Read More about 7 Effective Behavior Management Strategies for Upper Elementary Classrooms
Are you struggling with your classroom management plan? It can take time to find one that works! To help you out, I'm sharing the best plan I ever used.
Thousands of teachers have used these tried and true GUARANTEED tups to stop students from blurting out. Chatty Class? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!
If you were to walk into my classroom, there is a very good chance that music will be playing. Whether that be as background noise or as a classroom management tool, I cannot go without music in my classroom! Click HERE for all of my school appropriate playlists! Our kids now are stimulated 24/7 by all of the technology at their fingertips. They are watching Netflix, while Snapchatting, while playing a video game all at the same time! They go from an overstimulated environment at home, to school where they are expected to be quiet the majority of their day…
Although "practice makes perfect," it doesn't have to be boring. Find 6 ways to make lessons more engaging with movement in the classroom.
Color Teams in the Music Room. Organized Chaos. The benefits of having small groups assigned by colors for behavior management, classroom management, improving procedures and transitions, incorporating student jobs, fostering positive classroom climate and character, and more.
Whole Class Behavior Management Systems in Elementary Music. Organized Chaos. Ideas for whole class incentives that don't take away from music-making and encourage growth over competition.
Do the students at your school use inappropriate language? Use these tips and strategies to help them decrease verbal aggression, cursing, sarcastic comments and more!
Transitions in the classroom can be a real challenge. Often they are chaotic and a drain on your most valuable resource, time! Take back control of the transitions for 4 tips that you can start using tomorrow. Using music is my favorite way to have students transition but you can also use small incentives, praise and whole class rewards.
Stop taking away recess and using other punishments to control your students. Find success with 10 powerful classroom management strategies!
