The Key to Success: Preventing Misbehavior Before It Starts-
Hey there, fellow music educators! Are you tired of constantly managing behavior when you could be making music? I’ve been there, and trust me, the solution is simpler than you think. The secret? Clear, simple, and repeatable expectations, visual aids, an effective reward system, and keeping students moving! Let’s dive into some tips that will transform your classroom and save you hours of frustration.
Let’s Get Started
Step #1: Clear and Simple Expectations
In the elementary music room, having clear and simple expectations is a game-changer. These should be easy to remember and repeat every class. Especially during those tricky times when students tend to misbehave: transitions, instrument time, story time, quiet time, and assessments/tests.
Consistent and Repeatable Prompts
Adding small, repeatable expectations throughout the class helps with transitions and reinforces key rules. Have catchy prompts for different activities: passing out instruments, movement breaks, story time, or whenever students need a reminder. For example, before passing out instruments:
Teacher: “Hands in your lap,”
Students: “Ready to clap!” Or before a movement break:
Teacher: “Feet on the floor,”
Students: “Ready for more!”
These fun, repeatable prompts not only help students understand and remember key rules but also keep the class lively and engaging
Step #2: Visual Representation of Expectations
Visual aids are your best friend in the classroom. I keep the word “MUSICALLY” displayed on the board with individual magnets. When the class enters, “MUSIC” is on the board, meaning we’re ready to make music. This signals that students should sit tall, keep their voices off, and eyes on me.
When expectations aren’t followed, I quietly remove a letter, changing “MUSIC” to “MUSI.” Losing the “C” means no more music. On the flip side, I add an “A” when students are doing great. This system makes expectations clear and reinforces them in a fun way.
Step #3: Get Them Moving!
The most important part of preventing behavior issues is to keep your students moving! Movement not only keeps them engaged but also helps them learn better. I have tons of blogs and videos on this topic, so be sure to check them out! From movement breaks to scarf dances, incorporating physical activity into your lessons is a surefire way to maintain a lively and well-managed classroom. This is what the Soaring Scarves Academy is all about! Interested in a FREE month to try out all our movement breaks, full curriculum, assessments, prerecorded PD sessions and so much more?
Step #4: An Effective Earn System
Let’s talk rewards. In my classroom, I use a visual system with the word “MUSIC” on the board. These letters that they can earn or lose are also connected to their “Classroom Keyboards”.
When they keep the word MUSIC on the board at the end of class that is 3 point s on their classroom keyboard. If they lose the C they get 2 points, anything under the C and they recieve no points. If they earn “MUSICA” they recieve 4 points, “MUSICALL” is 5 points, and “MUSICALLY” is 6 points. Again, I very rarely give out the LL’s and alomst never give the Y.
Each point is connected to their classroom keyboard. For the first part of the year we go up by letter names- so from middle C to D above is one point. After their first earn it is time for a harder challenge! Instead of going up by letter name you can go up by half steps. This is also a great way of incorporating new information into their routines!
Know What They Want Most
Along with knowing what they want for a reward, it’s important to know what your students most enjoy doing in your classroom. For the majority of my students, playing instruments is always the highlight. I save this for the end of the class. If students are having a hard time, remind them that if they want to get to the instruments, they need to work together and follow the expectations.
Bringing It All Together
So there you have it – my top tips for managing your music classroom. Remember, it’s all about setting clear, simple, and repeatable expectations, using visual aids, implementing an effective reward system, and keeping students moving.
For more detailed strategies and ideas, check out my other blogs and videos. And if you’re interested in learning more about effective transitions, click the link to read my blog on that topic!
Happy teaching, and may your classroom be filled with music and joy!
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