Creating a conducive learning environment is a significant component for classroom management. I know that classroom management will be my biggest struggle as a first year teacher, especially in the music world. Not only do I have a classroom full of students, but also expensive instruments, stands, and stacks/files of music to store.
Organization
First, in order for my students to have an effective learning environment, it is important to have an organized classroom setting. Instruments should be easily accessible and chair set up should be in place before students arrive to class. Students will assume the teacher is disorganized if the classroom is disorganized. Space is always an issue in music classrooms, especially if the classroom is shared for general music, strings, choral and band. Music classrooms should have a specified place for instruments and book bags. Storing school supplies, sheet music and folders underneath chairs can sometimes get messy. It is more practical to have a space where the students can store instruments throughout the school day. Purchasing shelves for students’ music folders to prevent the students’ loose sheet music from getting lost also might be a good idea! This also can start a music library for the classroom.
Some teachers
overlook the significance of keeping track of students in a music setting like orchestra for example. This is
especially prominent in high school orchestra when students seem to wonder in
late to class. No matter what grade level the orchestra is, it is probably a
good idea to have an organized grade book with every student’s name and dates
across each row. This ensures that you have a clear record of class attendance
and tardiness. The instructor may even want to assign duties to certain
students to keep them on their toes. Electing secretaries to take attendance
and librarians to organize and hand out music is a great benefit. This helps
out the teacher and is also fun for the students so they feel they hold some
sort of power.
Fun and Helpful Learning Atmosphere
I think for any grade level, students love coming into a classroom that feels positive and is exciting to be in (instead of boring). Posting images on walls of instruments, historical composers, and musical notes adds character to the classroom. In addition students should know what is expected of them in a positive way instead of a demanding way.If one student
is talking or playing their instrument while the teacher is talking, it spreads
like wild fire and soon you have a big mess. This can be shown as easily through a
behavioral chart or outline posted in the classroom. Margaret Merrion in her book, "Instructional
and Classroom Management for Music Educators" provided a chart for classroom management for music. This can be arranged for any subject.
1. In assigned
seat when the bell rings
2. Is prepared
for class with all materials, (Instrument, music, pencil)
3. Demonstrates proper posture when playing.
4. Is quiet
during rehearsal when not playing.
5. Shows respect
for self and others
6. Shows respect
for all instruments.
7. Participates
appropriately during
rehearsal.
8.
Goes
above and beyond.
TI think these things will help students to interact, learn well, and reduce behavioral problems.
CCSEL Study
I I chose to look at the middle school case study. There will be many cases in a music class where I'm sure students will act out like Cherie. In most cases, I feel these students are looking for attention, so the best thing to do would be give them attention, but not necessarily the attention they want. I would use tasteful remarks to the student ensuring them and convincing the class that what they are doing isn't funny. In hopes that the class would respond, I also think moving the student to the front of the orchestra (or classroom) would help them be more attentive instead of goofing around.
