Proactive Classroom Management Part 2

A few months ago I had an article posted on Band Director's Talk Shop about Proactive Classroom Management, in regards to preparing for the school year. Now that the year is up and running (and getting away from me, hence the delay in posting) I thought I'd add some more to the series. Most of what follows is from the handout for my session: Take Me To Your Leader- A PRO-Active Approach to Classroom Management. 

In the session I break down ideas related to running a consistent, controlled classroom into three areas

1. Preparation- most of which is covered in the BDTS article.

2. Offense- which I will outline in this post

3. Respect- a post for a later date.

Enjoy the notes about being on the offense in your classroom! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I am here to help everyone have a great musical experience with their students!

OFFENSE

Create an environment where you are constantly in control of the flow of your class.

Pacing- 

Must be fast and keep everyone engaged. 

Have the rest of the class air play, sizzle their part or be ready to answer a question. 

If you don’t find something to do they will find something to do themselves. 

Learn when to move on and come back fresh another day.

           If you are spending more than a few minutes on a concept or section move on and come back with a different approach another day. 

Build time into your rehearsals for their brains to take a break!

Their average attention span is only 10-12 minutes. 

Switch activities and give their brains a break. 

Rehearsal structure- Consistent so they know what to expect on a normal day.

 It will make the days that are not normal less chaotic in the end.

Sample rehearsal structure: 

Stretching & Breathing

Long Tones/Warm-ups

Announcements

Rhythm Studies

Scales

Technique Book/Chorale/Tuning

Concert Repertoire

Percussion- Keep them busy with clear, consistent expectations.

Have them learn rudiments during breathing, keep the pulse during rhythm work.  

Don’t ignore them!

Programming- Find music at an appropriate level that they can get excited about.

Push Them- Time is of the essence and there is always a lot to do!

Good enough should never be good enough.

Podium- On/Off Switch to your rehearsal.

Only step on the podium intentionally and when you are ready to begin.

 They must know to respect it. Only allowed to touch it with invitation.

Opening- Begin each class the same way every day and with silence.

Get right to work- announcements can come later. 

 Use a catch phrase to grab their attention. “Hey Band- Hey What?”

Proximity- Get off the podium and work the room.

Observe- Watch them like a hawk whenever they are in the room.

 Also give them chances to earn your trust.

Refocus- When they start to lose focus or control quick tricks to bring them back.

- Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

- Brain break activities

- Say your catch phrase

- Finger Countdown

- Clap Rhythm Echoes

Pause- Stop talking the moment that they start, mid-sentence, mid-word and wait.

- Sit back and wait for them to come back to silence and focus.

- Step off the podium to turn rehearsal “off”.  Never talk while they are talking. Ever.

Respond- Quickly and respectfully.  Don’t make mountains out of molehills. Choose your battles!

Remind- Constant and consistent behavior reminders.

Tell them “how” they should be doing something.

Repeat- Say it no more than 3 times- even less! Wait until everyone is ready to listen.

Precise- Give specific and direct instructions.  Say it in four words!

Make them think about the answers instead of giving them. 

Point- Have them point to their music to check for understanding.

Present- Have them show you the answer with their fingers.

 How many counts do we have? What count is the accidental on?

 Show me how many counts a dotted quarter note receives. 

 Use your hand as a music staff. Use sign language for pitch names.

Partners- Share your answer with your neighbor.  Gives structured talking time!

Order- What order should directions occur in? Be clear and concise! When I say GO.…

Reasons- Keep the end goal in mind and let them know it.

Rewards- Positive incentives go a long way.  Find "carrots" that will get your students excited.

“Faction Battle” “Harry Potter House Points”

Earn points or lose points for doing good or negative behavior.

RANDOMLY GIVE INCENTIVES TO ENCOURAGE CONSISTENT BEHAVIOR!

 Student of the Week- student chosen vs. teacher selected