It's Easier the Second Year

This is my first time teaching at the same school two years in a row. What a difference! The first day of school was great: seeing students and getting hugs. I knew what paperwork to expect, where everything was in my classroom, and what I needed to do to get the year off to a great start.

It's really neat seeing students I had last year remember what they learned last year. All the time spent drilling concepts into their heads was not spent in vain. Students who didn't say much of anything last year now throw their hands in the air to answer questions. They get excited when something they remember from last year finally makes sense. Several students said to me,"We didn't sing this well this early last year." And all I can do is smile and recognize that hard work does pay off. Students won't get bored reviewing music basics year after year because it boosts their confidence and makes them stronger musicians.

"Oh in the Woods . . ."

Trust me when I tell you that this song is amazing. Add motions and you're all set. I used it in elementary school, and the students enjoyed adding their own verses. It became the end-of-class song they could sing if they behaved. So when high school midterms rolled around, I thought the students might enjoy doing something silly and fun in the middle of studying and review sessions. So they stood around the room and sang "Oh in the Woods." Little did I know that it would become the official pre-exam song. When finals approached, they requested the song again, and it was the perfect way to spend the last class of the year.
Don't think that because students are older, they won't enjoy the simple things. Try it out, and it might make a huge difference in your class.

Recital Day

The perfect activity for the end of the year with any grade level. Students must sign-up ahead of time in order to participate, and they must cross their names off before class starts if they want to withdraw. Some of my favorite classes were "recital days" because students shared amazing talents. Everything from singing to dancing to skits to jumping on a pogo stick while playing the trumpet (yes, it happened, and I couldn't stop laughing).

As the teacher, it's a great opportunity for you to observe student relationships in the class. Do the students feel comfortable performing for each other? Do they clap and cheer each other on? Some of my high school students let me know that they could tell that the group grew close during the year, because otherwise recital day wouldn't have turned out so well. It became the "buzz" around the elementary school, and the school custodian told me students were telling him all about what they were performing. What a great way to end the year.

And be prepared . . . they'll want you to perform, too, so get ready!

Ask First, Then Tell

Don't be afraid to ask your students what they think of a performance. Each time you practice a piece, ask them to reflect on how it sounded. I like to start by asking what they did well and if they effectively changed anything we've been focusing on in rehearsal. Then, I ask what they want to improve. Asking their opinions before I give them mine allows them to take ownership of their performance. It makes them pay attention, listening to themselves and others, while singing. It also causes them to take pride in their performance when they improve.

Create Your Own Environment

At the end of the school year, I gave all of my students evaluation forms to assess both my teaching and the overall class experience. I will continue giving these evaluations for years to come because what they revealed was amazing. The students commented that they learned a lot during the year, but what struck me most was their description of the classroom environment. They wrote that they felt safe in class, that they didn't feel stupid when asking questions, and that they felt like part of a team that was learning together.
Part of me wasn't surprised at these comments, because I'd made intentional decisions throughout the year to ensure that my students would feel comfortable in the choral environment. I remember sitting in a high school classroom, not wanting to say anything because the teacher made me feel stupid. This is no way to learn or live, and I was thrilled that my students were learning because they felt safe.
So the question is, how do you achieve this with your students? Can I create the same environment next year? Part of the answer involves how you respond to your students. Show them that you respect them, especially at the beginning of the year. They need to trust your sincerity before you can joke around with them. Don't pressure anyone to answer a question, until you know who you can call on without making them feel isolated. The other part of the answer involves how students respond to each other. It's your job to make sure that students treat each other with respect and listen to their peers. No one wants to participate in a class when they're afraid of being put down by their peers.
It might seem overwhelming, but it's not if you consider this mind-set on the first day of school. The students will take their cues from you, so set the tone, and they'll follow your example.

It's Not Always About You

It's true. Sometimes students can ruin your day by giving you a hard time. The attitude comes out, and you wonder what you did to deserve such treatment. One of the most important things I've learned is that is usually doesn't have anything to do with me as the teacher. Once I looked at student attitudes from this perspective, it changed the way I responded to my students. They have bad days just like I do. Stuff goes on at home and after school, and they don't leave their troubles at the door when they come to class. However, I can help them have a better day once they enter my room. Now, this is not to say that attitudes never have anything to do with me. I've had students who had issues with me and I had to deal with it. But a huge load was lifted from my shoulders when I considered that my job isn't to make my students happy all the time, which might sound strange, but it's true.

Moving On Up . . . to High School

The transition from elementary school to high school was a lot easier than I expected it to be. People ask me how I survived the change, and here's what I answer:
1. Even though you're closer to their ages, don't try to be their friend. It may or may not come eventually, but definately not at the beginning of the school year.
2. Don't take yourself too seriously. Laughing at myself gives them permission to laugh at themselves.
3. Stay ahead of the game. Know what's going on in the school and what your students are participating in.
4. Keep smiling. You know you're ok when they say "hi" in the hallway.

The musical aspects are also important, but building strong relationships with students is the only way to build a truly successful program.