Classroom management is a critical component of any successful classroom. In an elementary music classroom, classroom management can be particularly challenging. Students are often excited to be in music class and may have trouble sitting still or following directions. However, building positive relationships with students can help prevent misbehavior from occurring in the first place. In this article, we will discuss how to build positive relationships with students in the elementary music classroom.
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Learn Students' Names
One of the most effective ways to build positive relationships with students is to learn their names. When you call a student by name, it shows that you value them as an individual. You can learn students' names through music games, especially at the beginning of the year. Also, simply taking attendance every week helps reinforce their name. And attendance taking can of course be musical! Sing the student's name with solfege syllables "sol-mi", and the student must echo back with solfege syllables "sol-mi" with the word "he-re".
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Greet Students at the Door
Greeting students at the door is another effective way to build positive relationships. By greeting students at the door, you show that you are excited to see them and that you care about them. You can greet students with a high-five, a handshake, fist pump or a smile.
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Use Positive Language
Using positive language is an essential component of building positive relationships with students. Avoid using negative language, such as "don't do that" or "stop talking." Instead, use positive language, such as "let's focus on the music" or "thank you for raising your hand."
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Encourage Students
Encouraging students is an effective way to build positive relationships. When students feel encouraged, they are more likely to be engaged and less likely to misbehave. You can encourage students by providing positive feedback, such as "great job singing" or "you're doing a fantastic job."
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Get to Know Students
Getting to know students on a personal level is an essential component of building positive relationships. Take the time to learn about their interests, hobbies, and family life. You can do this by asking students about themselves or by having them complete a "get to know you" activity.
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Use Humor
Using humor is an effective way to build positive relationships with students. When you use humor, it shows that you are approachable and that you don't take yourself too seriously. You can use humor by telling jokes or by making silly faces.
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Provide Opportunities for Student Choice
Providing opportunities for student choice is an effective way to build positive relationships. When students feel like they have a say in what happens in class, they are more likely to be engaged and less likely to misbehave. You can provide opportunities for student choice by allowing them to choose a song or by letting them choose an instrument to play.
In conclusion, building positive relationships with students is an essential component of classroom management in the elementary music classroom. By learning students' names, greeting them at the door, using positive language, encouraging them, getting to know them, using humor, and providing opportunities for student choice, you can prevent misbehavior from occurring in the first place. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to be engaged and less likely to misbehave.