Classroom Discipline

The coolest trick I ever saw was a teacher that whispered everything she said. Her classroom was the quietest one I was ever in. I'm not sure if it would work for you like it did for her, but it's worth a try. Twenty is too many early elementary kids in one class, but I know class sizes are on the rise again. I subbed in music one day this week. I had a class of 4th graders who have always been a problem. This time I met them at the door. I'd laid out cards with their names on them, and I let them in the door two at a time to find their names and sit quietly. They were told that if they talked they'd get back up and go to the end of the line. Once everyone was seated, I told them that I expected them to be quiet. I said that if they were caught talking they would be moving to a seat on the other side of the room. If they talked there, they'd be sent to the hall. They were perfect all hour. With younger kids, you need to do something to get their attention. Act out what you're wanting, sing to them, anything you can do to get them to focus on you. Make your expectations clear, and remind them when they aren't meeting them. I always tell kids that I can't make them be quiet -- only they can do that. I taught Kindergarten for a number of years, and you have to be really mean for about 6 weeks to show them who's boss. After that you can lighten up and still be in control of the class.

This is just a guess. How about asking the kids what types of music they like. What is their favorite musical instrument and why. Ask them if they have ever tried to make a musical instrument and how that worked. Ask them if they think music is important and if so why or why not. If you can get them to talk to you, maybe you can get some ideas of why they are not paying attention. I have found that knowing what a student is thinking is half the battle. If you get off color or goofy remarks, you will have to deal with that but at least you will get them involved.