Domain 2: The classroom Environment. The components in Domain 2 consist of the interactions that occur in a classroom that are non instructional. These consist of creating an environment of respect and rapport among the students and with the teacher, establishing a culture for learning, managing classroom procedures, managing student behavior, and organizing the physical space. Charlotte Danielson, “Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching,” Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Classroom Rules and Expectations
Student involvement in rule making and classroom expectations not only links them to these guidelines, but provides ownership of these rules. You made them, you obey them! It's important to be consistent with school policies, while also adapting them for the unique and intimate setting that comes with being in a music room.
Setting Up a Supportive Environment
Performing and participating in music is a very intimate process, and students are asked to open up and become vulnerable as they share their voices and musical expression. At any age, that can be difficult for some to do in a group setting, so it's imperative to establish expectations and how to be good classmates who are supportive. Fourth grade students were asked what a good classmate is, what a good classmate says, what a good classmate does, and what a good classmate is not. Their responses outlined our requirements in order to be a part of our class.
Musician of the Month
By introducing students to new musicians each month, they are constantly exposed to new and influential musicians. I typically link the musicians to a theme, either by season/time of year, or based on what they are studying at that time. Watching performances, and examining the lives of these musicians makes them more relatable, and also encourages those with a passion for performing, themselves. Students eventually begin to expect these presentations and anticipate the new introduction each month.
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Celebrating Success and Music in Our Schools
While raising our children to become active musicians, it's important that they see themselves in this way. Providing them with opportunities to actively participate in music showcases their talent and character, and then celebrating these achievements is essential.
In addition, including pictures, bulletin boards, and "advertising" these opportunities gives other students something for which to strive, and also reminds anyone within view of the importance of music, and the footprint it leaves on our school and community.
In addition, including pictures, bulletin boards, and "advertising" these opportunities gives other students something for which to strive, and also reminds anyone within view of the importance of music, and the footprint it leaves on our school and community.
Classroom Management Tools and Procedures
Using both verbal and non-verbal reminders for classroom management is an important balance to maintain. Pointing out positive and negative behavior in the classroom is important to maintain expectations and balance, verbal reminders in a whole group setting can often backfire, embarrassing a child with attention and focus that is not always wanted or appropriate. I have created a set of card for non-verbal reminders for both positive and negative actions I observe in the room. When one of these behaviors is observed, I simply had them the appropriate, which has been explained and introduced to the children ahead of time. At the end of the class, when they return it, it's important that they reflect on why they received their card, so they know how to either change their behavior for next time, or what good behavior warranted their positive recognition. These cards have been tremendously successful and accepted by the students, and send a great message to the individuals, as well as the whole class dynamic.