Kindergarten First Day of Music Class: Setting Up for Success
As a music teacher, I've found that setting up my kindergarten class for success from day one is crucial. This not only helps establish a positive classroom culture but also ensures that we can focus on teaching and learning throughout the year.
To do this, I start with introductions. As soon as the kids walk in the door, I spend about 5 minutes getting to know them and sharing a little bit about myself. It's amazing how much you can learn about someone just by asking simple questions about their summer or hobbies!
In my experience, kindergarteners are often new to school, so it's essential to take this opportunity to build connections and establish trust. By doing so, we can create a safe and welcoming environment that encourages them to participate and explore.
Here's what I do with my kindergarten students on the first day of music class:
* We start by talking about our summers and sharing stories.
* I introduce myself and share some fun facts about me.
* We discuss classroom expectations and procedures, such as how we'll move around the room, how to use materials, and how to behave during lessons.
By establishing these norms early on, we can avoid many potential problems down the line. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
In addition to building relationships and setting up classroom expectations, I also make sure to plan engaging activities that will capture my students' attention and get them excited about music class. Whether it's singing songs, playing instruments, or moving to music, I want to create a sense of fun and exploration that will carry over throughout the year.
So, what do you do on your first week of school? How do you set up your classroom culture and establish expectations for your kindergarten students?
Let me know in the comments below!
