On episode 288 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I dive into co-teaching in the music room with special guests Linzie Mullins and Betsy Carter. Co-teaching presents a novel approach to managing large classes and increasing student engagement. In this blog post, we’ll unpack the key takeaways from the episode to provide actionable insights for music educators interested in exploring the benefits of this collaborative teaching method.
Throughout the episode, Linzie and Betsy share their experiences of co-teaching, addressing the challenges and the rewards it brings. We discuss strategies for managing large classes, seamlessly transitioning between activities, and implementing various engagement techniques. Particularly interesting is their approach to sharing teaching responsibilities, such as alternating instructional roles and supporting each other during lessons to optimize student learning. This blog post will detail their approach, providing a roadmap for music teachers considering a co-teaching setup in their classrooms.
Engagement Strategies in Co-Teaching
Let’s be real, keeping students engaged can sometimes feel like the most challenging part of teaching, right? However, co-teaching can be an absolute game-changer. Take Linzie and Betsy, for instance. These two phenomenal music teachers have realized that keeping their students engaged drastically reduces classroom management issues.
So, how do they do it? Well, they’ve got a few tricks up their sleeve. They keep their class time moving with smooth transitions, they give students choices in their activities (because we all love a little autonomy, don’t we?), and they over-plan their lessons. Yes, you read that right! Over-planning ensures there’s always something engaging coming up next. So, the next time you’re co-teaching, try these strategies. You might just find your classroom running smoother than ever!
The Benefits of Two Teachers in the Classroom
You know, co-teaching has this super cool dynamic that really ramps up the learning vibe in the classroom. Think about it this way. Let’s say a student kicks up a fuss in class. With only one teacher, you’d have to hit the pause button on the lesson to sort it out, right? But with two teachers, one could handle the fuss while the other keeps the lesson rolling. This way, the other students can keep on learning without any hitches.
Not only that, but co-teaching also lets us give students more one-on-one attention. This can really help out the students who need a bit more support or guidance. So, it’s a total win for the students in terms of understanding and performance.
And hey, it’s not just the students who benefit. For us teachers, co-teaching means we share the load when it comes to planning and running the lessons. This way we can each chip in our unique ideas and perspectives, which can lead to more balanced and creative lessons.
Plus, the whole co-teaching thing is a great way for us to grow professionally, right? We get to pick up new teaching styles and techniques from each other, which helps us come up with even more effective ways of teaching. And this constant learning and tweaking makes for a super dynamic and engaging learning environment.
So really, co-teaching is a win-win all round. It brings lots of benefits like increased efficiency, personalized instruction, shared workload, and professional growth. It’s pretty awesome!
Positive Reinforcement in Co-Teaching
Positive reinforcement is truly an art form, and boy, does it become a masterpiece in a co-teaching scenario! This is the philosophy that Lindsay and Betsy live by. They’re big believers in the power of positivity in their teaching approach. By consistently cheering on good behavior, recognizing students’ hard work, and nurturing a positive learning atmosphere, they’ve seen a game-changing improvement in the classroom dynamic.
The cool thing about co-teaching is that with two teachers on deck, students get a double dose of positive reinforcement. This not only boosts their engagement and motivation but also lifts their self-esteem. And it’s not just about applauding academic achievements – Lindsay and Betsy make sure to spread positivity to social interactions and overall behavior too. So, remember to keep those good vibes flowing in your classroom and watch as it supercharges your students’ learning experience.
Learning from Your Co-Teacher
As educators, we focus on nurturing our students’ learning, but it’s important to remember that we are learners too. Co-teaching provides the unique opportunity to learn from another educator, your co-teacher.
When co-teaching in the music room, you are not confined to your personal teaching style or methods. Instead, you have the chance to observe and learn from the techniques, strategies, and insights of your co-teacher. Your co-teacher may approach a concept differently, use different materials, or interact with students in a unique way. These differences can offer fresh perspectives and create avenues for adaptation and growth.
This constant observation and learning can be crucial for your professional development. As you observe your co-teacher and adapt their strategies, you are essentially expanding your teaching toolbox. You are gaining new skills, techniques, and approaches that can enrich your teaching style. This can make your co-teaching journey an exciting adventure, filled with continuous learning and growth.
Have you done co-teaching in the music room? Tell me about it in the comments below or share your thoughts on social media as you share this post. I’d love for you to share this post or any of the resources on my website with a friend or colleague who you know NEEDS to see it too.
P.S. Are you feeling frustrated or stuck as an elementary music teacher? Check out these free resources to help you teach elementary music with confidence!
Also…I wrote a book called “Make A Note: What You Really Need To Know About Teaching Elementary Music” to help music teachers move forward in your teaching career. You can get your copy here.
