This blog post, and podcast episode 272, will help you when it comes to making decisions as a music teacher. We all know that being a music teacher involves a blend of passion, creativity, and decision-making on a daily basis. From the classroom to your home life, the daily decisions can become overwhelming, leading to “decision fatigue.” So, let’s dive into some practical strategies to boost your confidence in making decisions as a music teacher.
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Trust Your Instincts
In the world of decisions, it’s crucial to tune in to your own instincts. As music teachers, we often seek permission or advice from others, but sometimes, the right decision is already within us. Trust your gut and intuition, because most of the time that decision you need to make has already been decided by you.
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Take That First Step
If you’ve ever been stuck in the mud, you know how hard it is to get your shoe out of that pit. Staying stuck happens when you hesitate to take that initial step. Making decisions as a music teacher is like learning to walk; it involves taking a step, falling, learning, and getting back up. Don’t fear failure; embrace it as part of your journey, teaching you valuable lessons about the decisions you make.
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Deciphering the Decisions in Your Classroom
On any given day, you make so many decisions in your music classroom. In fact, you also make several micro-decisions as well. This can definitely lead to decision and teacher fatigue. But, on episode 272, I give you steps to help in making decisions as a music teacher.
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Lesson Planning
Lesson planning is a creative process that demands decisions about what songs, activities, and games to use each week. When choosing one thing, acknowledge that it means leaving something else out, and that’s perfectly fine. Don’t play into decision paralysis; but instead, focus on using what you already have. Simplify your life by making decisions that allow you to move forward without getting bogged down in the details.
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Teaching Your Students
Human behavior is unpredictable, especially in a classroom setting. Your meticulously planned lessons may run into unexpected hurdles. Acknowledge the unpredictability of your students’ responses and behaviors. When things don’t go as planned, make informed decisions on the fly, pivot gracefully, and analyze what could be improved for next time.
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Classroom and Behavior Management
Creating an effective learning environment involves decisions about classroom setup and behavior management. Trust your instincts when arranging your classroom, and be open to adjustments throughout the year. For behavior management, devise a plan but be ready to make swift decisions tailored to individual and class dynamics. Flexibility is key in maintaining a harmonious classroom atmosphere.
How do you feel when it comes to making decisions as a music teacher in your own life? 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.
