On episode 293 of The Elementary Music Teacher podcast, I reflect on the things I did this school year that worked out well in all of my classes. This involved one major key role: flexibility in lesson plans. This aspect, often overlooked, plays a crucial role in facilitating a dynamic and responsive teaching environment.
In this blog post, I will unpack the key insights from the episode to provide practical strategies for music teachers to maintain flexibility in their classrooms. In the podcast episode, I went over topics such as planning lessons, and building relationships with students. Keep reading to pick up some important notes and tips on how you can adopt these strategies in your music classes, paving the way for a more flexible and responsive teaching environment.
Planning is Key
We start with planning, which you probably know quite well. The mantra here is simple: the better we plan, the smoother things tend to run. Here’s a neat trick you can try if you haven’t: working backwards. You start with the big picture, the grand vision of what you want to achieve by the end of the school year. Then, you break it down into manageable tasks. In doing so, you always have a bird’s eye view of the whole curriculum and you know exactly what you should be teaching each week. It’s like having a roadmap for the entire school year – pretty neat, right?
Building Relationships with Students
Now, moving onto something that’s all about the heart. Getting to know your students on a personal level can make a world of difference in the classroom environment. Take your time to learn about your students’ interests and experiences, and equally important, don’t forget to share about yourself too. This mutual sharing builds a trust factor in the classroom and students feel more comfortable, more open to learning. It’s like building a little classroom family – a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Catering to Different Learning Styles
We all know that every student is unique, and they all have their own ways of learning. Here’s an important reminder for everyone in case you need it – our lessons should cater to these various learning styles. Maybe try to mix it up, incorporate a variety of teaching methods and activities in your lessons. Doing this not only keeps students engaged but it also caters to their different learning preferences. It’s like having a multi-flavored ice cream sundae – there’s something in it for everyone!
The Importance of Reflection
Have you ever thought about how far you’ve come? Reflection is a powerful tool in any teacher’s arsenal. It’s always helpful to look back on what has worked well during the school year, and identify areas for improvement. It’s definitely easier said than done but train yourself to always focus on the positives and remember that any negatives are just opportunities for growth and improvement. It’s like checking the rear-view mirror while driving – it gives you a good perspective of the journey and it helps you to navigate the path ahead more effectively.
Flexibility in Lesson Plans
And finally, we move onto flexibility. Have you ever had those unexpected discussions and questions that just light up the classroom? Something I do in my classes is setting aside about five to ten minutes of open space in each lesson for this very purpose. It’s like keeping a little sandbox in your lesson where creativity can bloom and relationships can be built. It’s a space where you can let the students’ curiosity lead the way. And who knows, in these open spaces, you might just stumble upon some of the best teaching moments!
What’s worked well for you this school year? 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.
