Scheetz Classroom Management

Classroom Management Plan 5th-12th Grade Band

Daniel Scheetz
Philosophy on Classroom Management and Discipline
I come from a family of educators. My mother, grandfather, aunt, and cousins are
teachers and I have always thought of it as a profession that I wanted to do. I began teaching
piano lessons when I was fifteen and still do. I have also taught swim lessons for four years.
After participating in observations, practicums, and education courses, I have found that I have a
style of teaching that is somewhat soft. I want the students to respect me and be active in their
education but I have trouble with discipline and managing a class. I believe that everyone should
have the opportunity to learn. I decided to take this class so that I could learn to be an effective
teacher and to gain experience in the aspects of teaching that I lacked.
As a teacher I want to be an interactive with students. The relationship between students
cannot be sustained and developed if the teacher or students have too much control over how the
classroom is run. For students to respect the teacher, the teacher must also respect the student.
This can be done and shown in many ways. The teacher could include the student in the creation
of class rules, the teacher can include the students in the procedures of the class, the teacher can
listen to students, just as teacher wants the students listen to him. A well-planned classroom
management plan can help develop this interactive teaching philosophy. Every student should
have the opportunity to learn but not every student knows how to act and behave in a classroom.
The purpose for the classroom management plan is to make it easier for students to learn.

The Junior High Classroom Arrangement

My classroom is large rehearsal space used for a variety of classes. The podium is one of
the main places to teach during band. The rehearsal arcs are arranged around the podium,
allowing me to see and monitor all the students at all times. Rooms necessary to keep the band
program flowing are situated around the main band room. My desk is in plain view of the rest of
the band room so that I can see students in other parts of the band room while working with
students. Music and supplies will be kept in the band library. For small group work and
individual practice, there are small practice rooms for students use. In the back of the room is the
locker room, which store all instruments in locked cages. The back of the band room will be used
as the Jazz band practice area.
There are many needs for the band room throughout the day, and it is necessary to have
all supplies and materials readily available. In the morning before school, the band room is used
for jazz band practice, and individual practice. During the day the band room is used for concert

Scheetz Classroom Management

band, individual lessons, and small class work. On every available wall I will use it for
whiteboards, dartboards, posters, and Information.

Rules
In my classroom there will be rules and expectations. The rules will be supplied by me
and will be the basis of the expectations. The expectations will be created by the students and
will represent what the students interpret the rules. I would make the rules more laid out in the
band handbook for parents and staff. The expectations would be used to help the students feel
involved with the rules and the well being of the band. The first day of band camp I would have
the band split up into sections and have them come up with three things that the rules mean.
Before the school year began I would have available the band handbook for administrators to
review my rules. The rules in my classroom will include the following and could be interpreted
by the students as the following.
1.
a.
i.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Be Ready to Learn.
Students have all materials needed for class
Instrument, music, folders, writing utensils, shoes etc.
Students are in the seats, on the field, etc.
Students practiced, and did their homework
Show up on time to rehearsals, and performances
Do not verbally or nonverbally disrupt class, practice, or rehearsal
Respect Others
Be respectful to other students, teachers, chaperones, and staff
Respect peoples property
No bullying, or disruptive behavior
Listen when people are talking
Use respectful language
Follow the school general rules

Responses to Misbehavior
Students who fail to follow these class rules and expectations will expect consequences
and discipline. Depending on the severity of the deed some of the following consequences will
be appropriate

Mild Misbehavior: Violating Classroom Rules, Refusal to Participate, unexcused tardiness,

failure to be prepared, cheating and plagiarism
Responses:
Verbal correction
Teacher student conference
Parent contact
Student counselor conference
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Detention

Moderate Misbehavior: Leaving with Permission, Possession of Tobacco Products, Inappropriate

Displays of Affection, Minor Physical Contact, Repeat Mild Misbehavior
Responses:
Parent Contact
Administer/Parent/Student Conference
Exclusion from Extracurricular Activities
Behavior Contracts
Suspension Under Three Days

Severe Misbehavior: Fighting, Assault, Gambling, Theft, Truancy, Possession of Weapons,

Harassment, Hazing, Vandalism, Burglary, Possession of Alcohol, Under the Influence, Terrorist
Threats, Repeat Mild and Moderate Misbehavior
Response:
Administrator/Parent/Student Conference
In-School Suspension
Restoration of Property
Expulsion

Procedures
Because of the large class size that comes with teaching an ensemble or multiple
ensembles a band director needs to have effective procedures in place so that rehearsals can flow
easily. I would go over main procedures at the beginning of the semester and occasionally during
the semester to review when necessary. Here are the procedures that I would implement in my
classroom.
Attendance: the attendance will be taken each period by assigned students that have
shown leadership, respect in the classroom. The student will take a paper copy and leave it in a
mailbox next to my office, for me to turn in after class.
Excused Absent Students from The Previous Day: When a student is absent from the
previous day they may turn in their work with the other work due that day. Students will write at
the top of their paper excused absent at the top of their paper. I will check with my attendance to
make sure that they were absent and grade it as if it was due that day.
Tardy Students: Students who are late to class, which includes not in their seat, with their
instrument, will be recorded by the assigned attendance taker. If the student is late they will turn
in their tardy slip on my stand and quietly get ready to play.
Homework Collecting/Returning: In my band students will have assigned practice and
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Scheetz Classroom Management

homework every night. To collect the paper homework on turn in days I will use a portable filing
cabinet. Each sections leader will collect the days homework and will place it in their filing
cabinet. At the same time the section leaders will grab work from the return folder for their
section and hand it out to the rest of the section. This should take less than three minutes.
Homework is due the minute I call for it to be collected. After those three minutes the filing bin
will be put away. Any homework not in that bin will be considered late and will be docked 10%
or one letter grade.
Distributing Materials: New music, worksheets, assignments, or forms will be placed in
the respective sections folder in a mobile filing cabinet. Section leader will be informed at the
beginning of class to check their folder for any and all paper to hand out to their section.
Leaving the Room: During forty-five minute class periods students should not leave the
room for bathroom use or water. These should be taken care of during passing period. If class
periods are ninety minutes, a five-minute break will be taken in the middle of the class period, so
that students can have the chance to take care of these needs. If a student has to leave early from
school, take medication, or go to the office, students will put their instrument down and quietly
leave the rehearsal.

Student Equipment and Materials: Pencils are vital to a band rehearsal. In each section
folder I will provide one pencil for each student in their section. At the end of each class I will do
pencil checks. If any section is missing pencils I will dock the sections daily grade. Music
Checks will happen randomly throughout the semester, making sure that every student has their
music for rehearsal. Any student without their music will be docked for their daily participation
grade.
Providing Student Assistance: During band it is difficult to attend to students individual
needs without disrupting the flow of class. I will ask the students to come to me with instrument
problems before class, if a student is having difficulties during class I will ask them to try and fix
it themselves, and if it still does not work then see me after class. If a student has a question
about their parts, they may raise their hand and I will call on them at an appropriate time.
Ending the Period: To end the period, I will signal to the students that we are done
rehearsing. I will then inform them of any homework or remind them of upcoming events. Then I
will dismiss the students and allow them to go put away their instruments.

Creating a Respectful, Supportive Learning Environment

The band room often times is a safe haven for students from the rest of the school. It
allows students a large comfortable environment to explore, relax, perform, and learn. I would

Scheetz Classroom Management

like to create an inviting band room that flows and is clean. The band room has many needs and
such I will try to use the space to the best of my ability. I will, with the help of the students clean
the band room daily so that the school can show it off. On the walls will be multiple bulletin
boards. There will be one with general proceedings, rules, procedures, and guidelines for each
grade and ensemble. One board will be devoted to student grades, missing assignment, and
student praise. One board will be a display at new material going to be learned in upcoming
rehearsals and lessons.
To create a respectful environment you the teacher will need to model appropriate
behavior. I as the teacher will be respectful and use a strategy of complement and construct.
Students that behave well will receive verbal praise, and will be an example for other students. If
a student is misbehaving I will try to not draw attention to the student but rather discipline the
student and continue teaching.

Managing and Facilitating Instruction

Lessons will have a general layout for each class. Class will begin with warm-up and
scale exercises, during these section leaders will get their sections materials and turning in
assignments. The first thirty-five minutes of a forty-five minute class will be devoted to
rehearsal. The last ten minutes will be focused on certain homework assignments. These include
having theme days like Music History Mondays, Technique Tuesdays, Theory Thursdays, and
etc. these assignments will be concise and simple enough to be taught in ten minutes or less.
Students will be grouped in sections to promote a better understanding for their instrument and
for ease of grouping. Rehearsal will focus mainly on group practice, but will occasionally break
into section works. For students with disabilities all accommodations possible will be made to
help the student be able to participate in band. Diverse learners will be treated on a case-by-case
basis, but all effort will be taken so that band can be a place that every student can belong.
Technology must be integrated into every classroom. Projectors will be used to convey
power points, procedures, and general information for the large class. Recorders will be provided
to help students critique their own personal playing and large ensemble rehearsal. For practicing
school computers can be checked out so that students can use smartmusic to record and turn in
playing assignments. Music can be integrated with technology but it is the goal of the teacher to
use it.

Motivating Students to Learn

To help motivate student to participate and learn I will use a variety of techniques. Grades
will be the focus. Students that come prepared and participate in rehearsal will receive high
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marks on daily grades. Students that turn work in on time will receive better grades than those
who turn in assignments late or not at all. Verbal praise will be given during rehearsal for
students that exhibit good behavior. For students that participate in different parts of the band
program will receive points that will go toward lettering at the end of the year. Part of the
motivation is the chance to see ones self develop and become more competent on their
instrument. I will record the student playing certain things throughout the semester so that they
can hear the difference in their skill and ability.

Promoting Safety and Wellness

The Band room will be a safe zone. All behavior, gossip, and attitude that has happened
outside of the band room will not be allowed into the band room. In the band room students will
focus on becoming better musicians and expressing their emotions in healthy ways. Music is an
effective way for the bodies of developing students express their feelings and emotions and will
be encouraged to do so in positive ways. The band is also a way for students to help their
physical wellness. During marching band exercise is encouraged to help students be in their best
condition to perform.
At the beginning of the year I will review any safety risks in the band room, and ask that
if students ever find anything that seems unsafe to the structure of the band room to inform me
immediately. The band room needs to be safe and can be difficult for one teacher to check
effectively. If student see suspicious behavior from students doing damage to the band room or
its materials, I want them to report it to me as soon as possible.
If a student is being disruptive or violent I will first try to defuse the situation, saying to
the student what he or she is doing is inappropriate and needs to stop. If the student refuses I
would ask that student to sit in the corner for the remainder of class. From there I would talk to
the student after class and discuss why he did what he did. Depending on the severity of the
behavior, I would inform the office and contact the parents of what occurred. To prevent this
behavior from happening I would continue to work on classroom procedures that way students
know what is expected of them.

Interacting with Parents, Colleagues, and Others

To have an effective classroom it is important to be in contact with many people that can
help you when you need help with your classroom management. Parents should be contacted
before school begins so that you can develop good classroom procedures and expectations even
before the class begins. Good relations with colleagues can help you discuss different ways to
deal with classroom behavior and can help with understanding students if they have those
students. A teacher should also be on good standing with administration so that way they can
support your management techniques.
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Scheetz Classroom Management

To contact Parents I will post monthly on a blog or the band web page updates about
band events. Before marching band begins, I want to meet with the parents and have a discussion
about what is expected of the students. I will make sure to talk to each and to call every parent
before school begins. Newsletters will be given to students so that parents have paper copies of
activities happening in the band. Parent support is vital in a successful band program.

Colleagues should be informed of all events that are being planned months in advance so
that agreements can be made. One of the biggest difficulties is working with the other
departments such as vocal and athletics. To have an effective program you must work to support
each other rather than fighting over which program is more important. As a band teacher one of
the hardest goals is connecting music to important skills. As a teacher I will discuss with various
teachers about what they are working on so that I can connect lessons in band to their lessons.
The band needs to be a place where all topics are touched such a math, reading, social studies,
science, art and 21st century skills. My goal as band is to create a successful band while fostering
all areas of study.