Lesson 3

STUDENTS ENTERING THE CLASSROOM

1. Place backpacks and bags in the back of the classroom
2. Head to assigned seats
3. Get out homework and/or other papers and set aside to turn in
later
4. Get out notebook paper and begin to work on the bellwork
MORNING OPENING PROCEDURES
1. Teacher greets students at the door
2. Students place their bags at the back of the room
3. Students head to their assigned seats, get out their homework or
any other papers to pass in and begin to work on bellwork
4. When the bell rings, attendance will be taken while the students
are finishing up their bellwork assignment
5. Pass in homework and/or other papers
6. Review bellwork
FIRST DAY BELLWORK ASSIGNMENT
The first assignment of the school year will be What is your favorite
instrument, song and music artist? Be prepared to share with the class
later on!
BELLWORK
Bellwork will be a question about a certain concept that was either
previously reviewed in class or something new to see how much the
students know about it. The students will record their answers in their
binders where they keep notebook paper. Upon completion, the
students are to sit quietly at their seats until we are ready to review
the question. Students will be called upon by spinning the Spin the
Wheel app.
Bellwork will always be posted in the front of the classroom so students
can easily see it as soon as they walk into class.
Bellwork will NOT be graded, so not to generate anxiety (Wong &
Wong, 73).
ROLL TAKING
After the bell rings, the students will have time to complete their
bellwork assignment. While they are quietly working, the teacher will
scan the room and write a check next to those students who are
absent.
As The First Days of School states, Since roll taking does not concern
the class, do not concern the class with the process (Wong, 127). I will
not interrupt the students while they are completing their bellwork.

QUIETING THE CLASS

When the alarm goes off on the Noise Down app (an app with an
alarm that sounds when the room gets too noisy), the teachers hand
will also go up. Then class will then know that it is getting too noisy
and it is time to quiet down. The teacher will put her hand down once
the noise stops. If the alarm goes off three times in class, participation
points will be deducted.
Noise Down app : https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/noise-down-soundmanager-alarm/id512411644?mt=8
GETTING THE CLASS ATTENTION
The teacher will hold her hands up to her eyes making circles (looking
glasses). When the students see this, they are to do the same. The
teacher will put her hands down when she sees that all students are
participating.
For noisier situations, the teacher will clap a rhythm and the class will
have to clap back. The clapping will stop once the teacher sees that all
students are clapping back.

GETTING THE TEACHERS ATTENTION

If the students have a question, they are to raise their hands
until they are called upon.
If there is testing going on, the student with a question is to go to
the teachers desk so she can help him or her.
If the student has to go to the bathroom, they are to hold up a
peace sign.
LISTENING/RESPONDING TO QUESTIONS
If the teacher asks a question, she will choose who answers by
using the Spin the Wheel app. Whoever it lands on will answer the
question/start the discussion. This ensures that all students are to be
prepared. If the students would like to add on or make a comment in a
class discussion, they are to raise their hands until called upon.
IF STUDENTS FINISH EARLY
Posted on the What Now?! bulletin board in the room will be a list of
multiple activities that the students can do if they finish their work
early. They can reference the board whenever they are looking for
something to do.
1. Draw a picture
2. Write a short story
3. Write about your favorite thing and why (instrument, song,
musician, etc.)
4. Read a book

5. Browse your textbook

6. Write down something you like about class and turn it into the
teacher

DISTRIBUTING PAPERS
Papers will be given to the Paper Passer and he or she will pass them
out to the class.
COLLECTING PAPERS
The Paper Bin will be passed around the room. When it arrives to the
desk of each student, they are to put their paper(s) in the bin.
Whenever it gets to the last student, they are to bring it up to the front
of the class and place it on the teachers desk.

STUDENTS LEAVING THE CLASS

The teacher will dismiss the class (for recess, dismissal, assembly,
etc.). All materials are to be placed either in their desks or taken with
them, depending on why they are leaving the room. A line leader will
be picked based on best behavior. Students who have bags in the back
of the room may go to retrieve them. The students will line up at the
door, single file and will not leave the room until everyone is quiet.
In the case of an emergency, students are to quietly line up at the door
and listen to the teachers instructions.
WALKING IN THE HALL
When walking in the hall, students are to keep one finger up to their
lips (reminding themselves to be quiet). The teacher will remind the
students of this by holding her finger to her lips before exiting the
classroom.
END OF DAY DISMISSAL
The teacher will dismiss the class, not the bell. All materials are to be
taken with them. A line leader will be picked based on best behavior.
Students who have bags in the back of the room may go to retrieve
them. The students will line up at the door, single file and will not leave
the room until everyone is quiet.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
In the case of an emergency, a line leader will not be picked. The
teacher will tell students to line up at the door and to leave all
belongings behind.
Take attendance as soon as the students are out of danger.
Emergency procedures will be rehearsed every nine weeks.

There will be a school map with the highlighted evacuation route

posted on the procedures board (Wong and Wong, 113).

FLOOR PLAN
The desks that students will be seated at will be moveable desks,
which make it easier to clear out of the way in case an activity is to
occur. A moveable podium, SmartBoard and white board will be at the
front of the class. To the left there will be a piano and the right, the
teachers desk. There will be large spaces to the left, right and the
back of the classroom. Bulletin boards will be hung all around the
room. Orff instruments will be in the back of the room. By the door,
there will be a table with the tardy notebook, the bathroom passes and
hand sanitizer.
BEGINNING CLASSROOM SEATING ARRANGEMENT
Students seats will be arranged in a half circle, with the educator in
the center. This ensures that no matter where students are in the
room, all eyes are on me.
ADDITIONAL CLASSROOM SEATING ARRANGEMENTS
I would prefer to have moveable desks in my room. This would make it
a great deal easier whenever we complete group work. The students
would simply push their desks together up to groups of four.
SEATING ASSIGNMENT METHOD
On the first day, students names will be posted on their desks. These
name cards will be kept on the desks until students know where to be
seated. The first seating arrangements will be based on alphabetical
order.

CLASS SEATING CHART

Semi-circle formation

SOCIO-GRAM OF CLASS
After the first quarter (seats will change quarterly) I will allow the
students to choose their own seats. If I find that the students are off
task and noisy due to these seat changes, I will re-arrange them.
Students will be warned of this before choosing their seats.
CLASS CONTACT LIST
Students name
Emergency contact 1 (name, relationship to student, at least one
phone number, address, email)
Emergency contact 2 (name, relationship to student, at least one
phone number, address, email)
WORKING TOGETHER IN GROUPS
Groups will be teacher chosen AT ALL TIMES. This will be done by using
the Spin the Wheel app.
Each student is assigned to his or her own task. With this in mind
1. Students are responsible for his or her own work.
2. Students are to ask a support buddy for help if he or she has a
question.
3. If a group member asks for help from a student, they are to offer
help.
4. Students may ask for help from the teacher when the group agrees
on the same question. (Wong and Wong, 181)

CLASSROOM RULES
1. Remain quiet when the teacher or a classmate is talking
2. If you have a question or comment, raise your hand silently until
the teacher calls on you to speak
3. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself at all times
4. Be respectful and mannerly towards the teacher and classmates
5. Keep your voice down to an inside level
CLASSROOM CONSEQUENCES
1. Name written on board (warning)
2. One tally mark : Meeting with teacher after class
3. Two tally marks : Meeting with teacher and parents called
4. Three tally marks : Meeting with teacher, principal and parents
It is important not to stop the lesson when issuing the tallies (Wong
and Wong, 141). There will be a poster with the meaning of the tallies
that the students can refer to throughout class.
Names and tallies will be erased at the end of the week.

CLASSROOM REWARDS
If the entire class displays appropriate behavior, they receive five
marbles in a jar at the end of the day. When the students jar is
filled, they receive a free day, which results in a movie
(musical). After the free day, the jar will be emptied and it will
start over.
At the end of the class period, the student who had the best
behavior will be chosen as the line leader.
Students names will be written in stars and posted on a bulletin
board in the room (the Star Students board). If students receive
a tally anytime throughout the year, their name will be taken
down. At the end of the year, the remaining Star Students will
receive a certificate, congratulating and thanking them for their
good behavior.
Positive stickers will be placed on work that students completed
well.
RECOGNIZING POSITIVE DISCIPLINE
Whenever I notice a student is on their best behavior, I will write them
private post-it notes thanking them.
Monthly emails will also be sent out to parents to let them know that
their children are doing well in class.
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION
When students receive a tally next to their name, they will have a
meeting with the teacher. In this meeting, I will explain to them why
their behavior was inappropriate for class and why I did not appreciate
it. I will then ask them how they can correct their behavior for next
time.
If they receive more tallies they will be having meetings with the
principal and parents as well.

POSTING HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS

Under the class schedule (written on the board each day) I will list their
homework assignments along with the due dates. I will also place an
example copy of the homework that they can reference to if they have
questions.
When the homework is daily and consistently posted, students will not
waste class time asking if there is homework and/or how to do it
(Wong, 121).
FIRST HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
For the students first assignment, they are to get their classroom
handbook signed by a parent or guardian. An example of the sheet

they are to get signed will be posted on the front of the board. When
they come in the next day, they are to place it on their desks and wait
until the Paper Bin comes around to collect them.
They are also to bring in a list and/or pictures of their favorite musical
things to hang up on the About Me bulletin board.

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDENTS

Dear students,
Hello, and welcome to class! My name is Miss Firment, and I am looking
forward to being your teacher for this year. I have many exciting and
interesting activities planned for you all and I hope you enjoy them as
much as I do!
I was born in Pennsylvania and attended college at Seton Hill
University for music education. I play piano and percussion, and I have
a wide variety of favorite musicians from Beethoven to Maroon 5!
I am an animal lover and own a dog, named Schnitzel, as well as an
aquarium full of fish. I also enjoy traveling, spending time with family
and friends and reading.
I am looking forward to getting to know each and everyone of you as
the school year progresses. I am positive that we will have a fantastic
year together!
Sincerely,
Miss Emma Firment
LETTER OF INTRO TO THE PARENTS
Dear parents,
Hello! My name is Miss Emma Firment, and I am looking forward to
being the teacher for your children this year. I have many exciting and
interesting activities planned for the students and I guarantee they will
enjoy them as much as I do!
I was born in Pennsylvania and attended college at Seton Hill
University in Greensburg, Pennsylvania for music education.
As a strong believer in parent-teacher communication, I ask for your
heavy support and involvement throughout the school year, such as
reading my monthly newsletter, attending Open House night and
simply just asking your children what they learned in class today!
Please review the Music Handbook with your students which they will
bring home after the first day of school and sign the back page.
Feel free to email me if you would like to set up a meeting or if you
simply want to express a question or concern.

I am looking forward to getting to know each and everyone of you and

your children as the school year progresses. I am positive that we will
have a fantastic year together!
Sincerely,
Miss Emma Firment
Email : e.firment@setonhill.edu

ALL ABOUT ME BULLETIN BOARD

On this board, I will show the class where I grew up, where I attended
school, what instruments I play, a photo of my family and I and some
of my favorite things. I will also display any awards or diplomas I have
earned.
CLASS OF WINNERS BULLETIN BOARD
This board will be divided into squares (each student gets his or her
own square). I will ask students to bring in a photo of themselves and
multiple photos, descriptions or drawings of some of their favorite
things. If I see an article in the paper or school newsletter that
mentions a students name, I will pin it up on the board in their square
and mention it to them when I see them.
THEMES FOR OTHER SHARING BULLETIN BOARDS
I will have a student artwork board that will showcase any drawings
that the students have completed.
A Great Work bulletin board will show students who have received
and A on worksheets.
I will also have a birthday bulletin board with the month and the names
of students who have birthdays within that month.

MATERIALS FOR THE CLASSROOM

I will supply
Decorations and posters
The school will supply
Bulletin boards
SmartBoard
White board
Moveable desks
Cabinets
In my WILDEST DREAMS I will have
iPads


I will

Game Plan
ask donations for
Recorders
Orff instruments
Piano
Percussion instruments