Elementary Music Education, Clancy's Classroom

My students bring to a notebook, pencil and folder to class starting in grade two. The notebook is used as a creative journal and reference dictionary.

Studies have shown if you write it down, you learn it faster.

When I teach a new term, it goes in their book. Example: the Skill is Rhythm. We draw the note symbol-label it and define it.

In the beginning stages when I do an aural review I sometimes ask: " by raising your hand and looking in your notebook, who can tell me about this note symbol?" Holding up a 1/4 note. The students should answer: " it's called a 1/4 note, has a filled in oval with a stem and gets one beat of sound. "

My students also use their notebook to write down any thoughts they may forget. This deters "calling out " while I am instructing.

My class routine based on a 40 minute session, is a short transition activity while I take roll.
This could be: find your spot, open up a notebook, write down or follow a quick written direction off of the blackboard (2-5 minutes); instruction (5-10 minutes) activity (20-25 minutes) cleanup and review (5 minutes)

Bonus BOOKMARKS: students are rewarded for positive behaviors and achievements.

The students have the option to collect the bookmarks and keep them or they can trade them in.

For example, one bookmark equals 1 aural answer pass or removing 1 written test question. Five bookmarks will add 5 points on a test or they may write their name on the back of their bookmark and put one in my Raffle Jar. At the end of the month I pull out a name and they receive a reward. Sometimes it is a pencil, a small toy, small candy, lunch with me or the principle, choose the activity for the day.