The first week of school is always crazy, especially if it is your first year! There are so many things to keep track of, names to learn, and routines to explain. This is also a great opportunity to learn about your students and let them be comfortable in your environment. Relationship building is very important in any grade and is integral in a vulnerable art such as music. Here are some important things to do in your first week of school. Be Organized- Have a Routine Students have an easier time when they know that the adult in charge knows what they are doing. By no means assume a dictatorship role, but be sure of what you want to communicate. How should students enter the music room? What needs to happen if there’s a fire drill? Where and how should they sit? There are many factors at play here as well. Do you have chairs? Is the classroom carpeted or tiled? Do you have risers or floor dots? Think about how you want your program to run and the things you need to happen for it to run smoothly. Many teachers opt to have welcome songs and other protocols implemented into their logistics. If you’re looking for some welcome songs, check this out! Keep it Simple The first few days or even couple of weeks don’t need to be content heavy. They should be inviting and fun to help your students invest in your time together. Get to know each other. This is the perfect opportunity to get intel on your character profiles in each group. Figure out what their interests are and incorporate those into your lessons! The best way to do this is through play! Try out this music game. Enjoy the first few weeks! Reflect and learn, plan and grow! Happy Teaching! 🙂