The hardest part about being a specialist is trying to make each student feel special, seen and an important part of their community. It is overwhelming when I have to remember or keep track of who got what instrument and when, who the first person is to line up or who gets to help clean up. This classroom management strategy makes each student feel special.
The Chaos before the Conductor
My first year of teaching, I was lucky to have lots of students volunteer to help almost every class. However, it became more challenging when we would play games and have to remember our “stats” for the next class. My division operated on a 6-day cycle which meant the classes were half an hour every other day. If there was a weekend in the middle it would be even longer since the last time they were in music. I also was confused if a student had been absent. I wanted the students to be able to trust my word when I said something. It was difficult when I didn’t have a system to keep track of it.
Conductor of the Day
Each year, I make name tags for each student and teacher to cut out and laminate. The teacher’s name will stay up all year. The student’s name that appears under the teacher’s name is the conductor of the day. I follow my attendance rosters and highlight the name that appeared that day so I know who has already had a turn. When we get to the end of the list, we start over.
It takes a bit of prep at first, but it is soooooo valuable! I also have the name of the student that will be the conductor for the next time so that there aren’t any surprises. If a student is absent on the day of their turn, their name returns to the pile. They will sitll be able to have their turn the next class they are present. Meanwhile, the next person becomes the conductor for that day.
Below, the colored bars in each square has the teacher’s name. The blue chart contains many more names with corresponding colors which are posted under their teacher’s name. Miss G’s name will be replaced with student names afer the first week of school. There is an additional space where I post relevant QR codes, such as our SeeSaw class sign ins.
Some Conductor Responsibilities
Conductors are responsible for several things that help in the class time run smoothly and efficiently. Some examples are turning the lights on or off, helping to pass out papers, cleaning up mallets, tidying the library, being the office runner and holding the door open when the class leaves. In saying this, they also have some perks to enjoy as well. This I do with grade 2 and up. They also get to be our game starters.
For example, when playing hot potato, they would start with the potato. I have an electric organ in my class that they get to play for 60 seconds while the remainder of the class lines up. This helps control traffic after which they go to the front to hold the door. A great way to have every student have some experience on a keyboard. It also relieves the anxiety of needing to get to the front of the line first. And finally, they get to pick a small crayon that I create using these fantastic silicone molds as a thank-you for all of their hard work.
Conduct Yourself
Even though the conductors are a huge help in “facilitating” the class, they must demonstrate at all times how a good conductor behaves. This reinforces the class expectations posters. If a situation arises, the class will discuss with the conductor what should happen next and why. Of course I guide this conversation and decide on the outcome. Additionally, they will be able to move star pieces and the game piece at the end of the class (see this post for more context).
The Results
I have found this system to be so valuable to enhance our class time together. It minimizes the frequency of arguments, always ensures I have another set of helping hands, and also makes the student feel special. It’s easy enough to switch the board over during morning set up. It’s as easy as only swapping one name per class for all of the jobs. I find this easier to management than one name per job.
Let me know how this goes for you! Send me a message and I’d be happy to help you set up everything you need to use this system.