What you put in is what you get out. You put in negative, you get negative. You put in positive, you get positive. It's a simple statement. Today I saw this come true in my classroom. Yesterday with every instruction I said it with a smile; "let's play number 78," "Please don't talk," all with a smile. My students were completely confused as to why I was smiling the whole time instead of yelling (like they were used to). I could even look at a student, while we were playing, smile and motion with my eyes at the feet on top of the case. The student knew exactly what I was asking and I didn't have to say a word or stop the entire class from playing.
I have to admit, last week I had no control in my classroom. I would scream and yell and expect that students would listen. They don't. I realized after sitting in sessions at GMEA that really being positive, and staying true to it, will in fact yield the desired results.
In 8th grade today I was able to get my student's attention just by simply raising my bow in the air. Several students who had been refusing to participate actually played today. Students left with a smile and I left with a smile. It was a win-win. The best part is that their tone made some great strides today!
In 7th grade we played the whole class (a HUGE improvement from before! I used to have to barter, if you give me 45 good minutes of practice then I'll give you 5 minutes of free time). The bell rang while we were playing and unlike before (when students would rush to get out of the class), several students actually finished the song before packing up their instruments.
6th grade made me the happiest of all today. After calling several parents yesterday, some I couldn't even get a hold of, those students came in to day and were incredible leaders. Many encouraging "hey guys, let's get quiet so we can play!" without me even saying a word. A simple raising of the bow showed the students I was ready to start, most mimicked my motions, and then we were off! Students left class with a smile on their face and I could tell they felt like they accomplished something.
To let Oprah close this out,
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough”
I have to admit, last week I had no control in my classroom. I would scream and yell and expect that students would listen. They don't. I realized after sitting in sessions at GMEA that really being positive, and staying true to it, will in fact yield the desired results.
In 8th grade today I was able to get my student's attention just by simply raising my bow in the air. Several students who had been refusing to participate actually played today. Students left with a smile and I left with a smile. It was a win-win. The best part is that their tone made some great strides today!
In 7th grade we played the whole class (a HUGE improvement from before! I used to have to barter, if you give me 45 good minutes of practice then I'll give you 5 minutes of free time). The bell rang while we were playing and unlike before (when students would rush to get out of the class), several students actually finished the song before packing up their instruments.
6th grade made me the happiest of all today. After calling several parents yesterday, some I couldn't even get a hold of, those students came in to day and were incredible leaders. Many encouraging "hey guys, let's get quiet so we can play!" without me even saying a word. A simple raising of the bow showed the students I was ready to start, most mimicked my motions, and then we were off! Students left class with a smile on their face and I could tell they felt like they accomplished something.
To let Oprah close this out,
“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough”
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