Ya'll Need to Focus!

As a middle school teacher, I either think - or say - this phrase many, many times a day!

And, as a middle school Choir teacher, it's my job to TEACH them to focus as an ensemble. I've talked to many teachers who get so frustrated that their middle school singers can't focus, don't follow, don't respond accurately, and so on.

That's because it's OUR job to teach them how to do that! Especially if this is the first time they're experiencing a performing arts ensemble!

So, how do we do it? There are a myriad of successful ways to build focused musicians. I think knowing yourself, your own strengths, and the overall culture of your program, you can approach the FOCUS goal from many angles.

Here's what works for me...

1. Build time into your class time to TEACH them what you want from them.

   Do you want them to respond quickly?

   Do you want them to respond accurately? Respectfully? In a way that supports the overall group?

   If so, add activities that show them what you mean...

   On Day One, I teach them to follow quickly and accurately with our Postures. Posture 1 is standing vocal posture, 2 is seated vocal posture, and 3 is a healthy relaxed seated posture. We move from identifying each posture to moving from one to another, to doing it quickly, to getting to the accurate way of doing it quickly, from following verbal directions to non-verbal directions. This is on Day 1. Precedent set. (Of course, make it fun! Giggle. Point out the fastest. Cheer when they move as a group...)

   How does this all track for a performance ensemble? They learn to watch. They move when I ask. They don't need verbal directions to do so. This is what we need in rehearsal and on stage, right?

2. Build their Focus muscle by practicing daily.

   1. Do What I Do. Just that. I move a hand they move a hand, I turn my head, they turn their heads, and so on. Start easy and slow. Speed up. Make it trickier as they get better (one hand goes up while one hand goes out, etc.)

   2. Mirror Me. I strike a pose, they mirror me. They have to think "mirror", which takes it to the next level beyond "do what I do." I move, they move. Pick up the pace. Watch how they follow. Are they quick? Are they accurate? If not, they need more practice. If so, you're good to go for now!

   The strategies above work on speed and accuracy.

   There are a ton more that will work on other things like:

   1. Matching everyone else

   2. Working together for a goal

   3. Speed

   4. Multi-tasking

   5. Belief in yourself as a leader

   6. and more...

How long for each activity? Short!!! I may do "Fowler Says" (like Simon Says, but tricker and faster) for 2 minutes or less. Snake/Crane/Tiger for 90 seconds, passing the ball from one end of the section to the other? 45 seconds.

Leave them wanting more. They'll be more apt to jump in 100% the next time.

Grab 3 pages of FOCUS activities you can implement with no prep! Free for a limited time, check them out HERE.

Have fun! I'd love to hear what works for you in your classroom!