January Jumpstart!

Now that I'm three days out from starting semester two, I have mixed feelings. I would really enjoy just a few more days to rest. But, I'm also excited to get started on the new music and celebrate the growth we've experienced with my singers!

So, what will I be doing when we head back to school?

1. Review classroom expectations and routines. I really like this game from The Sassy Math Teacher. It's super easy to customize the questions, and will be fun to use with my class.

2. Voice Checks. I teach large classes, so doing individual voice checks are out of the question. However, I came up with a way to do them via video and whole class singing. Check out my process HERE.

3. Move people around. Some of my sopranos will move to alto, and vice versa. After voice checks, I'll reseat my baritones, tenors, and basses. Tune them in small groups. Switch seats, sing a simple melody, switch back. Keep the sound you like.

4. Celebrate success & set goals. Kids don't always notice their growth. Sometimes it takes some intention on our part to show them how they've improved. I like to use these GOAL SHEETS to help them see how they've gotten better and think about what they can still accomplish this school year. (This bundle includes a binder cover that keeps their goals in front of them.)

5. Begin new music. I love introducing new music - but let's be honest - there's a bit of stress involved, right? Making sure we have the right number of scores, marking thing in our own score for teaching, figuring out how to introduce, and what teaching process works best.... It's a lot. Especially if you're teaching material that's new to you. (I just chose TWELVE new-to-me pieces to teach this quarter. What have I done? lol!) As a gift this January, I'm sharing this Literature Planning Sheet for FREE with my Choir Family!