Be Ready for Day One with New Singers!

I absolutely LOVE working with new singers.

And, I love when they come in THINKING they're not going to like Choir....because I know there's a giant chance they'll have a good time that first day.

Plan the first day so it's fun AND expectations and procedures are clearly taught.

1. I'll keep introductions quick, attendance will take forever because it's day 1, but we'll TRY to keep it moving

2. Then we'll jump straight into an activity that teaches them to watch me, like "Do what I do" or "Mirror Me".

3. I'll sprinkle expectations and procedures in between fun, active moments. We'll definitely talk through these things: entering the classroom, checking the screen, where to sit, dismissal/doors, being kind, keeping things positive, working as a team

4. We'll also sing! We'll start with just making sounds like sirens and speech-like phrases. Then we'll move to just a 5 note descending scale, and I'll work on vowel shape if there's time. Then we'll jump into "Chocolate Cookie", one of our all time favorites. Feel free to be goofy with it and over the top. They'll eventually warm up to it. (Grab my Back to School Warm Ups - slides & embedded accompaniment - for some tried & true favorites that work!)

5. I don't mess with a seating chart on day 1, since I don't know the kids yet. I'll figure that out over the next 2-3 days.

What did I prepare ahead of time so Day 1 is smooth?

1. Binder Covers. This year, I'm trying something new: adding performance dates / attire to the binder cover. Grab this for FREE here.

2. Binder Contents. I'll hand out something new every day or so for a couple weeks. I include a solfege hand chart, a note value chart, and an "All About Me" sheet, among a few other things.

3. Agenda Slides. It's bright and fun, with very clear instructions for arrival. I'll also add in some info about what we'll experience in choir this year, what some of the expectations/procedures are, and a quick intro slide for the teachers. Here's my Back to School Warm Up slides set. And, here are the slides for Day 1-2.

4. Handbook & Parent Response Form. (Here's the template). I probably won't hand this out on Day 1. But, it will be ready for Day 2 or 3, and I'll send it home digitally to parents. If your singers have laptops, you can show them where it is online and have them answer questions by searching the digital handbook. You can also include portions of each page posted around the room and have students find the answers in a Write the Room Handbook activity

5. Roster. I leave room to write names phonetically & make notes about seating or anything else I happen to notice that day that will affect future seating or teaching.

Once you're through Day 1 (and sometimes Day 2-3), you'll find yourself in a routine. If you've been clear about expectations and procedures, you'll move into the CONSISTENCY challenge. They'll challenge you with the boundaries and procedures. Stay consistent. (I think it's the hardest thing we have to do as a teacher.) BUT, it pays off! I promise! Once they see you're always going to follow the given expectations and procedures, and you do not deviate, they'll eventually stop pushing back and things will settle in more comfortably. (Until the week before a break, and then, you know...)

Whether you start school next week like me, or you've got several weeks until it's here, I am here rooting for you! Please grab the free resources, above! You may also want to check out my Back to School Super Bundle - it's got all the things I've mentioned PLUS more! It's my hope these resources will support you and take away some of the stress.

As always, I love hearing from you! Let me know what's working for you. Shoot me a quick question or idea!

Thanks for being a part of my Choir Family,