I survived my first full week as a band director! Well, we have a contest tomorrow, so I guess this week isn't over yet. My students are getting used to me, so I'm starting to be able to relax a little more in my classes and not be all angry and stern all the time. I have 3 beginner woodwind classes that I teach every day. 2 of those classes quickly figured out that I am their teacher for the rest of the year and I won't let them get away with being insane. 1 of them however, hasn't passed the insane stage yet. Since I don't want this class to get far behind, or cause me to have an aneurysm, I figured drastic measures needed to be taken. I teach my classes in a side classroom, but both of the beginner classes meet together then split up. One day this week, I told my students they would be lining up quietly before they came in my room. Then when I brought them in the room, I had the room totally cleaned except for exactly 11 chairs and 11 stands, all at least 4 feet apart from each other. How I wish I could have taken a picture of their faces as I placed them in their new seating arrangement. It was priceless. And let me tell you, since the day I did that, I have had little trouble with them talking out of turn or generally not paying attention. They still sit in that arrangement, and probably will for a few more days, and then I'll go back to something more familiar, but will have this memory for them as a reminder of what will happen if things get out of control again.
While I'm working really hard to be firm and consistent with my students, I was really excited today when a student offered me some candy. The creatures are inviting me into their club! I also got my official box in the front office. I can hardly wait for my first faculty meeting announcement to groan over :)
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