Singing, Dancing and Classroom Management

"Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with joyful singing." Psalm 100:2

I love to sing and dance (that is why I teach a dance class too), so this is how we start every morning.  We begin with the Alphabet Song from Sing, Spell, Read & Write, and the next song is always a surprise.  :0)  I have about 15 different songs with routines that I rotate.   The one in this picture is Here We Go Loopty Loo from the Learning Station.  Dancing and singing are such a fun way to get the wiggles out and prepare for our day.  (I might have to videotape my actions!)

Next.....when I am ready to start talking and teaching, I am ready to start! :0)  No one wants to waste time telling kids to stop talking, turn around, etc.   An 11 year old is very different than a 5 year old, and I quickly realized I needed a plan for this when I made the move from 6th grade to Kindergarten.  So, I found another song.  I use The More We Get Together, by Jim Stone, for any "clean up" time in the classroom.  The kids recognize this song and know that when they hear it, they are to clean up what ever we have out and meet me at the tables.

Finally, use songs for procedures whenever you can.  I have two songs I play for transition time to our squares.  Our squares are where we have calendar time, story time, direct instruction time, or large group activities.  The kids know that when the songs stop, no matter what time of the day it is, they must be giving me 5 things.....with out me asking for them.....sitting crisscross, hands in their lap, eyes on me, mouth closed and ears listening!  Wow, amazing, and I don't have to say a single thing!  For this I use Special Me and Miss Sue from Dr. Jean.  The important thing to remember is, put the songs you use at the bottom of your playlist or make a separate playlist for them.  You don't want to be running over to push stop when everyone is ready to go and listening!  :0)

God says with joyful service to the Lord....use me....you have put me here.  Help me to serve you in this and any situation with joy on my heart!