Submitted by Carol Jacobus, Cleveland, Ohio

Idea posted July 13, 2004

Here are my four main rules that I post prominently:
1. Respect yourself
2. Respect other people
3. Respect property
4. Follow directions
Music Rules Rap by Carol Jacobus
Introduction (playable on recorder)
MUSIC RULES! MUSIC RULES!
A A A - B B B -
MUSIC RULES! MUSIC RULES!
B B B - B^A G A -
Chorus (call and response) no melody
RESPECT YOURSELF!

              I RESPECT MYSELF!

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE!

       I RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE!

RESPECT PROPERTY!

              I RESPECT PROPERTY!

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

            I FOLLOW DIRECTIONS!

Verse 1
I respect myself and sit up straight,
Don't slouch, don't mumble, don't get up late.
I do my best when I'm in school,
And I always follow the MUSIC RULES!
Chorus
I respect other people - I treat 'em right,
Don't tease, don't play, don't start a fight!
I live my life by the golden rule,
And I always follow the MUSIC RULES!
Chorus
I respect property all of the time,
I treat it just like it was really mine.
Don't steal or vandalize like a fool,
And I always follow the MUSIC RULES!
Chorus
I follow directions the very first time,
Sit down, stand up, or walk in line.
I raise my hand when I'm in school,
And I always follow the MUSIC RULES!
Chorus
MUSIC RULES! MUSIC RULES!
MUSIC RULES! MUSIC RULES!

Here are the individual rules I put on word cards. We categorize these into the four main rule groups and talk about them. I have been known to let a rule breaker find the appropriate rule card to copy a few times. (It is my answer to these smart kids who always manage to try to get around the main rules.) I would like to rework these rules this year to stress more of the positive instead of the negative.

No hitting
No swearing
No teasing
No kicking
No vandalizing
Do not throw objects
Do your own work
Sing appropriately
Write neatly
Move safely
Do not break equipment
Speak gently into microphone
Do not break instruments
Put away materials
Touch anything only with permission
Turn off computers
Go only to "good" web sites
Only use computers with permission
Pay attention in class
Follow along with the words of songs
Use your voice appropriately
No sarcasm
Be supportive
Be kind
Pick up crayons and markers
Throw your trash away
No gum chewing
No food in class
Sit down in your assigned seat
Focus on the teacher/topic
Listen carefully
Think carefully
Use complete sentences
Put your name on your paper
Try each new activity at least two times
Be creative!
Be joyful!
Smile!
Raise your hand
Do not leave the room without permission
Keep your folders neat and together
Do not steal
Turn off equipment
Handle equipment carefully
Do not "play too much"
Speak in a pleasant voice
Cooperate in groups
Take turns
Don't hog equipment or instruments
Treat books carefully
Put books back on shelf properly
Come into room, gather work, and get started right away
Encourage others to participate
Do not be rude
Do not be mean
Write neatly
Learn the names of notes
Analyze what you hear
Remember what you learn
Be organized
Be proud of your work
Do not open door without permission
Do not throw anything out of windows
Clean the tables
Put chairs where they belong
Do not "pick at" carpet
Use mallets gently
Play drums gently
Do not hit maracas - shake them!
Pick up objects from the floor and put where they belong
Do not write on the board without permission
Do not write on overhead without permission
Handle CDs gently
Do not use "toys" without permission
Treat Boomwhackers® like instruments!
Do not pound on the piano
Do not write on tables
Wash recorders before and after using
Do not play someone else's recorder
Do not play recorder into ear of someone else
Do not splash water
Clean up spills
Put caps on markers
Put crayons away
Pick crayons off floor
Do not take paper, etc. without permission
Be enthusiastic!
Remember that you are in charge of what you learn!
Do not be your own worst enemy!
Proofread and edit
Become aware of world events in music
Do not interrupt
Look at the person speaking to you
Speak one at a time
Choose others quickly
Do not bump anyone
Sharpen pencils quietly during work time
Get drinks carefully during movement time
Ask to use the restroom only if it is really necessary
Do not scratch CDs or records
Line up quietly
Be quiet at the signal - hand in air
No talking during a fire drill
Line up quietly in the hall before class
Close windows at the end of the day
Do not stand on chairs or tables
Use scissors carefully