Submitted by Christine Middlecamp, Snow Hill, Maryland

Idea posted March 24, 2010

I have my students come in and automatically begin on a warmup. I usually post rhythm warmups or note name warmups, where they need to clap the rhythm or fill in the notes that are missing to complete a sentence. This helps to let any stragglers come in and get settled, and the kids that were on time get started right away. Also, if you have back-to-back classes, it helps you set up quickly. I allow 5 minutes for students to practice the warmup, then ask for volunteers to perform it.

After the warmup, I'll go into whatever topic I'm covering that day, allowing about 3-5 minutes of review, discussion, or lecture.

Next is an activity that students are able to work in partners or as a table (cooperative learning), that has to deal with the topic. For example, for rhythm I would have students practice as a group together to perform later. This usually takes 10-15 minutes. Kids really enjoy working together and performing for each other.

The end is a performance by the class, along with a review of what we did, a discussion of their objectives for the day, cleaning up materials, and getting ready to line up! This usually takes the additional 5 minutes.