Classroom+Environment

__**Classroom Environment**__ = = Because my classes are performance based, as long as students are giving 100%, they are doing very well. For example, in choir class, I am able to watch the students constantly as I teach because I am a fairly competent pianist. I know who is singing and who is not, and most of my grading is done that way- through performance and participation. Usually once per nine weeks, I will have a part check test on one of their concert pieces.

For the most part, the students are okay when it comes to adhering to my classroom rules. I have very few rules, but my expectations on behavior are high. At the high school, there are classes which are offered multiple times a day which keep class population down. My largest class last year is about 50 students. As I grow as a teacher, I am realizing by the day more of what is acceptable and my tolerance level is becoming more adjusted.

Below, you will find my Chamber Choir syllabus. It is labeled madrigal choir because that was the name of the class last year. In effort to keep the students in check, I have listed the class expectations and rules as well as attached a contract for them and their guardians to sign. The contract is for the upkeep of their "textbooks" which are their music. The first year, I had many people not turn in their music at the end of the year. The rough cost of music that was lost was approximately $50.00. In trying to maintain my music library and budget, I put this contract in, and the students responded very well. I numbered every folder and every piece of music and assigned a number to each student in my class. I kept record of the names and numbers so that I could check the music back in. Every piece of music was turned back in for the Christmas concert, and most of the music was turned in for the spring concert.