So normally this time of year I like to do a room tour, but this year I’ve been keeping things simple – more on that in a later post. However, there is one addition to my classroom this year that I wanted to share with you.
This year I purchased a wireless doorbell for my classroom. You COULD use it as an actual doorbell (does anyone else have those super timid kindergarteners that barely even tap at the door to be let in?), but here’s how I’ve seen it used most commonly, and how I will be using it in my classroom.
How I Use Mine
Usually when I want to get students’ attention, I do a count down and then raise my hand for silence. But this still involves me using my voice, sometimes loudly (if the class is at a loud volume). So this year, I am using this doorbell as my attention getter. I will keep the remote at my desk (and maybe eventually add a clip on the back, as I have seen other teachers do, so I can just wear it on my person). When I want students to get quiet, I will press the remote and the doorbell will play. Students are to get quiet and raise their hand when they hear the doorbell.
Things I Already Like
Classes start today (tomorrow as I’m writing this), so I haven’t had the chance to use it with actual students yet, but I already have some features I am liking.
Save Your Voice
Anything we can do as teachers, and especially as music teachers, to conserve our voice is a major plus. I think I will be surprised how much of a break this gives me from talking.
Lots of Ringtone Choices
The model that I chose has 36 tones to choose from, include some classical options (Fur Elise, Turkish March, etc). They even have some fun tone for holidays such as Jingle Bells and Auld Lang Syne, and all tones can be scrolled through easily by pushing a little button on the side of the doorbell
Extra Pieces
The set comes with two doorbells and a remote. I only need one so I now have a backup if something happens to the first. Or you could plug the doorbells into different parts of the room if you want the surround sound effect
My model allows you to only pick one ringtone, but I am sure there are fancier models out there that allow you to switch between ringtones. In that case, you could have different music for different signals (attention, clean up, transition).
I’m looking forward to testing out my new attention signal on students soon! Here’s to a new and exciting school year. May yours go smoothly and stress-free.
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