Taking Turns in Music Class

Do you every worry that you call on the same students all the time? Do you want to make sure that everyone is getting a turn during class, whether it be to answer a question, or play an instrument? Quite a few years ago I came up with a solution that works great in my situation.

At the beginning of the school year I write each student’s name and class number on half of a 3×5 card. Then I laminate the cards and cut them in half. Once the cards are sorted, I rubber band the class all together and stick them in my little bin that sits right next to my chair at the front of the room. Whenever I need to choose students for an instrument or to answer a question, I use the cards. The students don’t ever worry about getting a turn, and I don’t have to worry about forgetting to call on students who don’t raise their hand.