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In my opinion children of all ages respond to modeling (good or bad) and students expect the teacher to model in the classroom. I think we have a huge effect on the tenor of each class regardless of each student’s priorities. I believe in the conductor of the classroom symphony not in a lecturing, preachy way but rather the attempt of the conductor to draw out the best in each student.

I found it quite interesting when Paul remarked today that a jazz band needs no conductor. This struck a ‘cord’ because last year I had quite a few ADHD students who needed to move and talk constantly. When I discussed these students with administrators l would often refer to them as my ‘honking horns’ because they produced loud discordant notes in a smooth environment.

I love jazz music but want a beautiful symphony in my classroom. My opinion is that there is a way to conduct it.