PIXEL is the pen name of composer and educator Evan Combs. This playfully academic newsletter offers a behind-the-scenes look at designing and shaping learning experiences and culture. Supported by practical insights and actionable strategies, it’s perfect for teachers, leaders, and anyone curious about the art and science of learning through the lens of music.
Start as You Mean to Go On
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Hey everyone, I hope you’re enjoying your summer! I’m writing this from vacation because I’m that committed to us growing together… and because I’ve eaten enough loaded funnel cakes to become immobile. That familiar Back to School Energy™ is in the air, the faint smell of freshly waxed floors and the mental countdown to day one. Now, about the title: Start as You Mean to Go On. If you want your class to run smoothly from day 1 to day 180, the habits and demeanor you model early matter more than you think. This issue is about why setting agreements early isn’t about a poster of rules, it’s about building positive habits you actually want to see months from now.
“We agree” In theory, agreements mean everyone commits to the same norms. In reality? Not every learner is going to sign on the dotted line. And that’s fine, because agreeing to behavior isn’t squeezing out a verbal commitment, it’s repeating, reinforcing, and rewarding positive actions. If you don’t define how your norms look in action from day one, you’re leaving it up to interpretation. And humans are very creative when given interpretive freedom. Indestructible Cement The first class or two is like wet cement, it’s easy to shape, but once it hardens, you’re pulling out a jackhammer to make changes.
This goes for desired and undesired behaviors. Can spiraling good behaviors be bad? What an ugly looking question, but they can be. Case in point: I made peer critique a cornerstone of my learning space. It worked brilliantly… until one day I skipped it to save time. My learners were so freakin’ eager to share that they cognitively disengaged during my feedback, stuck on what they wanted to say. (If you missed my last issue on measuring engagement, now’s your cue.) Lesson learned: no strategy is perfect. Build variety in early. Alternate feedback sources. Keep routines adaptable so they don’t become rigid. Humans crave structure, especially in a new environment, but flexible structure always (almost always) wins. The Pygmalion Effect If someone is expected to succeed they are more likely to, and visa versa. Teachers (and leaders!) play a massive role in this. This peer-reviewed article has an infographic I’m going to selfishly plaster here.
Using the Pygmalion Effect This issue took a curve, sue me (don’t really, please), but I DO deeply believe that understanding and applying this directly influences your attention to day 1 agreements and behavior cultivation. 📡Be aware of your signals Your tone, your body language, and even your “I’ve-had-three-coffees” pacing all send strong signals to students. Not every student reads those signals the same way. A raised eyebrow might motivate one learner and intimidate another. Being aware of your “default setting” is step one to shaping a class culture that matches your goal. 🌟Pairing feedback with belief Positive reinforcement is one of the fastest ways to lock in good habits. When you need to redirect a behavior, couple the correction with confidence in their ability to improve: “Your bow hold is slipping, but I’ve seen you keep it perfect for a whole measure before, so I know you can hold it for the whole phrase.” (That analogy made sense, right? I’m a percussionist, go easy on me) 🎯Set the bar high (but reachable) If you want students to rise to the occasion, the occasion has to be worth rising to. Create goals that stretch skills without breaking spirits. Challenging + achievable = the sweet spot for growth. Updates from the Music Room I am over-the-moon about a few upcoming opportunities.
Your Thoughts What specific strategies do you use on day 1? How do they benefit your learners? Get Inspired, |
PIXEL
PIXEL is the pen name of composer and educator Evan Combs. This playfully academic newsletter offers a behind-the-scenes look at designing and shaping learning experiences and culture. Supported by practical insights and actionable strategies, it’s perfect for teachers, leaders, and anyone curious about the art and science of learning through the lens of music.
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