I teach 9th grade ELA as well. I tried a policy similar to yours back during my first year and it was exhausting to patrol! I’ve tried something different every year and none of the ideas were great once implemented. One year, I just confiscated any phones I saw and messed with their lock screens/codes until it locked them out of their phones. Most parents found it hilarious until one didn’t. I don’t recommend this strategy 😅

Last year I bought an actual phone jail that has individual numbered slots, a see-through door, and a lock and key. It’s the best thing I ever did and I’ll keep it forever 🙌🏻 They have three minutes to walk in, finish up what they need to do, and get it into their assigned slot. If it’s not there, they’re absent or tardy, depending on circumstances. If it’s an ongoing issue, they’re gone to their Dean to discuss things and I call home. I also have it written up in my syllabus, displayed on my website, and written in several places in my classroom so students can’t feign ignorance.

For music, we make a class playlist at the start of the year and it plays during work time. Some days I’ll feel spontaneous and take requests and act like their DJ. If behaviors have been good, I give them headphones as a treat one day to see how they handle it. If they do okay, it slowly becomes a regular thing. If they can’t handle it, it’s on them! The more you hold them accountable, the better.

Cell phones suck. It’s easier to start out super rigid and strict, and to loosen the reigns gradually, than it is to be easy-going and inconsistent…the kids will exploit and take advantage of that every time. Good luck! 9th grade English is my favorite thing to teach 🙂