Lesson Plans, Exit Tickets and Do Nows

WHY ARE SOME TEACHERS ABLE TO CONSISTENTLY PRODUCE STELLAR MUSICIANS?

Good teachers create systems and strategies that reveal the answers to these questions:

• How will the student know if they completed their at-home practice satisfactorily?
• How will the teacher know if the student has learned what they're supposed to learn during the lesson?  
• How will either one of them know if the student is ready for the next performance? 

They use their curriculum planning effectively so that these answers are evident.

But what is "curriculum"?

Rhode Island's Department of Education has the perfect definition:

Curriculum is a standards-based sequence of planned experiences where students practice and achieve proficiency in content and applied learning skills.

The Alfred series, the Faber series, and the Suzuki series are examples of curricula. Each has its own way of developing the student's proficiency, and each has its own way of identifying whether the student has achieved certain skills.

Many new teachers believe that once they find the "perfect" curriculum, all will be well.

Here's the thing:

• Some teachers literally read word-for-word from the books. Those students will receive one type of instruction.
• Some teachers infuse their own anecdotes, examples, guest performers, compositions, and jokes along with the books that they use. Those students will receive a different kind of instruction.

Same books. Different experiences.

The books are useful, but it's you.

You make the difference. And we show you how to joyously, confidently, consistently make that difference.

Call us for professional development workshops at 313 687 4433, and yes, we offer lessons as well. Lessons@ThePianoInstructor.net