Practicing & Playlists
Middle School Practice Time Management
I have several students that are now in middle school and pretty much all of them are struggling with time management. I’ve had a few quit lessons because of all the extra activities and commitments they have in middle school. I’ve got a few that…
Managing Poor Practice
I have been reading through the various chats and posts in Simpedia and am (finally) realizing I have been doing both my students and myself a great disservice by not taking a firm stance on practice. I am now wondering if anyone has a systematic…
Chat – Getting The Most From Students
09/08/2002 Gordon H (AUS) So, let’s get going. Who attended Kevin’s last chat or saw the transcript? Basically, he was talking about getting students to practice, and why he insists on students practicing even if they are enjoying themselves without much practice. Helen H (AUS)…
32 Day Challenge ideas
Some weeks ago, we were discussing the start of the 32 day challenge. Just wondering how it went (% participation/completion?), and how you brought it to closure? Any “aha” moments or things to share? with parents providing incentives/prizes – did you just leave that part…
30 day challenge ideas
A while back a few teachers have mentioned that they have done 30 day challenges with students. Practicing or a specific project for 30 straight days. I’d like to do this with our students in May and June as a way to keep students motivated…
Pace of Learning–Reading Rhythm & Notes
I need some help in responding to some concerns from a couple of student’s parents (who have been talking to each other, by the way)! These 2 students have had approximately 145 lessons. One student is right on target according to the curriculum overview, and…
Frustration with Group Lessons
I’d like to briefly introduce a slightly different perspective on the issue of parent frustration with shared lessons. I can think of another concern those parents may have. As well as the somewhat misguided concerns about students showing that they understand their new material, or…
Managing the Playlist in Groups
How does one hear all the songs at the end of each level in a group environment? Does one actually take the time to hear every piece in Level One from every student during one lesson, before giving them a certificate? Or do you spread…
A Case of the Blues in Level 4
I have two students, both in Level 4, who have a bad case of the blues….a definite valley syndrome. Neither of them want to mark their playlist, let alone keep all their earlier songs alive. Both moms are very supportive Simply Music moms but they’re struggling…
Teaching Order
As a new SM teacher, it is sometimes hard to understand why songs are placed in a particular order. Would it matter if I switched Amazing Grace and Honey Dew? It seems to me that Amazing Grace is perhaps easier, since it only uses the…