Managing the re-entry to lessons after summer
Found in: Shared Lessons, Student Management, Time Management
Joan H., Canada
Greetings – School begins today in Canada, and so lessons are resuming after summer break. I anticipate some regression after the summer as not all families were able to come for a few lessons as suggested, and so I welcome any ideas re: how to approach that in a way that can inspire and keep spirits high. I expect the first few weeks may be needed to assess where the playlist is at – a few specific Qs:
- Would you try to hear some of all songs on the playlist for all students in a class, or just a sampling? Thinking it could take time to assess all songs for everybody, but how else to know?
- If a song has not been kept alive, send them home with the expectation to revisit the video, but for Arrangements that are forgotten – do you take time in lessons to re-teach? students who remember could also play the teacher role. Then the following week – go back specifically to those songs? Just seems this could all take a lot of time.
- Would you introduce anything “new” during this time of catch up and review?
- Any other game ideas to use besides pulling sticks or using the Ipad Spin the Wheel app?
Thanks for any ideas that have worked for you!
Irene S., Canada
I as well, allow my students to have a break in the summer months. What I do, that has worked really well for my students, is have them sign up for a private review lesson in July, and one lesson in August. It is an accountability lesson for them during the summer, and it helps everyone stay on track, so that September we can start with something new, right from lesson one. Over the years, I have also found that seeing them at least once a month in the summer, accounts for less drop-outs!
On our first lesson back as a group, I make sure to give them a new project, no matter where their playlists are. (I feel it is good for their mindset. We all love something new.) Then I also give them the expectation to make sure their playlist is reviewed and played well.
In re: to arrangements that are forgotten, I let them know ahead, what week we will review questions about the arrangements. I may just review one or two arrangements in a lesson, and not as detailed as the first time teaching it. Usually that is enough.