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You all know I’m all about reverse thinking and using what something isn’t to shine a light on what it actually is. I learned something new about this last week in a post on Edutopia, Asking Students to Plan Bad Behavior, wherein Esther Parks shared her unique and highly creative solution for reinforcing rules before a field trip. She asked, “How can we make sure we get kicked out of the museum today?” Her students came up with rules for every possible situation (including shutting off power to the entire place) and were engaged in the process. Also, hilarity happened. 

Immediately, I started thinking of ways to use this in my teaching.

  • How could you practice to get the rhythm totally wrong in this piece?
  • What things could you do to notate the most unreadable composition ever?
  • How could you perform the worst _________ ever? 
  • How could you practice to have the worst lesson ever next week? 

There are really endless possibilities. It also struck me that we teachers could benefit from asking ourselves similar questions.

  • How can I make sure that John never understands triad inversions?
  • What can I do to make certain Suzi hates scales?
  • How can I be sure Max practices the wrong things this week?
  • What steps can I take to foster the worst tone ever in Molly?

Food for thought isn’t it? Thanks Esther.


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