Student Assignments
We have found that it is important to build a foundation of knowledge leading into The Big IDEA. We begin by teaching students how to set OMGs - Obtainable Musical Goals. We then teach them strategies to reach their goals, and how to analyze how they've done. The IDEA journals should be introduced one at a time, depending on the level of background knowledge the student or group possesses, all leading up to the Step 4 - The Big IDEA Journal. On this page we have also included other IDEA based and non-IDEA based assignments that you may find useful. We encourage you to mix it up, keep kids thinking, and trying to find what works best for them and you. The goal is to help students to Practice with Purpose.
IDEA Journals
Step 1: Identify & Decide: Goal Setting for ORCHESTRA
This assignment helps students learn to set goals that IDENTIFY a section of their music to work on as well as DECIDE what musical concept needs attention. This example acts as a one-day practice guide, or you can provide several copies for students to use throughout the week.
Step 1: Identify & Decide: Goal Setting for BAND
This assignment helps students learn to set goals that IDENTIFY a section of their music to work on as well as DECIDE what musical concept needs attention. This example acts as a one-day practice guide, or you can provide several copies for students to use throughout the week.
Step 2: Executing Strategies
This assignment teaches students EXECUTE a variety of strategies to help them accomplish their goals. It can be introduced as an individual assignment, sectional activity or class project. We recommend introducing this step along with one of our practice strategy guides.
Step 3: Analyze 3-2-1
This assignment asks students to ANALYZE what went well and what needs to improve. It can be edited and used for group or individual assessment to reflect upon individual practice, ensemble rehearsal, or performance.