You know those moments when something just clicks? When something suddenly makes sense to you that was confusing before or you make a new connection or you realize you're able to do something you didn't know you could do.

Sometimes we call these a-ha moments or breakthroughs. These are some of my favorite things to observe in my studio: when a student recognizes a new musical concept, makes a new connection, or can do something independently that they couldn't do without help before.

I've mentioned before that I started keeping a teaching journal a few years ago. It's nothing fancy - just a note in Evernote where I jot down stories or conversations or experiences that happened in lessons that I don't want to forget. I try to capture the student's words as accurately as possible, so sometimes I'll write down the interaction in an email to myself or jot down a phrase they said on a Post-It note so I can add it to my journal later.

I've been looking back through my journal notes for the 2022-23 school year and reflecting on the a-ha moments and the learning that took place—those breakthroughs that are so exciting and motivating in the moment.

In this episode, you'll hear five short stories from my students, 1st grade to 8th grade, taken straight from my teaching journal.

For show notes, click here.

Resources Mentioned

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Evernote

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