Can you say this to your students?
“Everything we do has a reason” is a message I remember hearing many times from Steve Zegree during my time in Gold Company. He followed it by saying, “If you don’t know, just ask.”
It’s not essential that we always share the reasons for our actions and decisions with our students/choristers. There’s not always time. But it’s essential that we have a reason. Ideally, our reasoning is stronger than “We’ve always done it this way” or “This is how my teacher did it” or, worst of all, “Because I said so.”
Have a real reason, rooted in mission and vision.
If you’re asked about the reason for something, there are a few things to remember as you react in the moment.
First, remember that this is not an accusatory question – even if it might sound accusatory. Students are curious, are natural boundary-pushers, and are rightly protective of their autonomy and time.
Second, you can decided when to explain. If it’s a quick explanation, don’t hesitate to give your reasoning in the moment. This explanation will take you a long way towards increasing enrollment in your class and its goals. If the explanation will take longer or requires more conversation, feel free to postpone it. Say something like, “My reasoning will take a little bit of time to explain; can we find time to meet and discuss?”