Education

How to Encourage Your Child to Practice

Children are motivated in many different ways. Over the years, I have found that these ideas have been successful for many families. Let me know what you think. If you have other ideas please share them with us!
1.) Give your child positive feedback. Compliment them on what they played well.
2.) Make time during the day for the whole family to sit down and listen to your child perform a song.
3.) For younger children, have them perform for all their favorite stuffed animals and toys.
4.) Reward their diligent practice, with something they love to do with you, i.e. play their favorite game, ride bikes, go to the movies, etc.
5.) Break down a 30 minute practice into 3- 10 minute practice sessions throughout the day.
6.) List all the days of the week on a chart and everyday your child practices, put a star by those days.
7.) Set a goal- if they acccomplish learning a new song in the designated amount of time- celebrate with their favorite meal or a favorite family activity.
8.) Parents- try learning the song yourself and let your child be the teacher- This is great fun for them!
9.) Let your child know that you love listening to them play and encourage them to play a different song for you daily.
10.) Videotape their performance at home and then watch the performance without offering any criticism, only praise. See what they observe about their playing. Then record them again the next week and see if they notice any differences over a week's time.

Practicing Tips (PDF)

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