Don’t even mention that particular “P” word. Instead, introduce another: “Play”.
“I need you to play your recorder every day
this week.” “Can you play this song to
everyone who comes to your house?” “Play
this song to your dog/cat/goldfish/teddybear/potplant.” “Ring Grandma and play this song to her over
the phone.”
After all, that’s why they chose to learn an instrument,
right? They wanted to play it.
Young children need to spend time with their instrument and
see it as a natural part of their daily life.
It’s instrumental (huh!) to get parents involved, even those
who swear they’re not musical. They will
be able to help out. At the very least, parents can get rid of siblings for 10
minutes to let their mini-muso get on with it.
Apart from that, parents need to do what it takes to
encourage their children. Sticker charts
can work and can promises of treats.
Just make sure they actually follow through, otherwise the child will
get disenchanted.
(I’ll post something about external vs internal motivation
later. It’s something I feel pretty
strongly about.)
One of my favourite tricks is a practice caterpillar. I draw it in their book and every day they
practice they get to colour in one blob of the caterpillar’s body. Holiday caterpillars can be fun too.
Some teachers print out the homework for the week and the
parent has to sign/initial when it’s done.
What do young children need to practice? Usually the current song and review old
material.
Before playing, try naming the notes, clapping the rhythms,
singing the piece (doing it in an operatic style is SO much fun), making up
funny words.
To get them to repeat the piece, try playing it slowly, in
the style of a mouse/frog/kangaroo/T-Rex, playing it as quietly as possible, as
loudly as possible (while still making a nice sound…).
What other ideas can you come up with? Comment below.
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