Practice???
-Getting kids to practice seems like pulling teeth at times… when…. how long…. how many days of the week….. what reward systems to use….. practice logs…… yada yada yada… Yet we always ask the same thing.
All of these tricks and tips can work and be fun but usually end up fizzling out eventually. I mean who doesn’t like an excuse for a Dewars trip?? In my opinion however and what I’ve seen work best is structuring practice as a part of daily life, whatever that might be for any given family. Practice in the morning before school if you are early risers, practice before your after school snack, or even practice before bed….. Build it into daily life like brushing your teeth or eating meals. Most kids don’t question practice if it is “just what they do” every day. Practice sessions don’t have to be 4 hours long but just a simple 20 min session to make significant progress. Find a small, consistent spot in daily living that works for the entire family and make it part of the regimen.
