December is certainly not the most productive month when it comes to piano practice. There is simply too much excitement and activity! And not only are kids distracted, but so are their parents; which means… more often than not, piano practice gets put on the back burner.
So this year, why not challenge yourself and your students to turn this trend on its head, and make December the BUSIEST month for piano practice? Here’s how…
The Piano Practice Advent Calendar
The Piano Practice Advent Calendar is much like a traditional calendar, except the chocolate that is commonly found behind the doors in an Advent Calendar is replaced with a piano practice challenge.
What’s the fun in that?!
In addition to the Piano Practice Advent Calendar, send home a bag of assorted candies with each student. Upon completion of each day’s piano practice challenge, your students will receive a candy from their parents.
How do you build a Piano Practice Advent Calendar?
I am the least crafty person in the world, so I am going to leave this up to you. In the past, I have used a small piece of poster board with 25 paper pockets attached. In each pocket, I place a photocopied piece of paper with the day’s piano practice challenge. My students and I decorate the advent calendars during the first week of lessons in December.
A Definite Exam Saver
Because piano exams are often held in January, the Piano Practice Advent Calendar is a great tool to keep the motivational ball rolling through December.
So go ahead, give it a try… and let me know how it goes!
Miss Leslie says
Great idea! Everyone gets so busy during the holidays, and kids need a little more motivation when visions of sugarplums (or iPads) are dancing in their heads. Thanks for sharing.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
Raydene Koch says
Strange! I thought of this just the other day!! Thanks for the extra shot in the arm!
Andrea says
Definitely dancing iPads now-a-days!! LOL
Barbara says
This is so cool! Thanks! An advent calendar that I will definitely use this season.
Anita E Kohli says
Thanks! Reading this gave me some ideas.