It’s been a long school year, and you are probably exhausted. And because your students have worked hard too, you’re no doubt feeling the pressure to recognize their efforts.
This is one of the many factors that can make June piano lessons difficult to plan; not only do lessons need to be engaging and enjoyable, but they often have to be accompanied by end-of-year gifts, celebrations or special occasions.
In today’s post we’re hoping to ease some of your stress by sharing a printable that allows you to create a simple, yet effective “Piano Student Appreciation Day” in your studio. Keep reading to discover a wonderful way to celebrate the efforts of your students over the past school year.
Piano Student Appreciation Day… Made Simple!
It’s important to take a moment to pause and acknowledge the effort that it takes for children to learn the piano. It has required dedication, time, discipline and just plain hard work. And all of these things are worth celebrating!
But recognizing their efforts doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it doesn’t get much simpler than the activity we’re sharing today.
Follow the instructions below to create a Piano Student Appreciation Day poster that will hang in your studio waiting area. Your completed poster will contain post-it notes labelled with various “prizes” that your students can select as their “gift of appreciation”. Here’s how it all works:
- Purchase a large piece of poster paper and some post-it notes (if you don’t already have a stash!)
- Print out our “Student Appreciation Title Page” and cut out the circle image.
- Paste our “Student Appreciation Title Page” in the center of your poster paper.
- Write various “piano student gifts” on the post-it notes. (You can come up with your own or choose from our brainstormed list below.)
- Stick the post-it notes to the poster paper, arranging them around the title page.
- Hang your completed “Student Appreciation Poster” in your waiting area.
- Take a picture! Post the photo to your social media pages to ramp up the excitement (and tag us @teachpianotoday so we can see it!). Tell your students that they will be able to select their “gift of appreciation” at their upcoming lessons.
- Follow through! As your students select their gifts and bring them into their lessons, do whatever the post-it note says. Have fun and celebrate the amazing students in your studio.
Your poster will look like this when completed.
“Gifts of Appreciation” Can Include…
Looking for gift ideas to write on the post-it notes? Consider some of the following:
- Extra Piano Game Time
- Play A Duet With Me
- Let’s Improvise Together
- Let Me Choose 5 Stickers
- I’m The Teacher Today
- Only Piano Games… All Lesson!
- Extra iPad App Time
- Help Me Compose A Piece
- Teach Me A Silly Song
- I Choose The Piano Game
- Play Only My Favorite Pieces
- ______ Sits Beside Me (insert name of your studio cat or dog)
- Mom Or Dad Comes Into My Lesson
- Time With Rhythm Instruments
- etc.
Make Your Appreciation Day Even Easier!
This Student Appreciation poster is easy to create… and your planning becomes even simpler when you have a set of PianoGameClub games on hand. Those “game-themed” post-it notes will disappear faster than you can say “theory”… and you can happily watch your students scramble to reward themselves with theory and ear training games! Yes… it actually happens! Find out how you can get 4 amazing piano games each and every month for just $8/month here.
Amy says
Simply FABULOUS!
Andrea says
Hope your students enjoy it, Amy! 🙂
Amy says
Just came back from Staples with my post-its and black poster board (with glittery silver border, LOL).
Andrea says
Amy – you are ON THE BALL! Love it. Your enthusiasm is amazing :)… and also jealous that you have a glittery border… LOL
Karen says
Super idea for the end of the semester. I think I will do it at the end of the summer before fall lessons start as a way to thank and appreciate those who did come to piano this summer!
Andrea says
Great idea, Karen!
Laura says
I am doing this as well! I think those who do summer deserve a bit of recognition, and it’s a fun way to finish out the summer.
Andrea says
Hi Laura! Yes, it’s the perfect “end of summer” celebration! 🙂 Enjoy!
Deborah Wilbanks says
Love this idea! I have many students leave for June and July, this will be a reward for those who stay for the summer.
Mary Anne says
I love Andrea & Trevor’s ideas. May I add that one of their suggestions led to my piano BBQ as a customer appreciation. I host it at a local state park and everyone brings a dish to pass while I provide burgers and sodas. I’ve only had one and already parents are asking when this year’s will be.