It’s almost December… and that means that kids are majorly distracted. Everywhere they look is another reminder of the most exciting day of the year. Schools are rehearsing for Christmas concerts, families are attending light-ups, parties and parades. Meanwhile, piano teachers everywhere are attempting to prepare students for recitals and winter exams… it’s not a great time for pianos to be collecting dust!
But Santa can help.
Everyone has heard of “Elf On The Shelf”: that little bendy toy that arrives in the homes of children and is discovered each morning up to new mischief somewhere in their home. It’s quite the project for parents to take on every December… but kids love it. This is why you’re about to get the piano teaching version from us for free – all of the the fun with none of Elf On The Shelf headaches. Check it out…
He’s Making a List, Checking it Twice…
Download the Piano Practice Elf Story to print, read, and send home with your piano students this week. It tells the story of Santa’s Piano Practice Elves… helpers who have been sent to each of your student’s homes to let Santa know who has been practicing and who has not.
Gonna Find Out Whose Naughty and Nice…
Download, print, laminate, and cut-out these elves (male practice elf) or (female practice elf). Using double-sided sticky tape, create a practice elf for each of your students. This little elf will be checking up on your piano students to see if their practice habits are worthy of a tree full of presents… or a lump of coal.
How To Make it Work In Your Piano Studio
This parent info sheet for practice elves for practice elves will explain the Piano Practice Elf story to your student’s parents. Basically, this practice elf will hide somewhere in your student’s piano book. Parents move the elf each night after their child goes to sleep; sticking it to a different piece in the book each night. It’s the child’s job each morning to search their piano book and practice the piece he or she was found on… they just love the surprise of seeing the elf magically move in their piano book!
It’s the time of year where the mention of Santa can turn even the most mischievous child into a little angel. Why not cash in on this motivation and get some serious piano practice and review happening during the month where piano practice historically slumps?! You’re about to become the most clever piano teacher around… give it a try!
Great idea! As I notice the students are very distracted and definitely practicing less, I will give this a try, hopefully the parents cooperate :-/
Hi Jamilia – I hope so too! Parents can really get creative with this if they choose to – hopefully they catch on to the fun and really make it work for you.
Thanks, Andrea. Very clever and cute! I just laminated the ‘elf sheet’ and will try with my youngest students and their parents.
Hi Carol – you’re fast and organized! I hope they have fun 🙂
I am eager to try your great idea to help make practice more fun. Thank you for sharing your great ideas!
Hi Debbie – you’re welcome! Thanks for reading 🙂
Cute idea! Thanks!
Thanks so much! Letters are copied and elves are printed, laminated, and ready to go!
Wow! You’re quick! I’m sure your students will love it 🙂
Great enhancement to what I am already doing this month! My students are preparing for their own “In-home” concerts as well as performing at a Nursing home so I’m not having any trouble getting them to practice!
That’s excellent Joanne! Hopefully this adds a bit of fun to the great work they’re already doing.
Andrea….Even though I found the “Practice Elf Story” too late for this past Christmas season, I am absolutely delighted in finding your website. I have been so frustrated lately … you have renewed my soul. I have already ordered your book on fabulous ideas for inspiring children to practice. Of course, the title has gone completely out of my head…but you know which one it is.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!
This looks so fun. I don’t have any little ones right now – but I have a “young” older elementary girl who this might be great with! Always so fun and creative! Thank you!
What fun! Up to what age do you think the children would enjoy this?
Love the idea! I’ve had several students before talk about their Elf on the shelf. So I’m sure this will work for them! Thanks for sharing and making us look good!
A post on Piano Teacher Central pointed out this post and I look forward to trying it this year. Thank you.
It’s so much fun Ann! It also really helps parents to be involved with home practice! 🙂 Hope your students like it!
Thanks Andrea! I’m sure the little ones will be thrilled
I hope so Jacqueline! 🙂
This is adorable! Great practice incentive!
What’s a good age group for this? I mean, what’s the likely upper-end cut off age? Thanks.
Hi Amy – probably age 9… 10 at the most 🙂
Thanks!
Hi there, just thought I’d share a variation that I used last week… I ran the elves through my sticker maker, and sent each student home with a handful of elf-stickers. I told them they had to “hide” the elves for me to find in their books, but they could only put an elf sticker on review pieces that they could still play. They loved “hiding” the elves, and I love how many review pieces are getting practiced. 🙂