Practice Fairies by Jenny Stanger
I grew up listening to my Grandma fiddle with my Grandpa on harmonica and guitar. I LOVE live music and have a few thoughts on why we are learning to play string instruments in our family. We have 4 daughters and one son ages ranging from 10-1 yrs old. They play the viola, cello (2 cellists) and violin. They are also learning to play the piano from age 6 and up. We feel it is part of being a member of our family to play the piano. It is so needed in our church. We chose different instruments for our kids so there wouldn't be sibling rivalry . It is said that most people play violin for 2 years and quit. I was determined that would not happen to us.
Music is something you can share your whole life. When you are 80 you can still share it! You learn discipline, learn to set goals, it helps brain development. Learning music at an early age creates a beautiful heart. Practice is a GIFT we give our kids. It shows them they are important, teaches consistency, it is valuable and constructive and it gives us time and opportunity to praise them. Unfortunately it takes a LOT of practice. But I agree with Dr. Suzuki that children are not lazy. They RECEIVE lots of energy when they are playing or being creative. So, my challenge this summer was to find fun ways to work on hard things. Brittany Gardner gave me a list of words to use that are creative and fun. I love it! Having Practice Fairies come has been brilliant,too! I can see us really pick up the pace now with our progress. Music education is a gift we can give our children now before it is too late. It will never again be as easy for them as it is now during childhood, and they will never again have the time it takes to master an instrument that they have now. My mind is blown by how quickly children memorize music when they are young!
PRACTICE FAIRIES idea: I attended a lecture and got this great idea for practicing string instruments with kids.
The Practice Fairies "brought" a bucket for each child of mine for practicing and it has taken our 15 minutes of practice to 40 minutes with smiles! Can you believe it?!! I was overwhelmed when I first learned of the Practice Fairies (or make it Practice Ninjas!) I thought there was no way I could practice longer with my kids. How was I going to get 4 hours of that in my already very busy day? But I did it and we love it. It is the quality time my kids need with me one on one, and we are doing something that will bless their life.
What is needed: You will need an empty ice cream bucket and a few index cards (which I cut in half). Make a card for each item on the assignment. Be sure to use text and images even if it's just a stick figure. This engages both sides of the brain and helps the child be more independent. Also include some other cards for fun such as, "eat a popsicle" or "enjoy 1 minute of sunshine" or "race mom to the end of the sidewalk and back". Don't forget to throw in a little reward for when practice is done. Kids like things to do more than they like sweets (bouncy ball, eraser, piece of clay). The "Practice Fairy" leaves the bucket on the piano, where the child finds it. The child chooses the order s/he wants to do the cards, but the rule is they have to do them all. Update the cards weekly.
Result: The kids are begging to be first to practice, waiting by the door even. And it is more like a game, great one on one time with me, too. I highly recommend it.
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