beanmommy2

For those who might be interested ...

After MUCH thought, discussion, etc, I have decided to NOT implement
a point/prize system in my piano studio this fall. I realized my
main concern was not "getting them motivated" or "getting them to do
something" but rather to just keep better track of what was
happening. So I will instead be implementing a simple spreadsheet
for each student where I can check off anything from when I've been
paid to which scales have been done, whether a song has been
memorized, etc. The students can see their accomplishments/progress
and I can have a better idea of what's going on with everyone.

Perhaps I'll have some cheap toys at our piano pizza parties, as
sort of party favors. Or maybe not.

In case you're curious ... the reasons I decided against the prizes
was because 1) Frankly, it seemed like a lot of work and hassle to
have to worry about; 2) Even though I think the kids would like it,
I just couldn't get past the idea of feeling like I'd be treating
them like trained seals.

Anyway, thanks a lot for the food for thought. I enjoy this list a
lot, even though I rarely post.

Jenny

Krisula Moyer

FWIW My kids sometimes ask me to help them learn a song or skill or
otherwise give them a "lesson" at the piano but they're not regular weekly
events. Sometimes more, usualy much less. But anyway, I always let them
pick a sticker to put on the page when they start a new piece or lesson.
That way they know what pieces they've been working on and when they see the
stickers they can say Oh, I remember this one, or Gee I don't remember this
one , mom, How does it go? The stickers aren't rewards, they're just
celebrations of starting something new.