First, let it be known that this idea is not original with me! I found it online and can't remember where, so if you posted this idea somewhere, let me know and I'll give you credit! (UPDATE: It was Marcia Vahl over at Piano Perspectives! Thanks for this great idea!)One of the most successful tricks I used this year with my elementary piano students was mystery cards. I made 12 cards, each with a different behavior that I want to see all of my students display. At the beginning of the year, I gave out a list so the students would know what I expected. At each subsequent lesson, the student drew a card from the deck, but couldn't look at it. I did look at it, and then watched throughout the lesson for them to demonstrate that behavior (or not!). If they did, they earned an extra music buck.
I often forgot, but the students never did. They'd stop me in mid-sentence and say "Mystery Card!" When a student started doodling on the keys while I was trying to explain something, I'd just say, "I hope you don't have that doodling card..."
I made these up on Word and printed them on card stock and let one of my students cut them out. If you want to be all neat about it :-), you could print them on business card blanks.
Here are the "signs of a good student" that I used on my cards. Maybe you can think of more!
1. I remembered to bring my notebook and my music.
2. I kept my eyes on my music and not my fingers.
3. I used good piano posture for the entire lesson.
4. I played all dynamics correctly without being reminded.
5. I played slowly and carefully (when appropriate, of course).
6. I played all note values correctly on assigned pieces.
7. I passed on all my assigned work this week. (comes with the understanding that assignment may have been to play hands separately, or to play only a portion of the piece)
8. I didn't make any excuses.
9. I had a positive attitude.
10. I used a great hand position for the entire lesson.
11. I adjusted the bench before I played.
12. I listened well without doodling on the piano.
I love these - especially the ones about not doodling or making excuses! I know a couple students who could really benefit from this activity. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is an awesome idea! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic idea! This would work so well with any incentive program (and I'd give just about anything to put a stop to a couple of "serial" doodlers!). Definitely going to give this a try - Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteHi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI've posted this idea under resources on my website. http://www.mvpianostudio.com/resources.htm I used it in December of 2008 to motivate students to keep working and develop good habits. I had seen this idea at an MTNA convention. The exhibitor had taken a Campbell's soup can and put cards in there that the student would pick out to determine the order of the lesson, i.e. sight reading, repertoire, recital piece, scales, etc. I adapted it as "Mystery Reward Cards." I think others have done the same with popsicle sticks that a student draws out of a cup.
Thanks for a great idea! I'll be using it this summer with my piano students.
ReplyDeleteI wrote about it on my own blog here: http://techtempo.com/?p=422
I loooooove this idea! I'm definately going to be implementing this, thank you!
ReplyDeleteWonderful idea. Thank you so much. Can't wait to start using it after Easter.
ReplyDelete