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| Fill this advent calendar with any treat you'd like. But you only get it if you practice! |
Advent Calendars!
The simplest way to use the advents calendar is that you must practice before you get your treat for the day. However, there are many DIY advent calendar ideas online. If you're feeling crafty, plan an advent calendar for practice that inside has instructions for a new game or practice spot to work on everyday before you get your treat! I love the reusable advent calendars, that way you can customize it to what suits your family and you can change it up and try different things each year. |
| The grown-up advent calendar: 24 Days of Tea by David's Tea. I'm loving this! |
Elf on the Shelf!
This is a new one for me, and honestly I find the elf a little creepy but, wherever children find excitement, there is always a way to add in a bit of learning. Have your elf leave assignments for your kids! For Example: Shovel the driveway with mom and dad then build a snowman. Do 5 twinkle twinkle little stars on your violin with a strong bent thumb in different rooms of the house. Vacuum the pine needles from the Christmas tree then make some hot chocolate! Do 50 repetitions of a practice spot teacher assigned then pat your back for a job well done. Hey it's worth a shot, sometimes when the work comes from someone other then teacher and parent for a change, they seem a lot more fun!
Repetition Charts!
Check out The Practice Shoppe's advent calendars, practice motivators and repetition charts. All in holiday themes!
Home Concerts!
As you gather with family, always bring the violin along. Encourage learning of new Christmas tunes or pop songs or put together a medley of their favourite Suzuki pieces. Some of my best Christmas memories are of my brothers, mom and I putting on a Christmas recital for our grandparents and seeing the joy on their face and the fun we all had just playing together. Start a new tradition this year. Don't play an instrument to play along with your child? Get some jingle bells, egg shakers, tupperware drums and build your own percussion section. It doesn't have to be perfect, the only requirement is that you all have fun and appreciate this time together!
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| Out tree shortly before the cat helps with the decorating... |
Send audio files, youtube links, a DVD in the mail, or whatever technology you have available to you. Put together a recording of your child playing. Not only is it a great keepsake for you and your child, but family members, especially who live far away will receive a very special gift of music for the holidays. Making music means we have something to share. Share what you and your child work on all year with the people who will appreciate it and encourage your hard work.
Decorating the Tree!
Enjoy gradually decorating the tree by placing an ornament each time you practice, or do a repetition, complete review or listen to the cd. Choose an activity that your child needs motivation in and encourage that activity through decorating the tree.
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| Sampling of ornaments, lots of Coca-cola... |
Plan on baking activities ahead of time that your child is interested in. Decide on what needs to happen before the baking day can take place, maybe it's 100 repetitions, 12 consistent days of happy practice, or listening to the cd 3 hours everyday for one week. If the goal is completed, enjoy an afternoon of baking together! This could be applied to any other activity your family may do in December, maybe it's going to see the lights, or sitting on Santa's knee. Maybe it's making a gingerbread house or going ice skating. Choose an activity that your family will enjoy and work for it!
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