Practice Tips #2: Stuffed Animals!

Creating a Welcoming Practice Space

Sometimes practicing can be lonely for children, especially when they become more independent and begin practicing by themselves for the first time. When children begin learning piano, they are often around the age when they are just beginning to be assigned homework. Similar to the study space, the practice environment should be quiet, warm, and inviting so children want to practice. If there is a TV or other distraction in the area, turn it off.

Using stuffed animals can be a great way to help children feel comfortable in their practice space. If your child has a favorite stuffed animal, encourage them to set it on or near the piano to keep them company while they play. Another method is to introduce a new stuffed animal that becomes their “practice buddy” and accompanies them at every practice session. When it’s recital time, kids can also have fun arranging their collection of stuffed animals in neat rows like an audience so they can rehearse for the big day.

Stuffed animals can also be used to help with posture and balance at the keyboard. Try playing a posture game where your child has to sit up straight to keep the stuffed animal on their head! This way, they will immediately understand how to keep the back straight when sitting at the piano.

Most importantly, have fun helping your child learn! Laugh a lot, smile a lot, and pretend it’s a game! Learning is supposed to be fun, after all!

As always, happy practicing!