One of the questions WunderKeys parents often ask is “How can I help him practice at home?”
Check out our top 5 suggestions for effective WunderKeys practice below!
1. Make Use of the Home Activity Sheets
Every lesson in the 3 WunderKeys method books is followed by a Home Activity page. Even parents with no musical background can use these activities to reinforce what their child learns in his weekly lessons. Each Home Activity Page engages WunderKeys students in fun activities that get your child used to the routine of home practice; creating good habits from day 1.
2 Make Real-World Connections
WunderKeys parents can expand upon the concepts learned in each lesson by relating concepts to real-world situations. Create opportunities for patterning, for sorting, for counting and for number recognition. Use the names of the Finger Friends while doing activities at home (“Can you use your Pointer Panda finger to squish down these balls of cookie dough?”). Point out numbers, patterns, high and low sounds, and more than and less than situations you discover in every day life.
3. Bond on the Bench
Set aside piano practice time that is free from interruptions. Sit with your child and enjoy the process of watching him learn a new skill. Create opportunities for your child to “teach” you. Re-read the stories that accompany each lesson and discuss how each character was feeling, why your child found the situation funny, and what the character was learning about the piano. Avoid multi-tasking during piano practice time. Your child will look forward to having your undivided attention and will associate these feelings of happiness with piano practice!
4. Send Home Duets
Each WunderKeys duet contains lyrics that parents can sing or speak to help their child learn his cues for when it’s his turn to play. Parents can assist in finding the correct keys for their child to play and helping their child to memorize their part in the duet. Teachers can email a video of how the duet sounds when played together for your child to watch and/or play along with.
5. Above All Else…
Use at home practice time as a way to create positive feelings towards the piano. Celebrate your child’s success and make regular time at the piano a part of your family’s routine. Doing so will set your child up for a long and happy future at the piano!
