Students
Ideas for 8 year old Boys
I’m looking for a couple fun projects for 8-year-old boys who are near the end of Level 1. I’m looking for ideas outside the regular Foundation, arrangement, and comp/imp projects. I want to do a few fun, extra things with them while their classmates are…
14 Year Old with Prior Experience
I would like to get some thoughts on a situation that just occurred…. a parent called me today to inquire about lessons. Her daughter has had about 5 years of traditional lessons, but quit about a year ago. Her sight-reading skills are very weak. Her…
Questions from Parents – Trust the Process
I received a few questions today from a mum of a 11-12 year old girl. Because I’m reasonably new to SM, I’d truly appreciate some advice from those of you who are further down the track than me – particularly in regard to reading. Here…
Training the Trainer
We, as teachers, as method coaches, open the gate and point the way down the path. We tell students that they have to walk that path without us, and we tell parents/coaches that they are the ones who will help children learn to walk that…
Talking to moms about behavior issues
I am trying to figure out how to better handle this issue in the future. I do shared lessons with 2 kids at a time. One kid has been with me for 1.5 years. He was with his brother, and his behavior was so poor…
Issue with Child & Mother
I was wondering if anyone can offer any suggestions about a situation I have with a student please? This is a long email but I will start with the immediate issue and will post the details at the bottom in case you find you need…
Supportive parent but student wants to quit
I have a very nice boy in one of my 4 person group lessons all about age 7-8. We just started foundation 3. His mom is very supportive although she doesn’t play herself and has 5 other kids so she doesn’t spend much time with…
Life Coach – Death of a Parent
I am a newly licensed teacher and will start my first lesson this Friday. I am teaching my close friend’s daughter and her classmate. Both of them are 11 years old. My friend will be in class with her daughter for sure, but the other girl’s…
Student Retention & Parental Involvement
I’m noticing that when the parents are learning the materials at the same time, as partners or on their own, it seems to naturally support the parent / child relationship that we want. I think it has additional benefits as it leads to possible duets…
Parents Who Don’t Participate
In both my shared lessons and private lessons (child student) the parents are present and usually sit and watch. However, this week one mother brought her lap top to use during the class and in another class the parents knew each other and carried on…