Teaching a 5 year old
Found in: Students, Young Students
Keywords: 5 year olds, groups, private
Carol Z., Ohio
I’m a new teacher in Medina Ohio, currently with 3 students and about to add 2 more. It’s already been interesting due to the varying ages and experience: I have a sister and brother (10 and 8 years old) and an experienced musician friend who plays guitar, can’t read music and has wanted to learn piano for quite some time.
One of the new students is a 5 year old beginner (private lessons) and I would like to know what to expect, from your experience, as far as time to learn processes and any tips you can offer. I know I will need to proceed slowly!
Due to my continuing to work full time, I’m starting out slowly and haven’t advertised yet. I’m going to move into forming groups later on when time and energy allows.
Darla H., Kansas
Welcome to the Simply Music team! Congratulations on getting your first students started!
I’ve learned over the years, that it’s best to not have any expectations of students, but be open to learning from them what they need. I’m sure you’re already learning that from the 3 students you have. Each person is an individual and since you are teaching only private lessons at this time, you have the luxury of being able to really focus on the pacing that’s best suited to each student. I have often begun lessons with a group going way too fast (especially in my beginning years of teaching), because I’m so excited and just want to cover so much. However, I’ve found, time after time, that it’s best to start a bit slow, and then speed up. Remember, we want students to always experience a victory every week. I would come to the lesson prepared to teach several sections of a song, but open to sticking with just one, or even part of one, if that’s what seems appropriate at the time.
Nicole S., Canada
Thank you for sharing … It’s so nice to know there is another teacher out there with similar circumstances:)
I am on the exact same page. I am also a new teacher in Ottawa. My time is also very limited raising my 9 nth old and 4 year old.
I just have 2 students, but will start teaching my first 5 year old in the fall. I plan to put him together with another 5 year old …. Knowing their personalities it should be a fun half hour!
Anyways, my goal now is to create a revised lesson plan geared specifically to this age group …. Especially since things will move more slowly as you mentioned. What to do with all that time? I would love to have a resource library of various exercises/games that will help keep their attention!
I have seen a few ideas float around, but I was hoping to find something more thorough and structured.