How to Focus Children During Private Violin Lessons

Teaching children to play the violin can be a rewarding but challenging task, especially when it comes to keeping them focused during lessons. One innovative strategy I’ve found incredibly effective is the use of a “Silly Pass.” This little tool has transformed my teaching approach and made lessons more enjoyable and productive for my students.

What is a Silly Pass?

A Silly Pass is a small bookmark that I give to my extra distractible students at the beginning of each lesson. This pass can be exchanged for 60 seconds of “silly time.” During this time, students can wiggle, make strange noises, talk about something non-music-related, give their mom a hug, or take a break away from their violin. The idea is to give children the freedom to take a break when they feel overwhelmed, knowing that they have permission to be silly and release some energy.

The Benefits of the Silly Pass

  1. Improved Focus: When students know they have the option to take a break whenever they need it, they often focus better during the lesson. The knowledge that they can use their Silly Pass at any time helps them stay on task because they feel in control.
  2. Self-Regulation: Surprisingly, most students save or hoard their Silly Pass until they really, really need it. Often, they end up not using it at all by the time the lesson is over. This teaches them to self-regulate and recognize when they genuinely need a break.
  3. Reduced Anxiety: The Silly Pass reduces the pressure students might feel to be perfect or constantly attentive. Knowing they have a break available makes the learning environment less stressful and more supportive.
  4. Fun and Engagement: The Silly Pass adds an element of fun to the lesson. Children look forward to their lessons because they know there’s an opportunity for a little bit of controlled silliness, which makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

Implementing the Silly Pass

Implementing the Silly Pass in your lessons is simple. Here’s how you can get started:

  1. Create Your Passes: You can make your own Silly Passes or use a pre-designed template. I have a free PDF of a monkey-themed Silly Pass that I use, and a link to a Canva template for teachers or homeschool parents to design their own.
  2. Introduce the Concept: Explain to your students what the Silly Pass is and how they can use it. Make sure they understand that it’s a special privilege to be used wisely.
  3. Set Boundaries: While the Silly Pass is a fun tool, it’s important to set boundaries. Make it clear that the pass can only be used once(or twice) per lesson and that “silly time” is limited to 60 seconds (or whatever you choose).
  4. Encourage Responsible Use: Encourage students to think about when they really need a break. Discuss how it can be helpful to save the pass for moments when they feel truly overwhelmed.

Free Resources

To help you get started, I’m sharing a free PDF of my monkey-themed Silly Pass, which you can download and print. Additionally, there’s a Canva template available for you to customize your own Silly Passes. These resources are great for teachers or homeschool parents looking to add a bit of fun and focus to their lessons.

Silly Pass MonkeyDownload

The Silly Pass is a simple yet powerful tool that can make a significant difference in your students’ ability to focus and enjoy their violin lessons. By giving them the option to take a brief break, you empower them to manage their own learning process and make the experience more engaging and fun. Try it out in your next lesson and see the positive impact it can have!

Your Turn!

Do you have any unique strategies for keeping your students focused? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Let’s create a supportive community where we can all learn and grow together.