What are some ways I can motivate my students who are struggling to learn?
We know that every student comes with unique challenges for staying motivated with lessons. Here are a few tips we’ve collected if your student is struggling!
Children
Common challenges:
Shorter attention spans
Some students pushed into lessons by parents
Try the following to keep kids engaged:
Keep it fun!
Turn a lesson into a game (Additional Resources: 5 Games That Make Science Fun, 5 Games That Make Spelling Fun, 5 Games That Make Math Fun, 5 Strategies to Make Learning Fun, 5 Great Music Games for Kids)
Offer small rewards like stickers
Communicate with parents often and openly (Additional Resources: Music Lessons for Kids: How Involved Should Parents Be)
Teens
Common challenges:
- Not always self-disciplined, parents may not be involved in practice
Try some of the following to keep teens engaged:
Find out what their interests are before the first lesson and make an effort to connect with them
Discuss goals together and show them that you’re on board
Don’t be afraid to hold students accountable for practicing - it’s because you care about their progress
Adults
Common challenges:
Frustration that comes with learning a new skill
Fear that their age will deter their success
Nerves
Try some of the following to keep adults engaged:
Lighten the mood to make them feel comfortable
Make your lessons a safe place to let go of their inhibitions
Don’t make assumptions about what they know and do not know