Setting Expectations and Routines When Teaching Ukulele
Before teaching students how to play the ukulele, it is important to first establish clear expectations and routines to help maximize their success. Learning to play the ukulele can engage a lot of excitement in the classroom, so you want to ensure that your music students have clear instructions to be attentive and respectful.
Here are some things to think about when establishing routines and expectations:
- Outline what each student is expected to do when entering the music classroom and what clean up is expected after every lesson.
- Teach students these two positions:
- Playing ready position: the position where students hold the ukulele and are ready to play.
- Resting position: the position where ukuleles are facedown on the lap when the teacher is speaking.
- If students play their ukulele while a teacher is speaking, I highly recommend that you give one warning to take the ukulele away from them. Be strict with this! You can return the instrument after a few minutes, but it’s important to ensure that your music students do not play over you while you are teaching.
- Allow for only five to ten minutes of instructions. Then give your students a chance to practice individually, with partners, or in small groups. Play along videos can also be used and are effective. Be mindful of the amount of time that you are speaking and how much time students are given the opportunity to play (most students are eager to play!)
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