In my last post, we explored ways incorporate consistent practice into your daily routine. Once a practice routine is established, it is important to provide positive reinforcement when practice goals are met. In early stages, intrinsic motivation is often not enough, especially for younger students. The use of extrinsic motivators like rewards can be just the push your child needs to take their practice to the next level.
Parental involvement is SO important to your child's success in daily practice. As a family, set personal practice goals (using the studio policies as a guide), create a deadline for the completion of the goal, and set a reward. The rewards don't need to cost money to be effective. You are the expert on your child, so think of a reward that will personally motivate them.
It can be helpful to set short-term (daily or weekly) and long-term (monthly or quarterly) practice goals together, with smaller rewards for completing weekly goals, and bigger rewards for completing monthly goals. At the beginning, keep the goals small, managable, and easy to accomplish to maximize the effect of positive reinforcement. If you start off with goals that are too hard, this can add to the feeling of defeat if the goals are not met. Build success by gradually increasing goals until they are where you feel they need to be.
Here is a list of 100 low and no-cost practice reward ideas that you can implement together:
Extra screen time
A special sticker
A homemade coupon for a fun at-home activity
A favorite book to read
A small treat or snack
A choice of what to watch on TV
A special bedtime story
A few extra minutes of playtime
A DIY craft session
A special place at the dinner table
An extra scoop of ice cream
A family movie night
A chance to pick the music for the day
A “get out of one chore” card
An extra 15 minutes before bed
A fun puzzle or game to play
A special drawing or coloring page
A homemade certificate of achievement
A choice of a fun family activity
A small toy or trinket from a dollar store
A “yes” to a favorite request
A new app or game download (if appropriate)
A special hat or badge to wear for the day
An extra hour of outdoor play
A “choose dinner” card
A funny or favorite meme to share
A scavenger hunt at home
A special nap time or rest period
A DIY fort-building session
A one-on-one playtime with a parent
A personalized playlist of their favorite songs
A day of “yes” to extra requests
A drawing on the sidewalk with chalk
A special homemade smoothie or drink
An extra bedtime story
A fun science experiment at home
A craft or art supply to use
A special family game night
An afternoon at a local park
A new recipe to try making together
A “sleepover” in the living room
A trip to a free local event or museum
A visit to the library for new books
A family picnic at home
An hour of uninterrupted quiet time for a favorite hobby
A DIY jewelry-making session
An afternoon of baking cookies or treats together
A special drawing or art session
A homemade “movie ticket” for a film night at home
A fun and educational online game
A chance to be the “helper” in the kitchen
A special song dedication
A relaxing bath with bubbles or bath toys
A dance party with favorite music
A new puzzle or brain teaser
A chance to help with gardening or planting
A personalized story or poem
A special family photo session
An hour of uninterrupted playtime
A special outdoor adventure, like a nature walk
A homemade “trophy” or award
A craft project using household items
A special “yes day” where they get to choose some activities
A homemade puzzle or game
A “thank you” letter from a parent
A relaxing yoga or stretching session together
A special day to wear a favorite costume or outfit
A new set of printable coloring pages
A “get out of one chore” pass
A fun science or craft kit to use
An extra story before bed
A favorite hobby or craft time
A chance to make a family meal or snack
A special song or story session
A fun and educational app or website visit
A creative storytelling session
A special afternoon with a grandparent or family friend
A day of “no homework” for older kids
A special home spa day with DIY facials
A day where they get to choose the family activity
A unique scavenger hunt with clues around the house
A fun and simple science experiment
A special family board game session
A day of special “yes” to extra requests
A homemade pizza or favorite dish
A favorite video or show marathon
A special art or craft project to take home
A new set of colored pencils or markers
A family photo collage project
A “treasure hunt” with small prizes around the house
A special activity, like building a fort
A visit to a free community event
A family karaoke session
A day of special “fun facts” or trivia
A day where they pick the theme for family activities
A chance to help plan a family outing
A special weekend project
A special drink to enjoy
A DIY home obstacle course or relay
A day of extra cuddles and attention
These rewards can be tailored to fit your family’s interests and needs while keeping things fun and engaging for your child. Feel free to experiment with different strategies and find what works best for your family. Remember, some practice is better than no practice! It doesn't have to be perfect!
What other ways have you found to make practice part of your everyday routine? Please leave your ideas in the comments below so we can all learn what has worked for your family!
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