It was just an ordinary Wednesday morning when Amie* (a made-up name for a very real and sweet girl) started crying during her violin lesson.
The music was open to an all-too-familiar piece, "Travellin' Slow" from Fiddle Time Joggers, which she knew really well and had played perfectly just five minutes ago.
Yet, when her eyes reconnected with the notes, it felt like she was seeing them for the first time.
Amie's eyes began to glisten as frustration got the better of her. 😞
I knew I could help her with her note-reading confidence and recognition, but in that moment, no matter how I explained, practiced, or turned it into a game, she was in no headspace to continue as she was.
Amie needed to be shown how to get out of this mind trap, and reasoning or explaining how the brain works never helps any child in this state.
So, I asked Amie, in a friendly and non-judgmental way, to just put her violin down and follow me. It was an invitation. ♥️
Sometimes, when students become overwhelmed, the best way to reset their minds is through physical movement.
And movement helps release built-up tension and refocus energy.
So, we stepped away from the music and worked on incorporating big movements: swinging arms, rolling shoulders, stretching, jumping jacks, dancing, and marching.
Of course, when I use the Stringosaurus Hub resources, we have stories, movements, and songs so students can seamlessly integrate learning with play, helping them to reset and refocus while enjoying the process.
Movement can be stress-busting (and certainly worked in my lesson this week!), that’s why I regularly incorporate movement into the children’s lessons.
Recently, teacher members and I even had a discussion in the Stringosaurus Hub about using stretchy bands as a tool to learn and move because study after study shows young children have a developmental need to move!
And movement is the perfect antidote to your student's overwhelm!
Don't be afraid to put instruments down and stretch and move. It will help them and you reset!
Hit reply and let me know if this is useful!
Warmest regards,
Laura xx
PS To take Stringosaurus for a test-drive in your classroom/studio, click here!
