Friend, Ever had a lesson where the first five minutes are just non-stop chatter? “I lost a tooth!” “My knee is sore!” “Guess who’s coming to my house after school?!” Meanwhile, the violins are still in their cases, and no one has played a single note…

Yep. Been there. And while I absolutely love hearing about their wobbly teeth and weekend plans, I also know that if we don’t channel that energy fast, we’ll be stuck in story mode instead of music mode.

That’s why I always start lessons with a full-body warm-up—no time to dawdle, just straight into movement! Here are three of my go-to activities:

🎵 Little Birch Tree (Crystal Boyak’s Wee Violin Series)
🎵 Music Has a Steady Beat (Kathy & David Blackwell, Fiddle Time Starters)
🎵 We’re Searching for a Dinosaur (Stringosaurus)

These aren’t just fun songs—they get kids physically engaged, reinforce steady beat awareness, and snap their focus into place.

And if they already have some basic violin skills? I take it a step further with an Orff-inspired ostinato—plucking or bowing a simple pattern while we sing. It’s structured, it’s musical, and best of all… it keeps the random chatter at bay!

Of course, I still make time for their little life updates—I mean, who wouldn’t want to know about the latest lost tooth drama? 😂 But by keeping those moments intentional and moving quickly into music, we create a space that’s both focused and fun.

Give it a go in your next lesson and see if it shifts the energy!

These small changes make a huge difference—just like the playful strategies we explore inside the Hub!

Happy teaching,
Laura 🎻

P.S. Have a favourite go-to warm-up that works like magic for focus? Hit reply and share—I’d love to hear what works for you! 😊