Comments on: Positive Talk

By: Piano Teacher

Piano Teacher — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:44:09 +0000

I agree that this is a good reminder for all of us. I have found that smiles and encouragement are infinitely more effective in teaching than punishment methods, such as reprimanding students for not practicing. Focus on what they do RIGHT.

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:11:50 +0000

I think it might be a new theory to many OR just a good reminder. Even if it is not a new theory every time on every post on this blog it is still fantastic. I give the url to all my piano teaching friends.

By: Marcia

Marcia — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:21:21 +0000

Can’t help pointing out that this is not a new theory. It’s just old-fashioned good parenting and teaching. I agree that positivity in teaching is important, but after 30+ years of teaching and 23 years parenting my own children, I kind of got a chuckle that this might be perceived as a new theory. Don’t mean this to offend, it’s just my observation.

By: Music teacher

Music teacher — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 04:59:00 +0000

I try to do the same thing when I teach. I do find, however, that I forget a lot or say “Stop” as in “Stop talking”. And you have to be careful about what to give them as an alternative to talking. “Shut up” is generally not acceptable when teaching elementary school children.

By: Atara

Atara — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:58:33 +0000

I always say “The notes aren’t on my face! ”