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Some students seem to just get crescendos and diminuendos.  Others don’t.  Here is what I have used to help those that don’t.

Pick a one syllable word.  I normally pick the child’s name.  If her name is more than one syllable, I shorten it. 

For a crescendo, start with your hand down at your waist.  Begin saying the child’s name while slowly raising your hand up above your head.  As you raise your hand higher, say the child’s name louder.  You know, crescendo!

Do the opposite for a diminuendo.

Have the child join in with you.  After the child can do a correct crescendo with his voice, have him try a short phrase on the piano.

How do you help students with crescendos and diminuendos?