Hear me out… there’s a benefit to kids using playdough in their piano lessons.
When I first started piano teaching, I was so careful to do everything “by the book”. Literally, only using method pages to teach.
I don’t know if any of you can relate, but as I met many more new students over the years, I came to realize that not all kids are “by the book” kids. Definitely some are (this was me as a student), but how do we accommodate those that aren’t?
One of my biggest hurtles to overcome was the realization that learning music should first and foremost be: 1) an enjoyable experience 2) developmentally appropriate 3) fits the interests, needs, and desires of the student
I started exploring play-based learning, which would become the number one thing that shifted my entire approach to music teaching.
What does play look like in music lessons? For me, it means not being afraid to include engaging activities in every. single. lesson. It means getting students off the piano bench, moving around, and engaging their senses in the music making experience.
I designed these playdough mats for my youngest students, but really for any students who learn well through hands-on learning. Here’s why I love using them:
- engages multiple senses in the learning experience
- tactile, hands on learning of musical concepts
- develops fine motor skills
- promotes hand-eye coordination
- gets students off the piano bench
I am honored to have these playdough mats used all over the world by piano teachers and classroom music educators. Here are what some of them have to say about these:
“Very engaging for my students especially those who have trouble focusing.”
“This is such a creative resource to incorporate sensory play into our music class.”
“What a fun resource! The students are enjoying it! Thank you!”
Happy play-based teaching,
Ms Emily
Ms Emily Music 