I believe you handled the situation well. As far as motivating with
stars, I would like to suggest that you give 'part of a star' drawn on a
slip of paper to reward the effort that was given. So, if a measure or
two was played well, then draw one or two lines of a star on the paper.
As the song (hopefully) improves, the rest of the star can be completed,
and then you can give the star reward (is it a sticker?) to the student
when the entire song is played to your expectation.

Cindy Fazekas, elementary music specialist
Boca Raton, Florida

-----Original Message-----
From: list@recorderclassroom.com [mailto:list@recorderclassroom.com] On
Behalf Of Sue Roessel Dura
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 1:01 PM
To: Recorder_Classroom
Subject: [RECL]Crying

Dear List,

Those of you with more experience may be able to help ;-)

I was giving a first lesson today and all but one kid got it. He was
having
lots of trouble. Since the others could play Hot Cross Buns, I offered
to let
them earn a star by playing it by themselves. All but this boy could do
it. I
had explained what they need to do to earn a star. So he started
crying. I
told him that we were learning something new, not everyone can get it
right away
and all he needs to do is practice at home. He was still upset so I let
him
stay a few minutes after class to work with him. He was intent to get
that star
and even though he didn't play well enough to earn one, I told him he
had. At
least the others didn't witness this! I can see I will be having
trouble with
him in this regard in the future. Any suggestions on how to handle
this? I
think it will diminish the point of stars if the kids get one whne they
don't
measure up.

Best, Sue
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