For years I have had a goal to teach my children how to play the piano. I knew all the brain benefits. But with their Sensory Integration Disorder, they didn't seem ready. Nevertheless, in preparation, I purchased some Bastien piano books.
They had been recommended by a homeschooler I knew when my dc were 3 and 5. My husband and I were raised on John Thompson; I wasn't committed to remaining with this series. I don't remember what I had heard about Bastien, but they sounded great. A few years ago I purchased the Primer series.
Then one of the aunts gave the dc and I each a recorder with a lesson book. Although I had initially taught myself piano and guitar, and later took lessons, I had no experience with a wind instrument. The book confused me! I had been using A Beka and they had a music theory program with flutophones. So I bought those books and some flutophones for each of us and we learned to play a wind instrument. My dc had no care in the world for timing. They got emotionally frustrated (SI) with dealing with formal lessons and timing. So I made it more laid back and they learned how to finger and play beautiful songs, although they had unique rhythms. I told them for the familiar songs, to simply imitate the rhythm they know. By the end of 2 books, when I planned to transition them to the recorder, they decided they were all winded out!
They wanted to do piano. In fact, they like to sit at the piano and create their own "tunes". Being quite peaceful in their playing, I never minded. Yet, how were we to ever incorporate formal piano lessons into our busy days. And our days are only busy because they choose to d-r-a-g everything out!
Finally....we just did it. I have finally figured out that the more I take out of my children's schedule, the s-l-o-w-e-r they get. I've had enough people tell me they are the same way. I just don't understand this. To me, why don't we all just get the necessary things done and move on to the fun stuff! LOL Oh well. I am no longer a softie! LOL My dc have gotten behind in school because I have felt sorry for them but the more I take out of their day, the slower they get. So our schedules will be a consistently well balanced schedule. It's up to them to learn to manage their time well. So, on that note...
We began our first day of lessons on Monday! You can barely see the baseball behind the sheet music holder. DD needs to be reminded of curved hands while playing.
We did lessons together for the first few days. Most of it was a review, since they already know a bit about music. Thankfully they don't mind that these books are meant for 7-11 year olds. I love these books. They were written for my children! They guarantee success at the beginning. The first homework assignment was to "compose" their own piece! That delighted my children. My dc have never been ones to enjoy coloring books, lap books, notebooking, much less toys used in the traditional way. They have always preferred either inventing their own way or reinventing something tried and true.
DS is picking up the timing and precision quickly. As a result, yesterday began separate lessons. He is now a page ahead. I do hope this does not become a problem. DD, however, is struggling. She has praxis, or motor planning issues. Therefore I need to spend all of my time with her to count out the notes, remember the fingering rules, etc. This can take a long time. But usually, once she has it, she's got it! She is the one who is usually found creating her own pieces at the piano. She does not want swim lessons (fear of getting wet in the face), nor amusement parks with wild rides or most anything along those lines. She would love to shine in dance...but can't figure out different moves. I would just love for her to shine in piano. It'll take time... | 
