5 Things I’m Loving This Week–July 31, 2015

July 31, 2015 by Brecklyn (Edit)This week has been a little rough, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been feeling sick and tired and grumpy. It has been more difficult to be the energetic and plucky violin teacher I want to be. I’ve canceled some lessons because I’ve just been feeling gross. It’s time to reset. I’ve been going to bed earlier, and letting myself sleep in a little so I can start feeling better. And of course, I’ve been scouring the internet for inspiration and motivation to share with YOU.


So here goes, 5 violin teaching resources to lift your spirits and give you the energy you need to teach!
1. Naps. I know, I know, who has time for naps? Especially if you are a parent, a nap is something wonderful and probably mythical. But, I’ve been trying to take a twenty minute nap while my boys are asleep so that I have the energy I need to get other things done! If you are not converted to the power of naps, listen to this podcast, The Secret Power of Naps.  Seriously, naps are for go-getters, and since violin teachers are entrepreneurial people, we need NAPS.
2. Simple practice tips. The parents in my studio really struggle to get their kids to practice sometimes, and often feel discouraged. That’s why I really loved this post on Music in Practice about Two Stress-Busting Practice Ideas. These ideas are easy to use and don’t cause extra work for parents. Win-Win!
3. If you or your students are having some confusion about shifting, Professor Kurt Sassmannshaus has a series of youtube videos explaining the mechanics of shifting. I think the beginner shifting video is extremely helpful and easy to understand.


4. I have had a lot of students with birthdays this month, and I was sick of using my old birthday cards so I made this new Happy Birthday Postcard on Canva. If you haven’t used Canva, it is a pretty sweet image editing and creation service. It’s also FREE. I love that. If you would like to download this Happy Birthday postcard to use in your own studio, just click the button! Click it!




Click Here for Your Printable Postcard
5. Of course, it’s gotta be my crazy, awesome, sweet babies! We went to a dinosaur park this week. Milo is obsessed with dinosaurs right now. (Check out his dinosaur artwork here.) He had a blast.


So hopefully, I can get myself back into fighting shape soon, and start being more plucky, but in the meantime… Good luck, fellow teachers!  You are amazing.  Teaching music is not always appreciated as other subjects, but you and I know how important it really is. I appreciate you.
Love ya!
Brecklyn