www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Wednesday, August 20, 2014 | 12 Fall Registration (5 and 6 year olds, 2008/2009 birth years for 2014/15 season) minor oakS hockey aSSociation initiation program Starting thiS Fall oFFering 2 SeaSonS Fall October 19-December 21/14, Evaluation Skate October 5, Gala Day December 21 Winter January 4-March 8/15, Evaluation Skate January 3, Gala Day March 8 Making music practise fun to colour a small, specific portion of a picture in the book, such as a character's shirt or the dog's tail. Have him play another section of music or the next song, then colour another part of the picture. This will get him moving and provide a break from focusing. Why colored pencils? There are usually 12 or fewer in a box, and you don't want your child to spend the whole time choosing a colour. Set up a no-risk audience: Invite all of the dolls and stuffed animals in your house to a special performance by their favorite musician. Your child can line the toys up on the couch while you set up the stand or get out the instrument. Announce the performer with a flourish and have her enter and bow before she begins her practise for the day. When she feels confident with her latest piece, have her perform for the whole family. A little reward goes a long way: As long as candy is not a daily treat at your house, the lure of 20 M&M's or jelly beans in a small dish can be a big thrill. Start with all 20 or so in the bowl. If your mini-Mozart gets off-task, talks back, or tries to sabotage his practise in some other way, you get to eat one of the treats. Every time. Keep eating them slowly until he settles down. Works like a charm because he gets to eat the ones that are left if any at the end of practise. Best of all, you won't resort to yelling and cajoling. Repetition reaps rewards: When your young musician is struggling, help her identify a trouble spot, then play "wipeout." Place three beads, buttons or small toys on the music stand and have her repeat the troublesome measure or line a minimum of three times. Continued on page 14 playerS on ice tWice/Week Monday-Thursday: Skill development Sunday: Games/practice sessions $199 /season $375/both seasons price option to purchaSe equipment packageS shoulder, elbow, neck, shin pads, pants. $49. Protective package, skates, stick and helmet. $99. protective package includes Full package includes By Heather Lee-Heap Who knew practising an instrument could be fun-and-games? In many homes it involves shouting, grumbling and even tears, but it doesn't have to. You can break out of a routine of arguing over music practise by playing instead. Playing games that is. Children cannot see the longterm benefits of practising; they rely on their parents' support and encouragement to get them through the rough spots. But what if you are just as frustrated as your child and each practise session turns into a power struggle? Remember that music can bring great joy, and we all learn best in a harmonious environment. At your child's next practise, sound a positive note by trying the following activities. Get moving, get the wiggles out, and get the song imbedded in your child's brain: Listen to recordings of the songs your child is learning. Music-listening is a foundation of the Suzuki method, but is also used widely used by professional musicians who listen to several versions of a piece they are preparing. Listen to the songs, march to the beat or dance with the rhythm, then sing the tune before playing. If there is a tough section in the music, sing it to your child and have him sing it back to you. Keep singing it, and have him sing it back until he gets it right. Singing the notes and rhythm correctly is a magic trick for improving your child's playing. Shift focus on your own terms: Young children will find anything to focus on other than their music, so get creative and provide yours with a controlled distraction. Keep a box of coloured pencils and a special colouring book in the practise area. Each time your child finishes a musical task, ask him Equipment will be fully fitted for each player. MOHA is a member association of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association and Hockey Canada. All coaches are OMHA certified. · Have FUN! Play Hockey! Learn the FUNdamentals! · Professionally trained instructor overseeing the program · NHL themed teams · Questions? Please call the MOHA 905-338-9220 registration online at www.moha.ca