I use an unusual device to show which pieces are review: the humble popsicle stick.

I only do this in Book 1.

Once a student knows

• every note,
• every bowing,
• every trick,
• and doesn’t add anything extra (note, sound, scratch)

they earn a popsicle stick.

On the popsicle stick I write the name of the piece and the date they earned it.

As their review collection grows, so does their popsicle stick collection.
With their popsicle sticks they can play some simple and fun review games such as…

1. Draw a stick to see which piece to play.
2. Make a pile of easy pieces and hard pieces. Work on the hard ones.
3. Organize the pieces in alphabetical, difficulty, or actual order

So much of our music learning is invisible. Music is invisible. Time is invisible. Practice is invisible.

I love using a physical object to express an incredible intangible effort.

Of course, I must also state that earning a popsicle does not mean our learning with that piece stops. In fact, the popsicle is the ticket to begin mastering a piece.

Play it every day. Continue to add spices. Make it as easy as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Return to it for a second and third learning.

By the time they are in Book 2 the child has hopefully internalized the process. They no longer need an external object to represent that transition.

The popsicle’s job is complete.