A Science-Backed Weekly Practice Plan for Kids

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to structure your child’s practice for the best results, here’s a plan that blends three powerful learning tools: spacing, deliberate practice, and interleaving.

The Plan

Monday–Friday (Two Sessions)
Morning or after school (8–15 min for ages 4–6; 12–20 for 7–10):

1. Warm-up (2–3 min): Clap/sing rhythms, then a short scale.

2. Focus Spot (4–8 min): One goal only—goal → play → check → fix.

3. Quick Switch (2–4 min): Different piece or skill.

Evening (5–10 min):

1. Recall Run: Play yesterday’s focus spot once.

2. Metronome Minute: Short time with a click.

3. Mini Performance: Play for a family member.

Weekend:

• Hold a “home recital” for friends, family, or even stuffed animals.

• Listen to a professional performance and name one thing they notice.

Why It Works

• Spacing: Frequent, short sessions beat long marathons for retention.

• Deliberate Practice: Specific goals and feedback loops drive improvement.

• Interleaving: Switching tasks improves adaptability.

Sources:

• Cepeda, N. J., et al. (2006). Distributed practice in verbal recall tasks: A review and quantitative synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 132(3), 354–380.

• Ericsson, K. A., et al. (1993). The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychological Review, 100(3), 363–406.

• Taylor, K., & Rohrer, D. (2010). The effects of interleaved practice. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 24(6), 837–848.