Why kids feel nervous (and why it’s a good sign)
Nerves mean the child cares — that attention to the moment can be channelled into energy. Feeling butterflies is normal; it shows the brain is alert. The job of parents and coaches is to normalise nerves, offer strategies to manage them, and focus on progress (not perfection).
The 4-step rehearsal system (script → audio → mirror → full run)
A clear, repeatable rehearsal system reduces surprises. Step 1: Script — write and mark the script with pauses and emphasis. Step 2: Audio — record an audio-only take so the child hears pace and phrasing. Step 3: Mirror — practise in front of a mirror to add expression and gestures. Step 4: Full run — complete the whole piece with entrance and exit, ideally in costume or with the prop.
Timing practice without stress (simple timer routine)
Use a gentle timer routine: 30s warm-up, two short timed runs (first at comfortable pace, second at performance pace), then a 60-second calm review. Use a visible timer so the child learns pacing without clock anxiety.
Week 21 plan (7 days, 12 minutes/day) — day-by-day
Short daily rehearsals build confidence. Each day is 12 minutes: warm-up, focused rehearsal, and a quick positive note.
Day-by-day (exact)
- Day 1 — Script polish (12 min): Mark pauses, decide first line and ending. Practice the opening line until it feels natural.
- Day 2 — Audio practice (12 min): Record two audio takes; listen for pace and clarity.
- Day 3 — Mirror work (12 min): Add facial expression and one simple gesture.
- Day 4 — Timing drills (12 min): Use the timer routine; practise short runs.
- Day 5 — Stage habits (12 min): Rehearse entry, mic distance, and exit.
- Day 6 — Dress rehearsal (12 min): Full run with costume/prop and a small audience (family).
- Day 7 — Calm review & celebration (12 min): One final short run and specific praise; note one improvement.
Expression toolkit (pause, smile, gesture, volume) — kid-friendly
Teach four simple tools: Pause — a short beat between ideas; Smile — friendly energy at key moments; Gesture — one clear hand movement; Volume — practice soft→normal→projected. Turn each into a tiny game: pause charades, smile practice, gesture copy, volume scale.
Stage habits: entry, eye contact, mic distance, exit (simple)
Keep stage habits minimal and repeatable: enter with a steady walk, take two friendly looks at the audience, hold the mic 2–3 fingers away from the mouth, and exit with a small smile. Practise these habits until they become automatic.
What parents should say (scripts) before and after performance
Before: “You are ready — trust your practice. Take one breath and say the first line like a small story.” After: “I loved how you [specific detail] — what felt best to you?” Keep language specific and warm; avoid pressure or over-coaching immediately before going on stage.
Troubleshooting (child forgets lines, speaks too fast, cries, compares)
If lines are forgotten, teach two quick fixes: 1) a tiny note card with three keywords, or 2) an anchor gesture to bring back the line. For fast speaking, practise pauses and count quietly in practice. If the child cries, step back, offer a breathing reset, and remind them practice is the priority. For comparisons, redirect to personal progress: “Look how much you improved.”
Done checklist + Week 22 phonics diagnostics teaser
- I practised my opening line until it felt natural.
- I timed two short runs.
- I rehearsed entry and exit once.
Finish with a clear praise line: “You were brave and prepared — well done.” Week 22 will include a quick phonics diagnostic to plan the next steps.
Mini checklist parents can screenshot
- 1) First line ready
- 2) Two timed runs done
- 3) One expression tool used (pause/smile/gesture)
- 4) Entry & exit practised
A 60-second “reset routine” before stage (breath + posture + first line)
Stand tall for 5 seconds, take three slow breaths (inhale 3, exhale 4), relax shoulders, smile once, say the first line quietly to yourself. This short routine calms nerves, sets posture, and brings attention to the opening sentence.
Quick parent scripts
Before: “Two breaths and one smile — you are ready.” After: “I noticed you slowed down — that sounded great. What did you like about your performance?”