Effective practicing for young students

The lesson time at the teacher's music studio is where new techniques and information are taught to the young student, but it is at home where these techniques will be practiced and developed. It is up to the adult to set up a study environment that will encourage proper uninterrupted practice time at home. Below are a few tips to set up a great practice area:

Have the correct materials handy:
Have the materials the student will need ready for him/her. They will need their guitar, book, music stand, and additional accessories (picks, tuner, footstool, etc).

Practice in a visible place:
It is a good idea to have the student practicing in an open area where the parent can see them practicing, like the living room or family room. Kids may get distracted if they are in their room by themselves unsupervised.

No distractions allowed:
Practice time should be a time where the young student devotes their undivided attention to the guitar. There should not be loud noises or any type of distraction near the student. Keep other children seperate from the student.

Build up a routine:
It is important to have the student practice daily (or near daily) during pre-set times. Develop a practice schedule for the student where you (or the student) will gather up their study materials, go to their practice area, and practice the work from their previous lesson. If possible, have practice time be during the same time the student goes to their lesson at the teacher's studio.

How much practice time?:
I recommend practice times of 20-30 minutes for young students daily (or near daily). Of course, if they feel inspired to go for more, allow them to do so.