HAF, I need some advice about my new job (please)

[Will]

I just started a piano studio. I'm having a lot of fun and it's great to interact with so many different people on a topic that has so much meaning to me. The problem is I have younger students, between maybe 5 and 8, and I'm having trouble keeping up with their attention spans. They're with me so far, but I can feel boredom sneak its way in and I don't want them to associate piano with boredom.

Does anyone have any advice regarding teaching children of this age? I went out and bought some bongos and other instruments, I've brought out my computer and shown them they can someday compose entire symphonies (I wrote a 5-minute interpretation of the soundtrack from the last Batman film to make it extra interesting), I've done clapping and singling and dancing, but it still feels like I'm barely holding their concentration.

Any help would be most appreciated.  

[The Magic Pudding]

I asked my wife who is a pre school teacher and who has also had experiences with this age group.
She suggested music they like and bribery such as a ly.
Children are impressed by certificates, stars and stickers.
Some kids may be tired when they see you, especially after school.

[karadan]

Are the kids there because they want to play music or because their parents just want them to have a hobby? I was always musically talented so when I was seven, my parents got me trumpet lessons. It came to me very naturally and my teacher was very enthusiastic. Problem was, the trumpet bored me. I never used to practice and I think it frustrated my teacher quite a bit. I think he thought I was throwing away my talent. Anyway, some time later, I got the opportunity to play on some drums. I was told I was a natural at that as well. Luckily, this was an instrument I enjoyed playing and therefore, was happy to practice.

Could it be the case with your students that they like music, but are not sure which instrument they want to play? I think it was a good idea getting the bongos out.

By the way, it's awesome you've started a piano studio.  

[Roganthis72]

Teach them an insturment that will get them laid, like guitar!

I joke, I wish I could get those ivorys to sing to me.
[/offtopic]
Anyways, yeah, I'd just teach them things that they would know already.  Theme songs, lullabys, what have you.  Of course, then you have to learn how to play the Bob the builder theme song but meh, what ya gonna do.

[Will]

Are the kids there because they want to play music or because their parents just want them to have a hobby?

Both. I don't accept students that are being forced, and I can tell pretty much immediately if the kid wants to be here.

Could it be the case with your students that they like music, but are not sure which instrument they want to play? I think it was a good idea getting the bongos out.

That's an interesting thought. I've got a trumpet, trombone, and a few other instruments around. Maybe I should let them experiment with everything to see what they like. If they prefer something else, I can always teach them to play that instead of or in addition to piano.

By the way, it's awesome you've started a piano studio.  

[Roganthis72]

ANother though occurs!

And imedietly escapes my head...dammit...

Oh, Right!
I'm going to assume that you are heavy into theory (simply because any piano lesson I've ever taken was theory based) and note reading (again, based on past experiences).  I would personally stay away from that.  THere is a good chance these kids just came from school and don't want to look at another "assignment", if you can get them to play by ear then I think it would expand their appreciation of the art and make it lass of a chore for them to practice.

Of course some theory is gonna be required, scales and whatnot, but keep it simple, and I would have them repeat it out (a lick), possibly in a higher octave, after you play it once for them without any sheet music.

But then again, I'm just a rock guitarist so what do I know about theory and scales and junk right?

Pentatonic FTW!!!