I've just found these;

http://www.musiccorner.co.uk/newsdesk_index.php?newsPath=3

They look quite good as practice aids for those who don't really like practising; hehe, I might even start using them with my own practice! . I noticed there was an article on practisespot about practise aids; and seeing as you are allowed to print them off at will, I thought some people might find the link useful.

I was highly disappointed when it wasn't a taser .

Thanks for the link - However, I have used these before and the only down side is that I have found students got bored using them. Hence I no longer use them except with new pupils. Still a good resource for them to get them into the swing of practising.

But I suppose after a while you wouldn't need them anyway, because the students will have got into the habit and will just practise automatically (or am I being too hopeful?) . I know that if I suddenly go through a phase of practising lots I'm less likely to slip back into the non-practising times. I just thought they'd be enough to get through the rocky times and get them, as you say, back into the swing.

What a lovely idea! I especially liked the ice cream one! Thanks pd.

I've used them but it didn't really make much difference long term.
The thing so far that does seem to have made a difference was suggesting that the child in question (and her parents) had a think about whether she really wanted to learn.

My sentiments exactly! Anything that smacks of gimmickry is rarely of benefit. Sorry to put a campner on proceedings! Just tell them and their parents they have to practise. If they don't then either you have to get over it or continue taking hard-earned money for little reward. Sad to say, I have too many in the latter category too. Thanks for your suggestion.

LR

I read that on a site a while back. If you get into the habit practising at a certain time for say 20 minutes 4 days a week, then after 3-4 weeks of keeping to the same habit you will actually start to feel empty if you don't do the practise at those times, something to do with humans being so habit-forming and addictive! I guess it would vary from person to person but worth thinking about.