thanks for earlier advice on finger independence

[hyrst]

Hi,
I just wanted to thank people for responses to questions I asked a couple of weeks ago about developing finger independence with the little boy without finger control and stength.  I have tried some of the things suggested, thank you.

Last lesson, there was quite a difference in the way he was using his hands.  He was able to press down with the middle 3 fingers without using his other hand first.  IT is going to take while yet, but we are making progress :-)

I used exercises away from the piano - pressing with the chosen finger numbers.  I had him push into playdough with the numbers I chose, and also to squeeze playdough with each finger against finger 1.  At the piano, I had him hold onto the playdough in little balls.  HE thought this was a lot of fun, and it meant he had to hold his handsup high and press downwards - which gave him more structural strength.  He did end up rolling the playdough all over my piano keys (although he had fun doing this) and it was hard work for him - although this hardwork meant he had to concentrate very hard on ocntorlling his hands, so that was good.  Next time, I might try using pom-poms, as it would be lighter and less messy.

Anyway, thank you everyone for your advice.  There was defintie improvement.
Annah