In our classes we progress through a series of melodies, musical activities, and parts (accompanying voices). We use an easily decipherable code to aid musically illiterate parents guide and play with their children at home. Today, I taught a part of a German folk song to two seven year olds and broke it down in the following way:

1) play rhythm only on one string (child can pick a specific string but I try to steer them to the string where the majority of the melodic notes are ultimately played)

2) play rhythm only but include the string crossing

2) sing the melody (or the part) in rhythm (create words if there are no words)

3) muffle strings with the left hand (or by sliding a sock under the strings next to the bridge) and play the rhythm (with or without string crossing) while singing the melody

4) find all pitches in the group of notes that are being practiced, arrange from low pitch to high pitch, and practice as a scale (forward and backward, sock removed)

5) review the rhythm and add one pitch at a time

6) sing and play

There should never be a rush to the next step. Move on when it feels right and sounds good.