I have recently started teaching two of my nephews, (ages 5 & 7) how to whistle since they seemed interested whenever they’d here me doing my thing. I’m new myself, but since I figure I’m ahead of them I might as well try to impart something to them. When they get older, I want them to be able to remember how I was actually involved in their lives, so whenever they seem to be interested in something I try to get involved. Anyhow, it would be nice to have more musicians in the family.
I bought them each a Feadog “d”, with which they seem to have no trouble holding. So far I’m just getting them to practice alternating between b&c# to get a feel of what it sounds like when the holes are covered properly or not. I am more or less just encouraging them to noodle around for now, and playing whistle tunes and clips&snips stuff on the computer to show them some of the possibilities that the instrument holds. If their attention drifts to something else, or they get bored, I wrap up the session and we do something else. They may not end up getting into whistles, and if that is the case it’s fine with me.
I’m wondering if any of you can share your thoughts on how I can be effective as a teacher to them and what kinds of exercises would they respond to positively etc…
Are they at least past the stage of blasting piercing third octave C#'s yet? If so you stand a chance.
I have found that kids are most interested when you involve them in YOUR playing. For example, they request say ‘Old McDonald’ or whatever. You reply that you don’t know that one, but that you will try to figure it out. They get excited at every phrase that you can figure out. When you hit a bum note, ask why it’s wrong, if they think note should be higher or lower (if they start arguing amongst themselves over this, you know you have them). Of course, you have to use songs that they want to hear, and although it does not teach them to play per se, it gets them to think musically and helps build confidence. They will tire of this soon, but you might later hear some high c’s off in the distance.
Thanks for the advice. They are still in the maximum shrill phase you mentioned, but my sister is the one who has to live with it for now. 
Thanks for the advice. They are still in the maximum shrill phase you mentioned, but my sister is the one who has to live with it for now.