What's the difference between a library music time and a Kindermusik Class?

Some folks say "Oh, we do Kindermusik for FREE at the library!"

Well, I'd love to widen your view a little.

Darcy and I do music and movement storytimes here and there (i.e. the library and some mom and tot groups, for example). We meet children who love music, who naturally sing and dance to the music, children who love the instruments and knee bounces, circle dances and stories. Those children, their sparkling eyes, smiles and giggles capture our hearts. And we see the possibility. In all the children. All of them.

What would be different if they went to a weekly class for a whole semester at a time? This is what we know about children who are lucky enough to be in a flourishing environment where consistency of space, trust, routine, repetition and variety exist.

These children begin sometimes warily, like any child. Sometimes at the first class the younger ones look around for the moment their adult will sneak off or kiss them goodbye. Imagine their wide eyes when all the adults sit on the floor with them! They know then that they are safe. After the second class they begin to sense a rhythm in the flow of the class as it is very similar to their first experience. They realize that it is safe to put the bells or shakers back in the basket because they know they will have another opportunity to work with those again. After a few weeks a change comes over them. Waiting their turn becomes easier. The songs are very familiar since they hear them also at home (Home materials include CDs, story books, instruments etc.). The story is predictable and there are more and more details emerging every week. (This never happens at a one time event.)


They become thoughtful risk takers, more experimental, more creative. Everything is safe. They sing and twirl along, delighting in their participating adult. Here is their chance to be in charge. To practice their budding autonomy in a safe environment. Isn't that what we want for them?

It's how they bloom.

Please join us.
And for the families already participating why don't you bring a friend to you class!

Yvette

Creativity is as important as literacy!

What does it mean to invest in our children's education? Will we, as parents of our country's most precious natural resource, dare to take a risk with investing in our children's education? A risk that may stand up in the face of "how things are done" in today's education scene? Please listen to Sir Ken Robinson in this little video about creativity. http://www.ted.com/tedtalks/tedtalksplayer.cfm?key=ken_robinson
He's entertaining and thought provoking. I'd like to hear more so I put his book Out Of Our Minds: Learning to Be Creative on hold at the library.

I loved his vignette about the dancer. When I watch toddlers dance I KNOW we were born to dance. And we were born to sing! What DOES happen to us????? Will we let the same thing happen to our children?

How do you nurture a child's creativity? I think a good way to start is to affirm their creativity every chance we get. I notice that when we do free dance like "All Around the Kitchen" in Kindermusik Our Time (18 months to 3 1/2) if the adult imitates and labels the children "moves" they are so happy! They notice that you noticed! They'll give you MORE fun moves to try! (practicing creativity!) Make a point to imitate your little one and watch their reaction.

Notice that I didn't suggest that you praise them. That's a slippery slope. Praise doesn't really give them feedback that they can use. They need information...Your imitation is a mirror for them to see their action, creativity, and your attention. Saying "Good Job!" sets them up to worry if they can possibly keep up the "good work". They may respond by quitting so that they are sure they have control over not getting your praise in the future. (Read: Punished By Rewards by Alfie Kohn.)

In parenting we touch the future. Invest wisely!
(And don't forget to re enroll! holland.kindermusik.net)
See you in class,
Yvette

"tips to Miss Sunny of Kindermusik at Musikandmotion"

Brain Dance!

I worry, worry, worry about the babies who spend so much of their day in the carseat. In and out of the car, into the grocery cart, back in the house, back in the car, in church, out to lunch, back in the car, back in the house and never leaving the car seat except for a quick change. Does that sound even a little bit familiar?

"Movement is the key to learning! Movement and dance activities such as crawling, creeping, rolling, turning, walking, skipping, reaching, and swinging are essential for baby's brain development. These specific and intensive motor activities make full use of babys complicated nervous system and follow a plan. The nervous system of each new human being must go through a series of developmental stages before the brain can operate at its full potential. Using her whole body, her movements, and all her senses, the baby "programs" her motor/perceptual equipment, her nerves, and brain cells."

Please click on this link http://www.llli.org/NB/NBMarApr01p44.html and read the rest of this fascinating article! Author Anne Green Gilbert is a creative movement specialist consulted by Kindermusik for the creation of several units of curriculum. She explains the developmental stages and gives ideas for fundamental movement activities for baby. We are so mobile baby doesn't have a chance to do the floor work they need to develop. Their drive to move is constant, that is their need!

Sometimes we need a prescription for the simplest action for our health and well being and that of our children. Your perscription for babies newborn to 18 months: holland.kindermusik.net