Enroll now for Spring 2011

Yes, it's already time to think about spring 2011 Kindermusik registration. A few weeks ago you may have signed a sheet giving your intent to attend spring classes. Based on the information received, one class is being added - Thursday 4:30 p.m. Imagine That. At the end of this post is a complete class schedule for the spring semester.

Whether you signed the priority enrollment sheet or not, now is the time secure your space. Registration for currently enrolled families begins October 25. Open enrollment will begin on November 7. To reserve your space for spring semester you need to pay a deposit. Your enrollment this semester does not guarantee you a space in classes next semester.Here is are the steps to reserving your child's space:

• Pay a $60 deposit via check and put your child's name and class choice in the memo. If your address, phone or email has changed then you will need to fill out a new form. Otherwise your check will reserve your space. Abbreviations for classes are as follows: Village (V); Our Time (OT); Imagine That! (IT); Young Child (YC); Beyond (BYD). Here is an example for the memo line on your check:

OT Tues 9:30 Jack

• Here are some payment options that can save you money:

Pay in full by November 15 - $15 discount

Pay in full by December 10 - $10 discount

Sibling discounts are 10% of the total

• You can pay the deposit to reserve your space, and pay the balance by either of the early bird deadlines and still get the discounts. Remember the deposit is included in the total cost of the class. Also, ALL materials are included in the total...NO HIDDEN FEES!!!! No pictures to buy or special equipment.

• Other payment options are available, just ask me.

• If you have materials from an older sibling to use for next semester, you may take another deduction - $40 for Village, Our Time & Imagine That!

Prices for spring semester remain unchanged from the fall. The cost are as follows:

Village - $200 - Hickory, Dickory, Tickle and Bounce &, Rhythm of My Day

Our Time - $185 - Fiddle, Dee, Dee

Imagine That! - $200 - Cities

Young Child - $215 (continuing student) - $250 (new student)

Beyond - $170

Fall classes continue through the week of December 8. But make sure to put Kindermusik on the planner for the spring. Here's the spring class schedule:

Village (newborn - 18 months)

Monday 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 9:15 a.m.

Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Thursday 5:30 p.m.

Our Time (18 months - 3 years)

Monday 5:45 p.m.

Tuesday 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday 10:15 a.m.

Thursday 10:15 a.m.

Thursday 6:30 p.m.

Friday 9:30 a.m.

Imagine That! (3 1/2 - 5 years)

Monday 5:30 p.m.

Thursday 11:00 a.m.

Thursday 4:30 p.m. (NEW CLASS!)

Friday 10:15 a.m.

Young Child, semester 2

Tuesday 3:40 p.m.

Thursday 5:15 p.m.

Young Child, semester 4

Tuesday 4:45 p.m.

Beyond, year two

Thursday 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

Beyond, year one

Thursday 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Encourage the grandparents to give the gift of Kindermusik. It's the gift that last for 15 weeks and benefits the whole family!!!

Routines...love'm or leave'm

Children need and want structure, and in Kindermusik we are intentional in the way the class is structured. Children respond better when they know what to expect in class, that is why it is often several weeks before you notice your child "settling in" to the class. That is why we sing the same songs, do the same activities for several weeks.

Recently a Kindermusik mom was returning a book to another KM mom, and I intercepted. "Secrets of the Baby Whisperer" by Tracy Hogg is a funny, yet practical book. If you are a new mom looking to restore your household then I would recommend reading this book. The author is engaging and witty with her European take on parenting. She is big on routines and outlines her ideas using acronym's such as E.A.S.Y. (eat, activity, sleep, you) and S.L.O.W. (stop, listen, observe, what's up).

Tracy Hogg gives many examples that will parallel your baby, your feelings, and your situation. Her book goes beyond infancy though...her ideas can be applied to babies, toddlers and preschoolers. She talks about not letting your baby take over your world...you are the "mum" and you know what is best, not the baby. She discusses over stimulation being a component that makes for fussy babies. This can be said for any age...sometimes it's just best to keep it simple.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Give me your thoughts on routines in your household.