Thanks for stopping by A Family Place. I enjoy working with families, and sharing the power of music with them. Kindermusik provides this outlet for me. This blog will allow me to share thoughts and ideas that can help families in their journey.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Opportunities Abound

Rome Georgia is family friendly.  It doesn't have all the perks of the big city, but fortunately Atlanta is just down the road!  But while in Rome, do as the Romans.  To keep current on all the happenings in our city I would suggest that you check Venue Dog.  Some are aimed at families, others are adult only.  Regardless, get out and enjoy Rome.

Here are a few that I recommend for the upcoming weeks:

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer presented by the Rome Little Theater.  Many members of the cast are Kindermusik grads, including Aunt Polly and Injun Joe!  The show runs from August 22 - August 31.

Rome Symphony Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf.  This timeless work by Prokofiev introduces the orchestral instruments through an entertaining story.  The children's concert will be held on Friday, September 19 at Model High School, with shows at 10:30 am and 12:15 pm.  Each performance is 45 minutes long.  Admission is $3.  Make your reservation by calling 706-291-7967

Football season is a great time to see the bands at halftime.  Every Friday night there is a football game somewhere in Rome.  Pick a team, and show your support.  Berry football returns this fall too, with the Viking Drumline performing.  The drumline often performs at the volleyball and soccer games too.

You may know about the Farmer's Market at Ridge Ferry, but did you know that Berry has them too? You can buy vegetables, cheese, and beef.  There is a beef sale coming up on August 29 from 4 - 7 pm.  Get on the email list and you will get updates about the sales.  

The Berry dairy offers free tours Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Email to schedule your tour agried@berry.edu

Rome is a great town, get out and enjoy all it has to offer!


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Details You Need to KNOW!!

Kindermusik classes begin on August 18 at Berry College! The first few weeks are a whirlwind of activity. New teachers, new friends, and new music. Sometimes it takes several weeks for children to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. What can you do?
  • Directions
  • Be on time for class.  I realize parking can be an issue. After 5 pm you can park in any lot!
  • Leave toys and food at home or in the car.
  • Be patient and encouraging.
  • Think, say: how many ways can we....play the sticks, move high, move low, wave our hand, etc...  Your suggestion, then they get an idea of their own, this is called scaffolding!
  • Have fun in class, and your child will follow your lead.
  • Some children are observers.  The class is where they soak it in, and then later it comes pouring out!
  • Unless you are expecting an important call, turn your phone off when you come to class.
  • Focus on your child during class, and save conversation with grown-ups for later.
  • Play the music at home and in the car.  
  • Incorporate activities from class into your daily routine. Your family activity book or card has lots of ways to do this.
Remember all children are different, and your child may not participate the same as others. Your child may wander or just observe, but they are absorbing the atmosphere and are learning.
You may need to stand up with your child, while others are sitting. You may need to find a new way to rock or move. Find a way to participate with your child.

For those with older children (Imagine That or Young Child), you may notice that they respond differently when you come for sharing time. This is part of being an independent learner. Try not to judge your child. Do correct disruptive behavior that is inappropriate such as loud talking, angry outbursts or struggling with a sibling who enters. Once class is over, tell the child what you enjoyed about being in class with them. Put the accent on the positive that you want to see repeated.

If you miss a class you are welcome to make it up on another day/time.  Unfortunately some classes don't have that option...especially the evening classes.  It would be helpful if you could email about making up a class, just so we know you are coming.  It is not imperative, but encouraged.  Here is the class schedule for Fall 2014:


Kindermusik Village (newborn – 18 months)
Monday 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday 9:15 a.m 
Thursday 9:30 a.m.

Kindermusik 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. 

Kindermusik Imagine That! ( 3.5 - 5 years)
Monday 5:30 p.m. (music library)
Thursday 11:00 a.m. 
Friday 10:15 a.m.

Kindermusik for the Young Child (4.5 – 7 years)
Year One (red folder)  Tuesday 5:15 p.m.  Thursday 3:45 pm
Year  Two (blue folder) Thursday 5:00 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik

REPETITION IS GOOD:
 REMINDERS ABOUT BEING AT BERRY!


The college students return on August 25.  This means more cars in the parking lot, more students driving to class. BE CAREFUL in the parking lot and crossing the street.  There is construction at the main entrance as they build a new welcome center.
  1. Allow plenty of time to find a parking place and get to class. Once you arrive on campus, it will take you at least 5 minutes to get from the parking lot to the classroom.
  2. The elevator is a great asset. Please help us keep the alarm from ringing or the help button from being pushed. Buttons are inviting to children, and they are low...but keep them from calling security! Let them push the "floor" buttons, but stay away from the red and yellow ones!
  3. Please use quiet voices and walking feet as you enter the building. First floor where you access the elevator is full of offices. Once on third floor there are college classes in session. If you have to take your child in the hall during class because he or she is crying, go to the north end of the hallway or the restroom to avoid disrupting classes.
  4. In case of severe weather, Kindermusik follows the Floyd County Schools. If the Floyd county schools are closed due to inclement weather, then Kindermusik will not meet. If the county cancels classes after 2 p.m., you will need to call the Kindermusik office concerning afternoon and evening classes, OR check for an update on the blog.
  5. Kindermusik of Berry College does not follow a specific school system for breaks, so teachers will announce these to individual classes. There will also be announcements on the blog. No classes on Labor Day. Monday classes will make those up the week of Thanksgiving.
  6. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.  
If you have questions or concerns about anything in class, talk with your child's teacher.
You can always email me at knobles@berry.edu for a quick response to general questions, or leave a message at 706-233-4091.

We are glad you have chosen Kindermusik, it's a great way to enhance your child's life through music.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Music Matters: Brain, Body, Heart & Soul

Parents have many activity choices for their child, but Kindermusik provides developmentally appropriate fun and learning. Click here to learn more about ways Kindermusik prepares your child for school.

Kindermusik classes begin the week of August 18 at Berry College.