Your Kindermusik Experience!

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR KINDERMUSIK EXPERIENCE

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 to make it the best experience?

• 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.  

Reminders & Directions!

REMINDERS ABOUT BEING AT BERRY!

1. Be prepared to show your drivers license at the welcome center unless you have a Berry parking pass.  We can give you the appropriate paperwork to purchase an annual pass.
2. 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.
3. Kindermusik is in the Ford Complex on the Berry campus. Follow the signs at the round about once you enter campus. The Ford Complex looks like a castle! Take the right fork when you get to the castle and park in the lot next to the cow pasture.  Look for a Kindermusik sign that directs you to the sidewalk and a brown double door.  To reach the elevator you must enter 1st floor or take the stairs to the Kindermusik classroom on 3rd floor!
4. 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!
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Summer Fun - where to find it

The kids are out of school and the days are longer. Are you in need of things to keep them occupied and entertained without breaking the bank?  A good place to start is this site.  Need more ideas, keep clicking:

The Rome Floyd Library is one of the best free places to explore with plenty of kid friendly activities. Kindermusik will be doing a special show on June 19 at 11 a.m.  Did I mention it's FREE?

Shop local every Friday through September at Rome Grown, Rome Made.  Fresh produce, jams and jellies at the Rome Visitor Center.

An organic scavenger hunt activity is Free Art Friday. Check them out on Facebook, and it's not just on Friday.

Learn about the Cherokee culture of Northwest Georgia at the Chieftain's Museum this Saturday, June 17.

Rome Little Theater has one more weekend of Jungle Book.  This is a short version just right for kids. The show is only about 40 minutes and features many children on stage for the first time!

Want to cool off?  Go to the Town Green and play in the fountains.

Looking for a playground?  Ridge Ferry is shady, has picnic tables and is a great place to meet friends for a play date.  There are also some upcoming outdoor movies at Ridge Ferry.

Have you heard about The Rock Garden in Calhoun?  This is a short drive and the perfect place to explore and take a picnic.

Christmas in July is the place to start your shopping early.

For all your local activities go to Venue Dog.

Experienced Moms Speak!

When it comes to parenting you can read books, but today I have advice from Moms who have been in the trenches and come out with well balanced kids!  I asked former Kindermusik moms to tell me what they wish they had NOT stressed over and the experiences they would encourage.

Don't stress over:

1. Potty training - they won't go to kindergarten in a diaper. 

2. Schedules - while routines are very important, don't miss out on a fun experience because of a your set schedule.
3. Behavior - it is not always a reflection of your parenting. Preschoolers can do odd and funky things, it doesn't mean they have psychological problems or you are doing something wrong as their parent!
4. Don't be afraid to say "this is what our family does or does not do."
5. Don't stress over what other families are doing.  Your family is unique. Do what is best for your family and your particular situation.
6. Don't worry about keeping your house clean.  Take out the diapers and keep the sticky off the floor, but play more than you pick up. Kathy said, "remember you rarely see the homes of toddlers in Southern Living!"

The "do" list is much longer:
1. Books - read to them to when they are little. Read with them when they can read on their own. Share articles and devotions with them as they enter the teen years.
2. Storytime at the library! Go and enjoy this special time with your kids, it will encourage life long learning.  Enroll in the summer reading program and make a big deal out of getting a cupcake from Honeymoon bakery!
3. Give them experiences rather than gifts! Plan a trip to the zoo, the aquarium, the park or to ride bikes.
4. Eat meals together and talk about your day - the good and the bad.
5. Teach them to swim - the world is 2/3 water
6. Go to their events, even when it means you have to change up your schedule!
7. Be silly.  Laurie said, "after weekly swim lessons we would go get biscuits at different establishments and rate them."
8. Share a love of nature and being outside.  Jackie said, "when my kids were getting on my nerves, we would go outside.  A change of scenery helped everyone's attitude."
9. Let them share in your world.  Allow them to help you, even if it would be easier to do it yourself. Let them tear the lettuce, stir in the chocolate chips, break the eggs, put wet clothes in the dryer, rake leaves, etc...
10. Listen to a variety of music. Take them to appropriate concerts, shows and to appreciate the arts.
11. Ride bikes together.  Kids may tell you things while riding side by side rather than looking at you.
12. Worship together regularly, they will never know it's not an option.

Thanks to Terri, Angie, Jennifer, Laurie, Kathy, and Jackie for their wisdom.
What would you add to the list?

Spring 2017 Schedule

Did you miss a class?  

Here's the schedule if you need to make-up a class.

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. 
Friday 11:15 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 (green folder)  Tuesday 5:15 p.m.  Thursday 3:45 pm

Year  Two (yellow folder) Thursday 5:00 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik
Beyond 2 - 3:45 - 4:45 pm
Beyond 1 - 4:15 - 5:15 pm.

January 26 & 27 GMEA Conference

The Georgia Music Educators Association host an annual meeting every January.  Ms. Wendy and Ms. Kay attend this event every year.  It's a boost to their teaching skills to learn about new things, hear great music and networking with other educators.  Since they will be out of town, their classes will not meet.

Thursday January 26 - No classes in the afternoon or evening.  
Kathryn's morning classes WILL meet
No Young Child Classes (Wendy's 3:45 and 5:00 pm classes)
No Our Time Classes (Kay's 6:30 pm class)

Friday January 27 - No classes for the following:
Our Time 9:30 or 11:15 am
Imagine That 10:15 am

They will see you the following week!  This will extend the semester by one week into May for Thursday and Friday.

Kindermusik classes begin January 9 - what you need to know!

Kindermusik classes begin on January 9

Details you should know to make your Kindermusik experience go smoothly:

• Directions
• The college students also return to campus on January 9.  This means more cars in the parking lot, more students driving to class.  BE CAREFUL in the parking lot and crossing the street.  
• The new welcome center is now open and the gate is operational.  If you don't have an electronic pass on your car, go through the visitor entrance and they will scan your ID at the gate. You can get an electronic pass ($15) and make your entrance quicker, or just allow more time to get to class.  If you want the pass, there is a yellow form to fill out and you can get one from your Kindermusik teacher and then take it to the campus safety house across from the main entrance.
• 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.
• 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!
• 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.
• 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 Facebook.
• Kindermusik of Berry College will not meet the week of March 27 - 3, this is spring break for local schools.   No classes on Martin Luther King Day.  Monday classes will continue through May 1.  Other classes will end the week of April 24.
• LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.  
• Tell your friends about Kindermusik! We love it when you spread the word about your experience!

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.

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. 
Friday 11:15 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 (green folder)  Tuesday 5:15 p.m.  Thursday 3:45 pm

Year  Two (yellow folder) Thursday 5:00 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik
Beyond 2 - 3:45 - 4:45 pm
Beyond 1 - 4:15 - 5:15 pm.

Moving Up: Comparing Kindermusik Village and Our Time

Registration for Spring Kindermusik classes at Berry College opens next week, and many parents are asking if they should move their baby to toddler class?  Here are some parameters, guidelines and thoughts on the difference between a Village class and Our Time class.

Kindermusik Village is for newborn - 18 month olds. That is a guideline for the ages in the class. There are exceptions based on developmental abilities.

In general Village classes:

• move at a slower pace 
• allow for more exploration before moving on to "next"
• children experience the beat through movement with adults and hear it modeled in the class
• Parent is essential to a great Village experience

Kindermusik Our Time classes are for 18 months - 3 year olds.

• there are more activities in Our Time and the pace is quicker
• children are asked for their ideas
• parents are important to the class, but the children begin to assert independence
• children begin to demonstrate the ability to play instrument with regards to steady beat
• children listen for specific sounds and are asked to respond with their bodies.  Moving high and low, fast and slow.

If you are uncertain about which class is right for your child, please have a conversation with your Kindermusik teacher!

Family Fun in the Fall!

Fall Fun for Families Activities around Rome Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library meets on Tuesday mornings at 10 and 11 a.m. Puppets, songs and stories for toddlers and preschoolers! Chiaha is coming! Rome’s favorite arts and crafts show is the weekend of October 22-23. Peach State Marching Festival is at Barron Stadium on October 22. Wings Over North Georgia Air Show – October 29-30 at Russell Field, but parking is off site with free shuttles.    Fine Arts at Berry offers many free concerts and shows. Click here for a calendar of events.  Copper Creek in Calhoun is an easy drive to enjoy family time on the farm with a corn maze. Trinity Methodist Church on Turner McCall has their annual Pumpkin Patch October 3 through October 31.  Pick out a pumpkin, gourd or grab a corn stalk for your fall decorating. Rome Little Theater's holiday show is Into the Woods!  It's a musical and Jack is played by Kindermusik grad and Coosa High sophomore, Zac Mitchell. Berry College theater is performing Charlie Brown Christmas. Performances are December 1 - 3 in the Krannert ballroom. Kindermusik registration for spring semester opens November 1

Kindermusik of Berry College: preparation is the key!

Kindermusik classes begin on August 15 at Berry College!

Getting Here:

• Directions
• The college students return on August 22.  This means more cars in the parking lot, more students driving to class.  BE CAREFUL in the parking lot and crossing the street.  The new welcome center is now open and the gate is operational. For details on the gate and how it affects coming onto campus, click here. If you want to get a sticker ($10) and avoid the visitor lane, we can get you the paperwork to get started.

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 to make it the best experience?

• 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 2016::

Kindermusik Village (newborn – 18 months)

Monday 6:30 pm
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. 
Friday 11:15 a.m. (new class is being added)

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 4:45 p.m.

Beyond Kindermusik
Beyond 2 - 3:45 - 4:45 pm
Beyond 1 - 4:15 - 5:15 pm.

REPETITION IS GOOD:

 REMINDERS ABOUT BEING AT BERRY!

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.

Bring Kindermusik to South Rome!

In 1989 I entered the world of Kindermusik.  I went for training that summer and started teaching a small group of children at the Child Development Center on the Berry campus. Fast forward 28 years (WHAT?) and I have 2nd generation kids in classes and have seen Kindermusik grads who continue their music into adulthood. The Kindermusik tag line, "a good beginning never ends" is one I believe. Kindermusik is more than just learning music, it's learning life skills through music.

When the education department at Berry College decided to partner with an under-served community, it made sense for Kindermusik to be a part of their education. The 3 year olds at the South Rome Early Learning Center (SRELC) thrive in the music presented via Kindermusik each week.  For many of the children, English is their 2nd language and the songs and books used in Kindermusik allow them an opportunity to practice their English skills.  Home materials are an important component in the program, so the learning continues with their families.

This year the SRELC is expanding, and we want all the children there to be able to participate in Kindermusik. Several campaigns are helping assure that this will happen, and you can be a part of bringing music to the children in South Rome.  Click here to learn how you can donate. Donations are tax deductible!

20 years of Kindermusik with the Lataif's

I started teaching Kindermusik in 1989.  I have had many families come through the program during the years, but one family has just finished 20 years with me! Louis and Susan Lataif moved to Rome in 1996 when their first child, Emily, was about 2 years old. Susan always started the kids in Our Time classes and could easily have taught the classes because she knew all the songs.  She loved her one on one time with her toddlers, but often had a baby or older sibling in tow.

Charlie's last Kindermusik day and all are accounted for except Emily

The children continued in Kindermusik through all the curricula, and she often had 3 or 4 kids in different classes.  The kids in Young Child classes were often lucky enough to have Dad join them for sharing time.  This family appreciates music, and immersed their children in music.  All the kids have played the piano, Emily and Frances even took piano in college.  Ted has recently started learning the trumpet.  Renee wants to learn the violin and guitar.

Frances, Ted, Renee, Ms. Kathryn, George, Charlie and Philip

The Lataif kids, 3 girls and 4 boys, are always polite, courteous and friendly.  The boys can be rambunctious and rowdy, but Susan knows how to reel them in.  One of the things I loved about having Susan and her kids in Kindermusik was that she was a great parenting model.  She enjoyed her children, but didn't worship them.  She was always interested in people and hearing their stories.  She made sure her kids listened and didn't interrupt adults that were talking.  She let them make mistakes and suffer consequences.   

Emily and Frances, the first in the long line of Lataif's

Ted playing the recorder at a sharing day

Kindermusik celebration for George, with older sister Frances

Philip in an Imagine That class

Susan, Charlie and Renee march in an Our Time class

Did I mention she homeschool's her kids?  They are scheduled and have routines.  They take tennis lessons, they are involved at church, the boys are in Scouts, the girls sew and knit. The Lataif's all help out at home.  Every spring they go to the local strawberry farm, each pick 2 buckets of berries (62 pounds this year!) and then home to help make jam.  I have been the recipient of delicious strawberry jam for many years.  The kids know how to take initiative, because they know their mom and dad aren't going to do it for them.  Emily will graduate from the University of Dallas this weekend.  Frances attends Catholic University of America in DC.  Ted will go to University of Illinois this fall to study Aeronautical Engineering.  George is often flying his drone and taking videos, many that have been used on local news sites.  Renee just completed a National program for piano guild auditions, memorizing 8 pieces, playing all minor scales and transposing! She received a superior rating.  Philip and Charlie are also taking piano and doing great.  They have a regular practice schedule at their house, and I think the piano must be busy all day long.  That is music to my ears!

Thanks Lataif's for letting me share in your life these past 20 years. It's been wonderful and you will be missed in Kindermusik.

2015 Christmas card