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.  

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?

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!

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

Kindermusik Summer Preview

Start planning for summer and make sure to put Kindermusik into the schedule!

Weekly classes: June 7 - July 21

Kindermusik Village (newborns - 18 months) - $115

Wednesdays 9am or Thursday 530 pm

Musical Beginnings (18 months - 3 years) - $100

Tuesday 9am, 615 pm or Thursday 9 am

Family Time (newborns - age 7)

Favorite for families & only offered during the summer!

Tuesday 530 pm or Thursday 615 pm

$148 for 2 children, $25 each additional child

Week long camps

Growing with Music (ages 3 - 4) - $50

Music from the farm, the circus and more!

June 13-17 or June 20-24
10-11:15 am

Kamp Kindermusik (ages 4.5 - 7) - $85

Learn about the music and musicians of Georgia

June 13-17, June 20-24 or
July 11-14
10 - noon

Journeys (ages 6 - 9) -$85

Explore the basics of piano and violin

June 20 - 24 or
July 11- 14
10 - 12:15 pm

Special Needs (upper elementary age & up) - $85

Camp designed specifically for children with special needs to enjoy music in a group setting!

July 18 -21  1 - 4 pm

You will be the first to know when registration opens later this spring, but go ahead pencil Kindermusik into your summer!  Online registration will reflect a $5 savings when you register before May 1. The above fees are the after May 1 cost.

Helpful Reminders!

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 do you need to know:

• 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.
• Please sign the photo release if it is okay to post pictures of you and your child on social media or the Kindermusik blog/website. 
• Check the board in the Kindermusik for pertinent information.  Email and Facebook are also ways we communicate on a regular basis.
• Do you need some parenting tips?  Kindermusik International has great post to help you out, check out their blog. 
• Teacher email addresses:  Wendy Williams hamilton80@aol.com  Kay Bratton brattonk@bellsouth.net Kathryn Nobles knobles@berry.edu
• Still need an answer, check this post.

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.  If you are engaged, they will be too!

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 Spring 2016:

Kindermusik Village (newborn – 18 months)

Tuesday 10:15 a.m. 

Wednesday 9:15 a.m 
Thursday 9:30 a.m.
Thursday 5:30 p.m. (music library)

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

Year  Two (yellow folder) Thursday 4:45 p.m.

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

Peter and the Wolf

The Rome Symphony concert on Saturday April 25 is perfect for Kindermusik students!  There will be young artist performing that will inspire your musician to practice.  The young artist portion includes college and high school musicians. The trumpet soloist, Matt Soares, from Berry is an amazing performer.  You will not be disappointed by the student artist at this concert!  

Following the concerto winners, the symphony will perform the beloved musical story by Prokofiev, Peter and the Wolf.  Children who have been in Kindermusik for the Young Child will remember this story as we use it to reinforce our auditory recollection of the orchestral instruments.  

Make this a special night for your family.  Dress up, go to dinner and then to the symphony! Student tickets are $2, adult tickets are $15-$20.  You can purchase tickets online here.  The concert starts at 7:30 and you will be on your way home by 9:30.  I hope to see you there!

Special Events in April

The Berry Music Ensembles will present an outdoor concert on Saturday, April 11 from 3 - 5 pm on the grounds at the Ford Complex. The Disney Spectacular will feature the wind ensemble, jazz band and drum line. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs to enjoy music from Frozen, The Lion King, Star Wars, Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid. For more fun, let your child wear a costume! This event is free, but donations encouraged to help support the Berry College Music Program.  

On Saturday April 18 Kindermusik families are invited to participate in a Moosic Tour at the Berry College Dairy.  This special event will include a gathering time of music, a visit to the calf barn to pet the calves, learn about the milking parlor and tank room, and pet the milking cows. There will be wooden cows that the children can milk too! Participants should wear close toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Parents will need to sign a waiver for their children to take part in the tour.  Ask your Kindermusik teacher for a wavier.

This event is free for Kindermusik families, but you must register to attend.  There are 3 time slots, 930, 1030 and 1130 am. Each slot can accommodate 20 families. Please choose a time slot and indicate how many children will be attending with you.  This form doesn't seem to be mobile friendly, but it could be that it wasn't set up correctly!

The Moosic tour begins at the Rollins Research Center.  

Cookie Swap

This semester the theme for Kindermusik Our Time was Milk and Cookies.  I love to bake and share cookies with my Kindermusik families during the holidays, so this year one of my classes had a cookie swap.  I had everyone bring 3 dozen cookies.  At the end of class we sampled and swapped cookies to take home.  Several of the moms shared their recipes, and I wanted to post them for everyone to enjoy.  You can find more cookie recipes on my personal blog.

Snickerdoodles - Crystal Langella, Lucas' mom.

1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/3 cup sugar + 3 tablespoons
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cream of tartar
2 eggs
Fun Sprinkles for kids (optional)

Blend 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of sugar together and set aside.  Sift flour, baking soda, salt and cream of tartar together.  Blend butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla together and mix until smooth.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture gradually, mixing well to form dough.  Use a tablespoon, scoop out pieces of dough and roll in a ball; toss in cinnamon sugar mixture and place on a cookie sheet; repeat with remainder of dough, placing cookies 1 inch apart on the cookie sheet. These cookies will spread!  Bake at 375 for 10 -12 minutes or until golden brown, remove from oven and cool before serving.

Peggy's Print Cookies - Alice Suroviec, Peggy's mom

1 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. fine salt
3/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
2/3 c of sugar, plus more for rolling
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla
strawberry jelly

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt together and set aside.  In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar with a mixer.  Beat in the egg and vanilla until just mixed.  Slowly add the flour mixture until a dough forms.  Scoop the dough into 1 inch balls and roll in the sugar.  Place on the cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.  Press a thumbprint into each ball and fill each indentation with jelly.  Bake until the edges of cookie are golden, about 15 minutes.  Makes approximately 30 cookies.

Mint Chocolate Cookies - Alice Suroviec

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup of butter
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 large eggs
10 oz package chocolate and mint morsels

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a small bowl.  Beat butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until creamy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Gradually beat in flour mixture.  Stir in morsels. Drop by well rounded tablespoon onto un-greased baking sheets.  Bake for 11-13 minutes or until cookies are puffed and centers are set.  Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes, remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Makes approximately 4 dozen cookies

Gingerbread Cookies - Kathryn Nobles, mom to many!

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. shortening

1/2 c. dark molasses

1/4 c. water

3/4 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/4 tsp. ground allspice (I admit to not using this)

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

mini-chocolate chips

writing icing

Beat sugar, shortening, molasses and water in a large bowl on low speed until blended. Stir in remaining ingredients except chocolate chips/icing. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, 1 to 2 hours. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Sprinkle wax paper with flour and roll the dough with a rolling pin until 1/4 inch think. Cut with gingerbread man cutter or any favorite cut-out, sometimes I use a Christmas stocking. Using a spatula, lift the gingerbread shape onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Decorate with mini chocolate chips...eyes, buttons. Bake approximately 5 minutes. Let cookies cool and then finish decorating with icing.

Some of my gingerbread men have only chocolate chips, others have a combination of chips/icing. This recipe makes about 3 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Oat Bars (no bake) - Kathryn Nobles

2 sticks of butter, melted

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 c. oats

3/4 c. peanut butter

8 oz. chocolate chips

In a saucepan on the stove, melt butter and add brown sugar and vanilla and mix well. When well blended, add oats and let cook for 5 - 10 minutes on low. In another saucepan melt peanut butter and chocolate chips together until smooth and creamy. In a 8 X 8 glass dish, layer oats on the bottom with peanut butter mixture in middle and oats on top. Refrigerate for at 2 - 3 hours. Remove from the refrigerator and allow bars to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting.


Happy Baking!