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.  

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.

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!

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.  

Maestro!

Kindermusik International just released their list of top educators.  The Kindermusik program at Berry is in the Conductor's Circle and is #34 on the list!  The Maestro Conductor’s Circle represents the top 1 percent of Kindermusik educators worldwide who have built a truly expansive program and prove masterful in reaching a large number of families.  We join an elite group of  300 Maestros identified as the top Educators of the over 5,000 licensed educators in the world who teach Kindermusik’s music and movement curricula. 

Kathryn Nobles started the program at Berry College in 1989 and will celebrate 25 years of serving families in Northwest Georgia this September. Kay Bratton and Wendy Williams serve alongside Nobles in bringing the joy of music to children in the Rome community.

“The Kindermusik Maestro has a mission: helping children become better learners and helping parents understand how to help them reach their highest potential,” said Scott Kinsey, CEO at Kindermusik International.

This award is exciting, but it belongs to the families that participate each week.  Thank you for trusting us to share the power and beauty of music with your family.

The Power of Music

I believe in the power of music.  I have witnessed it personally, professionally and privately.

I was in graduate school and pregnant with my first child.  I was working on Chopin Nocturne in B Major throughout my pregnancy.  After Aaron was born there were days and nights of crying, and we discovered he was colicky.  Before we determined this was the problem there was a night where nothing would calm him.  I asked my husband to hold him while I played the Chopin. The baby is screaming his head off and when the music began, he stopped and looked up at his dad with eyes that said "that is my music".  It was quite a moment at the Nobles household.

As a professional musician, I have felt the joy of performing with others.  In a private time of singing or listening to music I have been moved to tears.  There is just something about music!  We have  all experienced it.  I'm glad that science is now involved to "prove" what we have known all along.   Read more here!  It is encouraging to know that music can have a positive impact throughout our lives.

"Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,"  [Ephesians 5:19]

Community Happenings

Rome is a great place to live, work, and play.  There are many opportunities in the community for families to enjoy and explore.  Here are several for you to put on your calendar:

Berry Farmer's Market

Saturday, September 15   7 a.m. - 1 p.m at Berry College
Behind the Krannert Center adjacent to the Cage Center (turn left before the gatehouse or just follow the signs).
For the kids: inflatable, cotton candy, face painting, a petting zoo, funnel cakes and photographs with a Berry jersey calf by Agri-Educations

Featuring the Berry Student Enterprises:

·  The fresh taste of the vegetables and herbs by Season’s Harvest and Martha’s Herbs
·  Berry’s own Angus beef select cuts by Berry Farms Angus Beef
·  Various hard and soft cheese produced from the milk of Berry’s jersey herd by the Berry Farms Jersey Milk
·  Adirondack chairs built by Viking Furniture
·  Handcrafted items by Viking Creations
·  Gifts from Oak Hill Gift Shop
· 
Vendors from the Rome community will also offer home-canned vegetables, jams and jellies, fresh-cut flowers, bath and beauty products, woodworking items, and home baked breads and pastries.

Berry Angus burgers will be served for $5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch.

Check out their website

Storytime at the Rome Floyd Library

This is a favorite among families with young children!  It is the best FREE 30 minutes in town.  Storytime includes puppet shows, music, and of course, books! Storytime meets every Tuesday at 10 or 11 a.m. in the children's theater beginning October 9.

Book Signing and Meet the Author Day

On Saturday, October 20 you can hear Martin the Guitar read by the author, Harry Musselwhite.  Harry will also play some tunes on his guitar, and discuss the journey of writing a book.  You can reserve a book by emailing knobles@berry.edu
Books are $20 and are first come, first serve. 

This event will take place from 10 - 11 a.m. in the Living Room of the Alumni Center of Berry College. The Alumni Center is downstairs from the Kindermusik room on the 1st floor of the Ford Complex.

Berry Fine Arts: Concerts and More

There is a concert, play or art show happening every week during the academic year on the Berry College campus.  Plan a date with your spouse, friend, or bring an older child and enjoy the arts at Berry.  Click here for the performance calendar

Spivey Hall Educational Programs by Clayton State University

This programming is not in Rome, but worth the drive.  These musical programs are just right for home school families, or if you have a day off from school.  The Young People's concerts include world class performances for $2 per person.  You do have to register in advance, so don't make plans to go unless you have reserved your space.  You can get more information here  The concert schedule runs from October - May.

Native American Dancers & Drums

In May my family & I traveled to Colorado and visited Mesa Verde National Park. Between 600 and 1300 A.D. many Native Americans lived on the Mesa (table), and they built into the cliffs and canyons. They were known as Cliff Dwellers.  It was fascinating to explore where these people once lived, worked, and played.

The weekend we were visiting was an arts/culture festival, so there were special events presented by various Indian Tribes.  We watched Puebloan dancers, complete with drums and singing.  The dancers wear big ankle bells, and use shakers as they dance, just like we discuss at Kindermusik!  The men also wear animal type coverings.  Here is a short video from that windy day of dancing.

Below is a look at the Cliff Dwellings

At the end of the demonstration, 
Alyssa and I joined the dancers 
for the Friendship Dance 
and then a photo op!

Bobby Bales of the Taos Pueblo tribe made these drums
from cottonwood trees, and elk hide.
 I bought a small drum for the Kindermusik classroom!

If you want to see more of  Colorado click here!

Checking Out Schools, part 4

Providence Preparatory is new to the Rome area, having begun in August 2011.  It is an alternative to public and private schools, one that many home schooling families are choosing.  Many parents want to train their children spiritually, which means they need consistent and meaningful time with them.  But, these same parents want academic excellence for their children, yet not wanting to send their child to a local school system five days a week, which reduces parental influence.

PPA is a University Model School, and is one of over 50 schools of this type in the United States. The Rome campus is located at the corner of Kingston Highway and the Loop.  It is housed at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church facilities.  It provides a solution for many families seeking a viable educational alternative for their children. Through this model, students are prepared for higher education while being developed spiritually.  Providence Prep serves students in Kindergarten through 7th grade.  Plans are to add a grade level each year.

The core academic classes, Math, Language Arts, Science and History, are offered along with elective classes.  Student to teacher ratios are kept small at a maximum of 16:1.  Like a university, students enroll by semester.  The scheduling allows students to take one class or all of their classes at PPA.  Unlike traditional education choices, families can choose to enroll their student in the classes that will fit within their budget or schedule each semester.

Providence Prep is an educational alternative that, until now, has not been among the typical educational choices available to parents in Rome. Its significance lies in its ability to effectively utilize parents in partnership with highly-qualified professional instructors to gain better academic results.   The school has started the accreditation process through the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC), and plans to also seek accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

An informational meeting will be held on March 8 and April 12 at 10 a.m.  For more information contact Pam Finnegan 706-235-6655

Checking Out Schools, part 1

Kindermusik of Berry College serves families all over Rome, Floyd County and other neighboring counties.  Our families are often looking for the best school for their child.  Rome is fortunate to have many great choices for families to consider.  This series of posts will highlight the plethora of schools in the area. 

Saint Mary's School was founded in 1945, and continues a tradition of academic excellence.  This Parochial school is hosting an open house on Tuesday, January 31 at 6 pm and another on Sunday, February 12 at 2 pm. 

Here are some fast facts about St. Mary's taken from their web page.


We Are:

• Pre-K through 8th grade with two classes per grade level
• 55% Catholic and 45% Protestant
• Members and Parishioners from over 30 local area churches
• A parochial school with an average class size of 18 students
• A Christian ministry where 30% of students receive tuition assistance

Why Families Choose Us:

• An intimate family atmosphere committed to involvement, support, and service
• Reputation of academic excellence since 1945
• Commitment to Christian values, principles, and teachings
• Fully certified faculty, half of whom hold Masters Degrees or higher
• SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) Accredited since 1981
• Balanced program of academics, social development and Christian formation
• Emphasis on developing values, self-discipline, and work ethic
• Record of alumni success both at public and private college prep programs
• Safe learning environment

For more information contact Christa Jackson at 706-234-4953 ext. 15 or cjackson@smsrome.org

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