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!

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.

Details for Kindermusik of Berry College

Kindermusik classes begin on January 11

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

• Directions
• The college students also return to campus on January 11.  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 don't have an electronic pass on your car, they will scan your ID at the gate. You can get an electronic pass 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 the blog.
• 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 Martin Luther King Day.  Monday classes will continue through May 2.  Other classes will end the week of April 25.
• 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)

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 (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.

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.

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.  

Kindermusik is for Big Kids too!

When Kindermusik first arrived in the United States in 1976,  the Young Child curricula (ages 4.5 -7) was the only one that had been developed.  Fast forward 37 years, and Kindermusik International offers music classes for newborn to age 7.   

Children have many choices for activities and Kindermusik for the Young Child is often overlooked. Here is a glimpse of why you should consider the program for your child:

   

§  It is the crème de la crème of the Kindermusik curriculum. 

§  We build on the fun we have had in the previous curricula.  We begin to label the music concepts that they experienced in Our Time and Imagine That! 

§  The children experience music making with their peers in ensemble experiences. This reinforces keeping a steady beat!

§  Glockenspiels are used in the first year and serve as the vehicle to teach melody. 

§  Dulcimers and recorders are added in the second year of the Young Child curricula.  The dulcimers introduce string instruments and strumming a steady beat.  Recorders introduce wind instruments and encourage fine motor skills while reinforcing note reading.

§  Instrument demonstrations by college students and special guests enhance the child’s learning about instrument families.

When a child finishes the four-semesters of Young Child they will know notes in the staff, rhythms patterns, composers, instrument families and have an appreciation of music from various cultures.  

Ask band directors, choral directors, church music leaders, and piano teachers, they reap the benefits of Kindermusik graduates in their programs. Kindermusik for the Young Child is the BEST music foundation for your child.

CLASSES BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 19

  Kindermusik for the Young Child is offered 

Tuesday or Thursday afternoon

Register online here.  

www.berrycollegekids.com  

 knobles@berry.edu

Thoughts on piano lessons

As a piano teacher for many years I am often asked my thoughts on learning the piano.  Let me share my story!

I grew up in a rural area of Florida, and I only knew a few people who played the piano.  I had a toy piano, and I must have banged on that a lot as a kid.  On my 7th birthday, a big truck pulled up to the house. I told my mom that this truck must be at the wrong house, because it was a piano company truck. It was in the right place, my grandparents purchased a brand new Baldwin piano for me!  I'm sure I was excited at first, but then came the lessons.  I could tell you many things I recall about those lessons, but the bottom line is I didn't like it.  I wanted to quit.  Long story, but I continued taking and now my career involves teaching music!

Parents tell me how much little Johnny loves music, how they always go to the piano at grandma's and play. So, they want to start Johnny in piano.  Did anyone ask Johnny if he wanted to take piano? Maybe he goes to the piano at Grandma's because there isn't much to do there! Just because a child likes to sit and play, doesn't mean they are interested in the specific techniques of learning the instrument.  There are lots of children who like to splash in the pool and swim, but that doesn't mean they are interested in joining a swim team and learning good technique.

Here are my top five things you should consider before beginning private lessons.

1. Sing, move and play with your child in a musical environment.  If you are interested in music and learning, he will be too. I teach Kindermusik, and I believe it is the BEST thing you can do to provide a positive foundation in music fundamentals.

2. Determine if your child is the right age and stage for lessons.  Most piano teachers like children to be 7 years old. Their hands have grown and their fine motor skills have improved. There are many details in studying the piano, and patience is required. Studying music is not easy, but it provides many lessons beyond the songs they learn.

3. Provide a well maintained instrument.  Have it in an accessible location in your home...not near the TV! I believe it is acceptable to begin with a good keyboard if that is the best economic fit for your family, but an acoustic piano is preferred.

4. Find a teacher that is right for your family. Some teachers are flexible, some are not. Many teachers push students to enter festivals, and competitions and to memorize many songs.  Other teachers just have a couple of recitals a year, and their students don't memorize.  What do you want out of the lessons?  Find a teacher that can provide that for your child.

5. Make sure your child practices. Kids don't usually want to practice, nor do they want to brush their teeth or clean their room or do their homework. If your child is taking lessons, you need to help them set a time to practice. You are paying for these lessons, and they can be quite expensive, don't waste your money or the teacher's time with a child who doesn't practice. Encourage your child to have family recitals, play for grandma over Skype, or maybe to play at school on a talent show.  All these things will boost their confidence.  When they feel good about what they can do, they generally want to practice! Success breeds success.

How much should expect to pay for private lessons?  That depends on your location and the experience and education of your teacher.  Private lessons always cost more than group lessons.  Some instructors will come to you, but that results in a higher fee.

How long before I am able to see progress in my child?  Every child is different! Some children learn quicker, have a natural tendency, and practice is always a great indicator.  If a child is willing to practice consistently then you should hear lovely music in a couple of years.  

One last thought -
Piano is different than any other activity your child can choose.  With ballet, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, football, etc... your child goes to a practice and comes home. Piano involves going to the lesson, getting instruction and then home to practice. I believe that is why so many students don't enjoy it and drop out, it's lonely.  That is another reason to wait until your child is older.  The younger they begin then the parent has to spend more time helping the child practice.  That is why I encourage parents to enroll in Kindermusik, Musikgarten or Music Together before making the leap to private lessons.


Check out these links for more information: 10 Things you should know before your child begins piano lessons

Ideas from PBS on music lessons

How old should my child be to begin lessons?

Summer Schedule & Maps

The summer schedule is out, and it actually begins with Maymester classes. You can pick up a brochure when you come to class or find it here.  Don't wait too long to make your decision, because there is quite a buzz about registering for certain classes with friends!! 

The spring semester has about 5 more sessions, depending on who teaches your class.  Please note that Ms. Wendy's classes will NOT meet the week of March 26.  Ms Kay & Ms Kathryn's classes WILL meet every week, as they are not observing any of the school breaks.

This week in Imagine That we are exploring maps, and places we would like to visit on our train trips.  Imagine That is all about using our imagination and discovery. The children in the Thursday 11 a.m. class brought in maps of places they like to visit.  Here's the group: Avery, Matthew, Alexa, Charlie & Garrett.  My phone doesn't take the best pictures, but you get the idea!

The large map is Avery's world, and it was created as a Christmas gift by his mom.  It's some of his favorite places, and it includes Kindermusik!  Here's another shot...do you see the castle at the top of the map?

Where do you want to go??  Kindermusik can help you imagine it!

Tweet, Chirp, Whooo

Kids in Kindermusik Imagine That classes have been learning about birds.  We talk about birds, how they move, where they live, how they sound.  We listen to different kinds of birds, sing songs about birds, pretend to be birds and hear music that makes us think of birds.  Today the children came with bird mask. They loved being a bird!  I had blue jays, pigeons, and other beautiful birds.

Children at Play

A child's work is to play. What do children need to accomplish their work? According to Jane M. Healy in her book, Different Learners, all that is needed is good imagination. "Children whose imaginations are alive don't even need toys - they can create a game out of whatever materials happen to be at hand or out of ideas alone." (p. 341) According to Albert Einstein, "imagination is more important than knowledge."

My daughter, Carrie, is one of those kids who could play with dirt. She could entertain herself for hours with only her thoughts. As a teenager, that can mean extra time in the bathroom as she does her hair in a variety of styles! When my children were young, I was told that you could give them a box and that would be just as good as the toy inside. Dr. Healy has this to say about toys, "a good toy is 90 percent child and 10% toy, but children's play today has those percentages reversed." (p. 341)

What do children learn through their play? They learn to interact with others, to recognize and solve problems, and to feel the sense of mastery that results. Today's children have games and sports galore, but they are structured and have adult imposed rules. They need to explore on their own. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods has a prescription for play. "Take your kids outside to walk on grass, not pavements, see the sky, inhale brain-restoring oxygen, soak up natural hormones stimulated by sunlight and roam freely in the natural world." Children seem to gain the most positive benefits from nature when they are permitted to explore and enjoy according to their own inclinations - not under the rule-based adult structure imposed on, for example, a soccer field.

In Kindermusik we are always asking the children for their ideas. We listen to sounds from the city: cars honking & sirens, then we give the children a paper plate or a hoop. They take the prop, and decide how to incorporate it into their play. The object is no long the major focus, but taking the object into play in which meanings and goals are assigned by him. Through these type of experiences the children discover that every object has unlimited possibilities, and their imagination stretched to new limits. A child's work becomes play when their imaginations are engaged

Technology vs Human Interaction, part 2

Do you have the newest iPhone? iPad? Do you text more than talk? I saw a headline that said "2010, the year we stopped talking." I don't know the effect this will have on young children, but I guarantee that they still need face time & floor time. Much of what you will read in this post I learned from the book "Different Learners" by Jane M. Healy. Dr. Healy examines hot issues that include learning disabilities, ADHD, the hazards of forced early learning, and the influences of electronic media.

Most parents seek the best for their children, we want them to have every advantage in life. Technology certainly provides many opportunities to further educate and entertain our children, but be certain that technology isn't replacing YOU. Children need face time with a verbally responsive adult. This develops the brain circuits for social and communication skills. There must be a balance of wired and spontaneous, 3 dimensional, non-virtual experiences. (p. 312)

What about that spontaneous play? Is it important? Yes, because higher thinking centers of the brain use language known as "inner-speech or self talk" - to plan, monitor their own behavior and focus attention." ( Example: This block needs to go on top - careful, don't fall over). Screen time misses this critical developmental stepping stone.

Did you know that 3/4 of young children in the United States has TV on almost all the time? Whether they are watching it or understanding it or not, it interrupts brain building effects of their play. They switch their play to glance at the screen, and it interrupts the flow of their thought and attention. (p. 301)

What can you do as a parent?

• Lend your child your adult brain as you watch or play.
• Use conversation to expand understanding and help your child be critical media user

Lest you think that Dr. Healy is completely opposed to media: "after age 7, any medium that causes children to stop, think, plan, reflect or evaluate may improve thinking skills." (p. 312)

Of course, Kindermusik provides plenty of face time, floor time and parent/child interaction. So, sing and play everyday!

Technology versus Human Interaction

Over the next several weeks I will be sharing information I gained from the book, "Different Learners." Jane M. Healy is a teacher, educational psychologist and one of my favorite authors. As an educator I appreciate her insight into the brain and how it relates to children. She makes a difficult subject easier to understand.

This post is about technology and it's affect on children & families. The book, Different Learners, covers more than just media. But Healy believes that the growing "epidemic" of children's disorders (ADHD, autism dyslexia, etc..) is the result of today's fast-paced, stressed-out culture - which includes too much screen time.

I admit to spending too much time at the computer...emailing, blogging, and reading. I am not a fan of television or video games. That being said, the TV is on at my house a lot, and we purchased our first gaming system this Christmas! I have 4 children, and the oldest is 22 years. They were VERY surprised to receive a Wii under the tree. I plan to blog about that later.

Dr. Healy seems to support my aversion to excessive screen time. Let me share some of what I learned.

"There is absolutely no way that any electronic gadget - no matter how advanced - can provide this incredibly valuable stimuli for normal brain development."(p. 71) The stimuli that she refers to is contingent response. It is a critical factor in successful development, and a key in normal interpersonal responses. Gentle, reassuring touch and love are the ideal. No manufactured item can substitute for human warmth.

I know videos, such as Baby Einstein are popular today. I have had children in Kindermusik who have watched these, and can identify instruments aurally due to these well crafted videos. I know there are definite advantages to videos and computer games. I am convinced that my older children are better at math because of computer games that had wonderful math skills. But according to Dr. Healy, "infant videos, electronic music soothing babies to sleep, beeping, flashing toys that "capture" the child's brain, but screen out human language. These technologies can't respond instinctively to a child's immediate needs." (p. 72)

Media is not bad, it's how we manage it. "The real question is how the device (anything on a screen) is being used and whether the resulting brain changes are good or bad. In a hyper-tech climate, where good research lags far behind children's media usage, you have to become judge, role model and (if necessary) enforcer of your child's media health." (p. 297)

I will have several more posts concerning technology. Let me know your thoughts, and feel free to disagree.

Learning Links

One of our activities from Away We Go (Kindermusik Our Time) explores moving to music that is bumpy and smooth. We sing the song Floating Down the River, and we use hoops for our boats. The children and adults rock gently in their "boats." Then the music/words change and bodies begin to bounce, hoops bounce, children jump in their hoops. It's an obvious change - aurally and visually because of the music. This is how children experience legato and staccato - music terms for smooth and bumpy. The children in this class are 18 months - 3 years old.

When the children are 4 1/2 they can come to Kindermusik for the Young Child. Last week the children in a Young Child class listened to music that was staccato and legato. We used the music terms, and they saw the written words. They also moved with their bodies to music that incorporated staccato and legato. Another activity included drawing to music incorporating that same sound. Their pictures looked like dots and long flowing lines. They listened, moved, drew, and read about these musical terms of expression

Kindermusik links the learning throughout all of the curricula. This insures that "a good beginning never ends."