As parents and teachers, do we "give away" the answer to our children?
Several years ago, I had a teenage piano student who I had taught for a year or two. He came in one day with a brand new piece of music that he had picked out and bought himself. He walked in my door, handed it to me and said, "teach me this song." I replied that I would not "teach him a song." He somewhat jokingly replied, "Isn't that your job? To 'teach me songs'?" I replied, "No. It is not my job to 'teach you songs.' Its my job to teach you to teach yourself the songs. My job is to put myself out of a job."
So he put the music on the the rack of the shiny, black Kawaii upright piano and begun to read on his own. I noticed that he was looking at the piano more than the music on the rack. It turns out, he could see my reflection in the shiny black finish of the piano. He was watching my face to see if he he was playing the correct notes. If I grimaced, he would try another note until he got it right. After that, I had to give more thought to my facial expressions. I want my students to acknowledge their own mistakes with out me "giving it away" with a comment, sound, or facial expression.
This is not to say that we just hand them a piece of music, step back, and wish them good luck. We need to prepare them for success at whatever assignments they have. There are many ways to prepare them for new assignments like counting, analyzing the music, listening to the recording, singing the music and choosing music at the appropriate level. We also must remember to practice at a slow steady tempo and work in sections so as not to overwhelm the student. I am not saying that we should not correct mistakes. We cannot let the child continue to make the same mistake over and over without their knowledge. But we break their concentration and enjoyment if we stop and correct every mistake as we go. If the poor child cannot play through the piece because we stop to correct each tiny thing, then everyone is going to be frustrated and nothing gets accomplished.
So what should we do if a child plays a wrong note and they don't notice it? Don't we need to point out what the correct note should have been? It is so tempting to just point at a note and say- "this is supposed to be a D you played an E." But sometimes they will correct it themselves if you simply ask them to play it again. Often, if you observe the student closely, you can see some slight acknowledgement of their mistake even if they are unaware of it. They hesitate on or after a wrong note, grimace, or tense their bodies. If that's the case, I like to point to the place where the mistake was made and ask if the noticed something about it. They usually tell me that it didn't sound or feel right. Then I ask them to examine the music and make sure they played everything correctly. At that point, they usually correct their own mistake.
So as parents and teachers, let's try to resist the urge to constantly "help" the child who is practicing. I know it takes longer, but it is worth it in the long run if we do not "teach them the song" but rather guide them as they learn it for themselves. Sometimes its hard to do, but you have to let them make mistakes. It is the best way that they learn. If they begin a piece in a totally wrong hand position, they will figure it out after a few measures. If they play a glaring wrong note, give them the chance to hear that it is wrong and correct it. Then when they correct themselves they will be confident that they did it themselves and did not rely on your help. Don't try to correct every mistake in a piece all at once. Prioritize. Start with most important mistakes and work from there. It might take longer to learn the piece, but it will be worth it in the long run.
Our job as parents and teachers, is to put ourselves out of a job. “The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist."” Maria Montessori
Monday, January 25, 2010
Monday, January 18, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Away We Go!
Today in Kindermusik, we had a sample of activities from the Our Time, Away We Go unit for kids 18 months to 3 years old. Our activities were based around transportation and movement as well as HOW we move.
One thing that became evident in today's class was that moving slowly can be harder than moving quickly. Especially for a toddler or preschooler, moving slowly in coordination with slow music requires a lot of muscle control and inhibition of the natural impulse to run like crazy. In most of our songs today, we worked on the contrast between fast and slow by either moving our bodies or playing an instrument.
This not only helps the child to keep a steady beat at varying tempos, but it also helps them learn to control their bodies and follow directions. The children today all did so well at following our different tempos as we listened to Alabama Gal and moved like a train.
We also worked on inhibitory control, which is the ability to stop and start on command. We did this with out egg shakers and worked to all stop together. In a 2005 study conducted at the George Mason University, 91 three and four year olds were put into three groups: those not enrolled in Kindermusik, those previously enrolled, and those currently enrolled. Those who had Kindermusik experience showed significantly higher levels of self regulation at tasks like waiting for a snack, walking on a line, and lowering their voice. Self regulation is an essential skill for pre-k readiness.
Our Kindermusik class on Wednseday at 10:00 am for kids 18 months to 3 years officially starts next week so be sure you are registered today so that I can order materials!
One thing that became evident in today's class was that moving slowly can be harder than moving quickly. Especially for a toddler or preschooler, moving slowly in coordination with slow music requires a lot of muscle control and inhibition of the natural impulse to run like crazy. In most of our songs today, we worked on the contrast between fast and slow by either moving our bodies or playing an instrument.
This not only helps the child to keep a steady beat at varying tempos, but it also helps them learn to control their bodies and follow directions. The children today all did so well at following our different tempos as we listened to Alabama Gal and moved like a train.
We also worked on inhibitory control, which is the ability to stop and start on command. We did this with out egg shakers and worked to all stop together. In a 2005 study conducted at the George Mason University, 91 three and four year olds were put into three groups: those not enrolled in Kindermusik, those previously enrolled, and those currently enrolled. Those who had Kindermusik experience showed significantly higher levels of self regulation at tasks like waiting for a snack, walking on a line, and lowering their voice. Self regulation is an essential skill for pre-k readiness.
Our Kindermusik class on Wednseday at 10:00 am for kids 18 months to 3 years officially starts next week so be sure you are registered today so that I can order materials!
Fundraiser!
Come on out to Cherubs Clubhouse Saturday, Feb. 14th from 5 to 8pm. The whole family is invited for a "Share the Love" Fundraiser for fallen Pelham police officer Phillip Davis' family.
Cost per Family is $20.00. There will a DJ, Lite snacks, finger foods, drinks, cup cakes, and cake. You may also purchase tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes. Raffle tickets will be 6 tickets for $5. There will be massage gift certificates, Klassy Clean, Paul's Diamonds, Strike Force, Alterations by George and more up for grabs. There will also be Kindermusik givaways available! The Davis Family will be in attendance and will be given a free membership and bonus card to the Cherubs Clubhouse.
Come on by, and help us spread the word for a good cause!
Cost per Family is $20.00. There will a DJ, Lite snacks, finger foods, drinks, cup cakes, and cake. You may also purchase tickets for a chance to win raffle prizes. Raffle tickets will be 6 tickets for $5. There will be massage gift certificates, Klassy Clean, Paul's Diamonds, Strike Force, Alterations by George and more up for grabs. There will also be Kindermusik givaways available! The Davis Family will be in attendance and will be given a free membership and bonus card to the Cherubs Clubhouse.
Come on by, and help us spread the word for a good cause!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Listen outside the box
I want to challenge everyone (myself included) to spend at least five minutes each day listening to something new for one week. We tend to get in a musical rut of listening to the same style of music every day. Try something different, and I don’t mean a different band that is simmilar to your favorite group, or a different song on your favorite album. I know what you are thinking, “I already like many different kinds of music. I like rock, country, jazz and even little classical.” I’m asking you to think even broader than that. Get out of the box and try something TOTALLY different or something you don’t think you would like.
Try jazz, blues, Broadway musicals or even new age, classical and world music. Have you ever tried Gregorian chant, birdsong, disco, Opera or Latin music? What about John Cage (I’ll give you bonus points if you know who that is), Minimalism, soundscapes, or choral music? The first time you hear something new and different, you may not like it. But as your mother always said, you have to keep trying new foods and soon you will develop an “aquired taste” for them. Neurons in your brain actually train themselves to make sense of new and different sounds with repeated listening of something new.
Children are much more open to different kinds of music. Make it a point to expose them to various styles of music. Classical music is good to help them focus their minds during homework and study time. New age music can promote a sense of peace and stability during hectic parts of the day. Jazz and pop music makes us feel happy and can brighten up a dreary day or help us to feel more energetic about activities like housework and exercise. Exposure to world music helps us broaden our tastes and experience different cultures and languages.
As a preschooler, I was exposed to classical music. My grandmother loved to listen to the Strauss Walztes and my aunt practiced piano while I danced around the room. To this day, I still love (and prefer) classical music. The opportunities to listen to a different style of music has affected me my entire life and become a large part of who I am today. Teenagers are not supposed to like classical music, right? Well, no one told ME that. I was probably the only 17 year old blaring Beethoven from my car and listening to Chopin, Debussy and Bach in my room at night. I also enjoyed Motown, Jazz and alternative music as a teenager. And believe it or not, I even listened to disco (Bee Gee’s anyone?).
One type of music that I did not like as a teenager was modern classical music. I liked Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and Debussy but would not give John Cage, Stravinsky, Philip Glass or Shostakovich a chance. I remember the first piece my piano teacher introduced to me from this style. I was not very receptive. That music was “weird.” I thought it sounded like something a child banging at the keyboard. But with repeated exposure, my brain learned to make sense of it. Thanks to my piano teachers as well as the percussion department, I was exposed to a lot of new music. Without that exposure, I would have been missing out on a lot of beautiful, ingenious music.
I know I need to work on having an open mind too. There are still pieces of music and styles that I do not like. After listening to a new style of music, you may still find that you do not like it. But please, do not forward your own tastes about music and art on to your children. Allow them to form their own ideas by simply being exposed to many different options. Don’t deny them the opportunity to broaden their minds. Who knows, you may like it too!
Try jazz, blues, Broadway musicals or even new age, classical and world music. Have you ever tried Gregorian chant, birdsong, disco, Opera or Latin music? What about John Cage (I’ll give you bonus points if you know who that is), Minimalism, soundscapes, or choral music? The first time you hear something new and different, you may not like it. But as your mother always said, you have to keep trying new foods and soon you will develop an “aquired taste” for them. Neurons in your brain actually train themselves to make sense of new and different sounds with repeated listening of something new.
Children are much more open to different kinds of music. Make it a point to expose them to various styles of music. Classical music is good to help them focus their minds during homework and study time. New age music can promote a sense of peace and stability during hectic parts of the day. Jazz and pop music makes us feel happy and can brighten up a dreary day or help us to feel more energetic about activities like housework and exercise. Exposure to world music helps us broaden our tastes and experience different cultures and languages.
As a preschooler, I was exposed to classical music. My grandmother loved to listen to the Strauss Walztes and my aunt practiced piano while I danced around the room. To this day, I still love (and prefer) classical music. The opportunities to listen to a different style of music has affected me my entire life and become a large part of who I am today. Teenagers are not supposed to like classical music, right? Well, no one told ME that. I was probably the only 17 year old blaring Beethoven from my car and listening to Chopin, Debussy and Bach in my room at night. I also enjoyed Motown, Jazz and alternative music as a teenager. And believe it or not, I even listened to disco (Bee Gee’s anyone?).
One type of music that I did not like as a teenager was modern classical music. I liked Beethoven, Bach, Chopin and Debussy but would not give John Cage, Stravinsky, Philip Glass or Shostakovich a chance. I remember the first piece my piano teacher introduced to me from this style. I was not very receptive. That music was “weird.” I thought it sounded like something a child banging at the keyboard. But with repeated exposure, my brain learned to make sense of it. Thanks to my piano teachers as well as the percussion department, I was exposed to a lot of new music. Without that exposure, I would have been missing out on a lot of beautiful, ingenious music.
I know I need to work on having an open mind too. There are still pieces of music and styles that I do not like. After listening to a new style of music, you may still find that you do not like it. But please, do not forward your own tastes about music and art on to your children. Allow them to form their own ideas by simply being exposed to many different options. Don’t deny them the opportunity to broaden their minds. Who knows, you may like it too!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Stock up on the bread-- there is the possibility of snow in Alabama!
The possibility of snow in Alabama is exciting! It is all everyone can talk about this week and I know that soon the stores will be void of milk and bread. Whoever decided that we all need to stock up on bread and milk in the case of a few flurries is making millions off of Alabama! If it snows, the schools will close, in fact the entire state will shut down for even a few inches and we will all cuddle by the fireplaces drinking hot chocolate, eating chicken noodle soup and watching movies.
I am keeping a watch on the weather for our demo classes this week. As of now, I am still planning to have our demonstration classes on Thursday. Anyone who has lived in Alabama for very long knows that as soon as you change your schedule for a predicted snow day, the snow will come another day or not at all. However, in anticipation of the snow later this week, we are also going to offer a demo piano class on Wed. afternoon. PLEASE EMAIL imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net if you would rather come Wed.
If there is does indeed snow on Thursday, please call 529-6902 for a recorded message about our piano demonstration class.
Please join us for our demonstration classes, Wed. January 6 at 10:00 for kids 4 and under, Wed. January 6 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up and Thursday, January 7 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up. It is super cold out there, and you will need something to do to warm you up and keep away the cabin fever!
Snow plan!
The possibility of snow in Alabama is exciting! It is all everyone can talk about this week and I know that soon the stores will be void of milk and bread. Whoever decided that we all need to stock up on bread and milk in the case of a few flurries is making millions off of Alabama! If it snows, the schools will close, in fact the entire state will shut down for even a few inches and we will all cuddle by the fireplaces drinking hot chocolate, eating chicken noodle soup and watching movies.
I am keeping a watch on the weather for our demo classes this week. As of now, I am still planning to have our demonstration classes on Thursday. Anyone who has lived in Alabama for very long knows that as soon as you change your schedule for a predicted snow day, the snow will come another day or not at all. However, in anticipation of the snow later this week, we are also going to offer a demo piano class on Wed. afternoon. PLEASE EMAIL imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net if you would rather come Wed.
If there is does indeed snow on Thursday, please call 529-6902 for a recorded message about our piano demonstration class.
Please join us for our demonstration classes, Wed. January 6 at 10:00 for kids 4 and under, Wed. January 6 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up and Thursday, January 7 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up. It is super cold out there, and you will need something to do to warm you up and keep away the cabin fever!
Posted by Lauren at 1:19 PM
I am keeping a watch on the weather for our demo classes this week. As of now, I am still planning to have our demonstration classes on Thursday. Anyone who has lived in Alabama for very long knows that as soon as you change your schedule for a predicted snow day, the snow will come another day or not at all. However, in anticipation of the snow later this week, we are also going to offer a demo piano class on Wed. afternoon. PLEASE EMAIL imaginationsmusic@bellsouth.net if you would rather come Wed.
If there is does indeed snow on Thursday, please call 529-6902 for a recorded message about our piano demonstration class.
Please join us for our demonstration classes, Wed. January 6 at 10:00 for kids 4 and under, Wed. January 6 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up and Thursday, January 7 at 4:00 for kids 4 and up. It is super cold out there, and you will need something to do to warm you up and keep away the cabin fever!
Posted by Lauren at 1:19 PM
Friday, January 1, 2010
Is my child ready for piano?
Parents often come to me and express interest in piano lessons for their 3 or 4 year old. They explain that their child sings all the time and loves to play on grandma's piano whenever they are over there. While some children are ready to begin piano at a young age, many are not. Beginning too early only creates frustration for the child rather than a head start at an instrument.
Before starting any kind of music lessons with your child, ask the following questions:
1. How are his fine motor skills? Can your child write his name clearly? Can he string beads or do crafts using fine motor skills? Fine motor skills are essential to success at an instrument. Your child may enjoying banging on the neighbor's piano, but can he play a single note at one time with each finger?
2. Comprehension of symbols. I prefer that beginning piano students know their alphabet, numbers and that they have at least begun to read. Music is composed by symbols. We start learning these symbols from the very beginning. If your child is already familiar with this concept, they will progress with a little more ease.
3. Attention span and maturity. Can your child sit through story time at the library without running around the room or trying to escape? Does your child complete a puzzle or color page that they begin? Can they follow multi-step directions? In piano, your child will have assignments to complete at home each week. Will it be a struggle to encourage your child to complete his assignments?
Some children are capable of beginning piano or another instrument at a young age. If you are uncertain as to if your child is ready, it may be a good idea to participate in our ABC Music and Me class which is an award winning music enrichment course created by Kindermusik International. ABC Music and me features instrument exploration that promotes fine motor development, beginning music notation, music history, singing, movement, exposure to music from different cultures and an introduction to piano. Click here for more information about ABC Music and Me
If you feel that you and your child are ready for piano, we have group piano classes at the Cherubs Clubhouse that are a great way for kids to begin the instrument! Please visit my studio blog for the latest article on group piano classes. Click here to learn more about our piano classes!
New Blog
Introducing the new blog of the Imaginations Music Studio!
Children's Music Imaginations is focused towards child development and music. Follow our new blog to keep informed of the most up to date information about child development and music.
Please visit my website, Imaginations Music Studio, or my studio blog for more information about our specific classes being offered at the Cherubs Clubhouse starting in January.
Children's Music Imaginations is focused towards child development and music. Follow our new blog to keep informed of the most up to date information about child development and music.
Please visit my website, Imaginations Music Studio, or my studio blog for more information about our specific classes being offered at the Cherubs Clubhouse starting in January.
Why music?
Piano lessons are starting up at Bruno Montessori this week so I wanted to ask why are we doing this? With the economy so unsure and the job market down we are all cutting corners wherever we can. Why not just cut piano or Kindermusik too?
The one thing we CANNOT do in these uncertain times is cut corners when it comes to our child's education. Now it is more important than ever to give your child the edge he or she needs to be competitive in tomorrow's job market. You child may not grow up to be a concert pianist, but there are 3 life skills we develop in piano lessons that will serve him in whatever he does.
1. Why ask why?
We develop creativity, reasoning skills and critical problem solving skills by asking a lot of questions in lessons and class. "Why do you think the composer chose to write this?" "Why is this scale fingered in this manner?"
2. Recognition of patterns
Music is built by patterns. Learning to listen for a pattern or spot a pattern build crucial study skills. In lessons and Kindermusik class we not only learn to find patterns, but we also learn the musical terms for these patterns. "Is this a sequence? "What is the form of this piece?" "What is the motive/theme?" "How is this section similar and different to the previous section?"
This not only helps them to know WHAT to practice but HOW to practice. This helps them learn how to study.
3. Building self esteem through performance
Performance is an important part of piano. It develops confidence, poise and memory skills. What a wonderful experience this provides for you child as they prepare for presentations at school and job interviews later on! We learn in lessons to tune out distractions during performance and that we are simply there to do our best and enjoy the performance. We learn to continue on even if we make mistakes. We often talk about putting aside our inhibitions and focusing on doing what we enjoy-- it doesn't matter what other think of us.
One of my former students, who is currently working in radio has a message for my current students. "preforming is the best part because you get to show case your talent and share it with everyone. Music is so important and it can reach out to everyone in their own way."
The one thing we CANNOT do in these uncertain times is cut corners when it comes to our child's education. Now it is more important than ever to give your child the edge he or she needs to be competitive in tomorrow's job market. You child may not grow up to be a concert pianist, but there are 3 life skills we develop in piano lessons that will serve him in whatever he does.
1. Why ask why?
We develop creativity, reasoning skills and critical problem solving skills by asking a lot of questions in lessons and class. "Why do you think the composer chose to write this?" "Why is this scale fingered in this manner?"
2. Recognition of patterns
Music is built by patterns. Learning to listen for a pattern or spot a pattern build crucial study skills. In lessons and Kindermusik class we not only learn to find patterns, but we also learn the musical terms for these patterns. "Is this a sequence? "What is the form of this piece?" "What is the motive/theme?" "How is this section similar and different to the previous section?"
This not only helps them to know WHAT to practice but HOW to practice. This helps them learn how to study.
3. Building self esteem through performance
Performance is an important part of piano. It develops confidence, poise and memory skills. What a wonderful experience this provides for you child as they prepare for presentations at school and job interviews later on! We learn in lessons to tune out distractions during performance and that we are simply there to do our best and enjoy the performance. We learn to continue on even if we make mistakes. We often talk about putting aside our inhibitions and focusing on doing what we enjoy-- it doesn't matter what other think of us.
One of my former students, who is currently working in radio has a message for my current students. "preforming is the best part because you get to show case your talent and share it with everyone. Music is so important and it can reach out to everyone in their own way."
How are our children affected by sound?
This interesting video focuses on the effects of sound on productiveness in the workplace and on our mental as well as physical health. Have we put as much thought into the way sound affects our children? What sounds saturate the environment of your home? Is the TV always on? Do you have any quiet, silent time? What type of music does your family listen to? Is it stimulating or relaxing? Children can very easliy become over stimulated. It is important to play not only stimulating, upbeat songs, but to also include relaxing music that promotes calmness and peace in your hectic daily schedule. Next time your child is on the verge of a meltdown, take stock of the atmosphere around them. Is it overstimulating? Too loud? Too busy? Too much?
Children's music activities in Birmingham
Next week at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham, we will be hosting our "Animals-A-Dancing" Kindermusik class for kids 0 to 4! Our class will take place January 6 at 10:00am and admission is free.
Also, we will be having a group piano demonstration at 4:00 on January 7 for kids 4 and up. Come try out a free piano class!
We are still registering for our spring semester at the Cherubs Clubhouse, so please visit my website for more information. Imaginations Music Studio Website
Also, we will be having a group piano demonstration at 4:00 on January 7 for kids 4 and up. Come try out a free piano class!
We are still registering for our spring semester at the Cherubs Clubhouse, so please visit my website for more information. Imaginations Music Studio Website
Is my child too young for a music class?
Is my child old enough for a music class? What can they really get out of a music class at such a young age?
Our Village class, for ages 0 to 18 months, is our youngest Kindermusik class. Often parents are interested in participating in a class with their child but wonder what the benefit can be at such a young age. Kindermusik is not about making "little Mozarts" but about facilitating total child development through the magic of music and movement. Studies are showing the correlation between active participation in an early music class and cognitive, social, verbal, musical, emotional and motor development. Kindermusik is about so much more than just music. The babies in a Village class are learning object permanence, working on aural skills, having social interactions and are moving to the beat with their caregivers in an environment that is saturated with literary, verbal and multi-sensory stimulation. Village class provides opportunity for bonding between parent and child as we dance and rock together as well as engaging in intentional touch activities that encourage relaxation. The babies in a Village class are using fine motor skills by learning to grasp our simple age appropriate instruments, pass instruments from hand to hand, and learn cause and effect by playing the instrument in a variety of ways. Every activity in a Kindermusik class is not only enjoyable for that parent and child, but has a purpose and prepares the child for life in many different ways.
If you are looking for an activity for your baby, our Kindermusik Village class has a little bit of everything. From movement, circle dances, singing, reading, instrument exploration, exposure to fine music as well as art, to intentional touch, social interaction and early school skills, Village class has it all! Come to a free Kindermusik class, January 6 at 10:00 at the Cherubs Clubhouse in Pelham and experience it for yourself!
Read more about the benefits of early exposure to music
ABC Music and Me for 4 to 6 year olds
ABC Music & Me supports the early childhood standards and requirements for “high quality programs” as defined by the National Institute for Early Education and aligns with pre-K national and state standards. ABC Music & Me has won the Teacher's Choice Award and was a finalist for the AEP Golden Lamp Award.
ABC Music and Me is one of my favorite classes to teach. We are offering ABC Music and Me for kids 4 to 6 years old on Thursdays at 10:00am and Thursdays at 4:00pm. For this class, we are offering a shorter term length for busy families. We are having our first 8 week session starting in January and ending before spring break. Our second session will begin after spring break and go through May.
Each month of the curriculum has a different theme. One of my favorite themes is brass instruments. Each week during that theme we would talk about a different brass instrument. Since I play the trumpet, I particularly enjoy this unit because I get to bring my trumpet in and play for the class! Each month is a different theme and each week during the month builds upon the last week.
We learn about different instruments, music from other cultures, study major composers, sing, explore different instruments, learn circle dances and study musical notation. We also have a unit on dance where we learn about jazz, tap, ballet and hip-hop as well as a unit about opera.
One other aspect of this class that I like is the introduction to piano. Each week we work on correct piano technique and learn a new aspect about keyboard geography. At the Cherubs Clubhouse, I will use my keyboard lab for this part of class so that each child will have a little longer at the keyboard to explore. This is a great way for kids to get a feel for the piano and see if they might be interested in lessons before making the investment in a piano at home.
I also love the home materials for this class. One of my favorite things is when a student comes into class and I can tell they have been listening to their CD. The literature in the family guide contains a clever story that is not only interesting to the student, but also discusses the theme for the month. One of my classes last year loved to read the stories from the family guide by themselves. They were so proud of themselves for being able to read part of the book all by themselves. Kids 4 to 6 years old are drawn to the written word and love being in the Kindermusik classroom which is saturated with literature.
More than just for the kids...
How many new moms have made a New Years Resolution to live a more active lifestyle? I remember how hard it was for me to exercise after the birth of my children. As soon as I would get everything set up, their nap time was over. After their bedtime, it was too late and I was way too tired. Waking up early in the morning didn't last long either. It was often too rainy and cold in the winter for walks outside, and too hot during the summer. I tried going to the gym, but my child was not comfortable staying in the daycare there.
Parent participation in our Kindermusik classes, while not the same as an aerobic class or spinning class, supports a more active lifestyle. In Village class moms fly their babies around the room, sway and rock their babies and participate in circle dances while holding their babies. In our toddler classes, ABC Music and Me for 2 to 4 year olds and Our Time, for 18 months to 3 years, parents move around the room with their child, participate in lap bounces, circle dances and more. The more engaged the parent is during the class, the more the child will actively participate. Of course, these activities are not only for class, they can be done in the home as well! What a great way to provide an active example to our children to support a healthy lifestyle!
What's more, is that for every active, gross motor activity, we also provide an opportunity for learned relaxation. Did you know that relaxation can be a learned skill? It is hard work being a parent, and you deserve a break. Moms (or other caregivers) and babies are encouraged to slow down and focus on each other during periods of rest and relaxation in our classes. In Village, we promote calmness and bonding through intentional touch activities and rocking during this time. In Our Time and ABC, parents and children cuddle up to rock and sing a lullaby or listen to a story. These are techniques that can be implemented throughout your daily routine to promote a sense of peace and serenity in the home.
Village (0 to 18 months), Our Time, (18 months to 3 years), and ABC Music and Me (2 to 4 years) will begin January 13 at the Cherubs Clubhouse. Be sure to sign up and reserve your spot.
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