Singing to Babies Builds Lasting Foundations

One of the most delightful things about singing to a classroom of babies in a Kindermusik class is watching the joyful expressions these young children exhibit again & again through music and movement activities. Parent involvement at home is one of the key components of the Kindermusik program. It doesn't matter if you are a wonderful singer, or even if you think you can't carry a tune, your baby loves the sound of your voice more than any other. Singing a silly song around the house by incorporating specific names and labels for what you are doing throughout your daily routine is a memorable, soothing, and fun activity for your baby. When learning is presented in a multi-sensory environment neural connections are made that actually help your baby to build balance, coordination & confidence. It's a win-win! A very young baby from birth to six months will often respond will full body movements and happy little wiggles. Babies at this age prefer the sound of a familiar voice and will look for that. A slightly older baby from 6 months to one year will be able to grasp a rattle to shake with the music and they will often clap. This movement should be encouraged and is very exciting for the infant to experience. By the age of one year hand-eye coordination is increased and a baby can have a full understanding of a drum or keyboard instrument and understand how to produce the sound. How exciting! In the Kindermusik Village class a blending of ages from newborn - 18 months lets children learn through following the examples of peers, taking on leadership roles, and maintaining an emotional balance with the ever-present support of a loving caregiver. These are all qualities we strive to teach our children at home and in school. Attending Kindermusik classes is a wonderful option for parents who are looking for an excellent musical foundation with benefits that will affect the total child.

Music Helps to Break the Rhythm of the Daily Grind

Many, if not all, parents are familiar with "the daily grind". Alarm clocks followed by pet spills, grumpy children, spilled orange juice, dishes, laundry, jobs, and WHERE ARE MY KEYS? Throw a baby into the mixture and it's easy to find yourself in the midst of what we know as "the daily grind." Children as well as adults often become frustrated by these daily tasks which surround our lives. Incorporating music into everyday activities can make these normally mundane tasks fun and exciting for any busy family. A major component of the Kindermusik Village class is incorporating routines and rituals into the rhythm of baby's days. A child who normally becomes fussy or challenging during a diaper change will quickly learn a new behavior when a favorite song, nursery rhyme, or simple game is introduced after every changing. Babies learn through repetition and are at a stage developmentally when constant comfort and reassurance is needed. By incorporating this repeating pattern with music and rhythmic patterns, a baby is comforted by knowing what to expect and look forward to at the end of the task. For a slightly older child an excellent way to incorporate music in the daily routine is to use songs which promote self-care. The Kindermusik Our Time Class is centered around the emerging toddler, a child who is experiencing great emotional turbulence and has a strong desire to do things "by myself!" Using songs and vocal plays that teach children how to brush their teeth, pick up toys, and get dressed by themselves give the young toddler a much needed boost of confidence. Still, older children can benefit from the use of music throughout the day. A simple example is making clean-up time, either in the kitchen or bath, by using a song about bubbles! All of a sudden, a task that was a "requirement" is now a joyful expression through music. Parents can find an excellent selection of songs to download and play at home or on the go at http:/play.kindermusik.com. Enjoy the music!