Kindermusik -- Yes, for babies!

Really? Bring my baby to a music class, when he can’t even walk or talk yet? Kindermusik is far more than a music class.

We're not teaching music, but rather using music and movement to develop our children in all areas: physical, language, cognitive, social and emotional. All the while, Kindermusik creates a community of support for parents who are going through the joys and milestones of babyhood, as well as the same struggles, worries and challenges. Parents in a Kindermusik class become a network for support for each other.

Physical: Babies love to move, need to move, and learn best through moving. We move the legs, arms, cross the midline of the body, stretch, and wiggle. As children begin to crawl and walk, they are encouraged to explore the large classroom space without fear of dangerous things in their way. Through bouncing, swaying, rocking, bending, twisting, we work on the children's vestibular system which allows us to stand upright, maintain balance and move through space. Through instrument play we work on fine motor skills and their ability to manipulate and grip items placed in their hands.

Language: Label, label, label – we label everything in Kindermusik. By labeling our motions (bounce, dance, tiptoe, march), directions (up, down, around, side-to-side), and ways to play (short, long, loud, soft) children begin to understand and associate words with their meanings.

Cognitive: We work on concepts such as understanding cause and effect (peek-a-boo, ball play, bubbles), counting, colors, patterns and sequencing. Every activity stimulates the children’s brains either through familiarity and repetition, or by adding something new which causes them to process variety.

Social: Most babies are surrounded by adults and possibly older children. It is rare that they are in a group that consists of people their size. As we greet each other, play together, and watch each other move through circle dances, babies become aware of their peers.

Emotional: The time spent skin to skin, cuddled in a parents arms, making eye contact is priceless to a baby. As we sing the child’s name, look him in the eye, massage him and rock him, we are developing his sense of self, a sense of security, and teaching him to relax. Every class includes infant massage, rocking songs, and a Quiet Time – lights out/time to rest – even for the parent.

Music: We share a variety of genres (classical, world, folk, jazz etc), tonalities (major, minor, modes), and instrumentation in every single class. The music is as enjoyable and interesting for the adults in class as it is for the children. And, we send this music home. Find a Kindermusik parent and she will say that Kindermusik CDs are among her child’s favorite.

Don’t be fooled, Kindermusik is not just a music class. It’s an experience and an investment in your child’s development.

Children are ready to learn long before going to school

Music is a magic little key to your child’s heart and mind. More than a song, it’s a sensory experience that evokes a powerful response in children.

Research shows us that early exposure to music is profound for a child's education. Music and movement that involves interaction, demonstration, and exploration is the perfect way to introduce a child to the learning environment. That’s why Kindermusik provides a unique opportunity to begin your child’s preparation for school – and, for that matter, for life.

Our program is carefully structured and developmentally appropriate, which means the music and activities in Kindermusik are just right for your child's specific age. We encourage all children to learn and participate at their own pace. You’ll hear Kindermusik educators say this all the time.

The Kindermusik classroom is set up in a manner that is similar to what your child will experience in preschool and/or kindergarten. However, don’t confuse Kindermusik with the potentially stressful environment you might find in a “toddler prep school.” Our program is not design to push children. Instead you’ll find that our curriculum nurtures each child’s development with a fun, engaging, and stimulating environment. Kindermusik may be your child's first classroom experience, or an addition to your preschool program.

We know that these days parents have dozens of activities to choose for their children. Kindermusik's goal is to stand out above the rest as the best option for you and your child. We feel that our research-based, research-proven program will not only prepare your child for school and the future, but you’ll get to have a lot of fun along the way!

Kindermusik Over the Mountain is currently accepting enrollments for Fall 2010 classes. Classes will be held in Hoover, Homewood and Vestavia. For more information, call Jill Vaughan, licensed Kindermusik educator, at (205) 413-4225, or visit www.KindermusikOTM.com.

http://www.kindermusikotm.com/

http://www.kindermusik.com/

Infants can talk through sign language

Between the ages of 9 and 30 months, a baby’s desire to talk usually exceeds his ability to speak. Multiple research since the 1990s shows that infants can talk through sign language before they actually begin to speak.

Communication is not the only benefit to learning sign language with your baby. Sign language actually increases a baby’s ability to learn to speak as it provides intellectual stimulation. And, sign language greatly strengthens the bond between the baby and his parents as they teach signing.

So where do you begin?
Infants and toddlers will learn signs faster if they are first taught words that are meaningful to them. Pick a couple of words that you use frequently throughout the day. For example, your child may already know to wave to say “hello” or “goodbye.”

Teach the sign for “yes” and “no”
The sign for “yes” will make sense to children. The fist is closed with the thumb on the outside, then nods up and down, just like a nodding head. “No” is not quite as easy. The index and middle fingers tap the thumb (like a bird’s beak opens and closes).

Remember, your child’s signs may look slightly different. I often see children and parents who sign, using a variation of the proper American Sign Language sign. It’s serving the same purpose, so don't get caught up in perfection!

Learn through play
Just as in Kindermusik, children learn through play. Ask silly questions and sign “yes” or “no.” For example: Are you a kitty cat? Do you want to eat some mud? Do you live in a tree?

What is the baby in the green shirt (above) signing? Dad. Use the same motion, but touch your thumb to your chin to say "mom."

www.KindermusikOTM.com

Time to turn on that brain!

The area of the brain that deals with cognitive thought is activated through movement. It can literally turn on your child’s mind. For example, if you whirl in one direction while holding your child, then stop and whirl in the other direction, his or her neural pathways actually develop from the experience, stimulation, and interaction.

So here's a few tips for your baby, toddler, or preschooler to turn on the mind and ensure you're helping build those neural pathways.

Your Baby
Put on a favorite piece of music and pick up your baby. While holding him, place one foot in front of the other and rock from front to back, balancing most of your weight on one leg at a time. Swoop, swirl, and swing your baby high and low in response to the music.

Your Toddler
The world of a toddler is a very physical place, and your child will learn a new word more easily when you pair it with the action. So, for example, hop up in the air when you say “jump” or swing your arms side to side when you say “swing.” This will help reinforce the learning.

Your Preschooler
Preschoolers tend to be very creative. Encourage your preschooler’s creativity through dance. Play a song -- either by singing, banging on an instrument or household item, or on a CD -- and ask her to dance in a different way to each verse and chorus. You'll be amazed at what she comes up with, and the beautiful thing is she's stimulating the brain the whole time!

www.KindermusikOTM.com
www.Kindermusik.com
www.Kindermusik.com/mindsonmusic.com