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/